Ed Stelmach was recognized for his years of service to the province.

On Monday (Jun.29) the former premier received a call from (now former) Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell informing him he was chosen to be inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence (AOE). The award is the highest honor the provincial government can award a citizen.

Stelmach has had a storied political career as the Alberta premier from 2006 to 2011, serving as the MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville and the leader of the Progressive Conservatives. He also held the positions of Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development, Minister of Infrastructure, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Intergovernmental Relations.

Although Stelmach was unsure of who nominated him for the AOE, he was very thankful to be honoured by the province.

"When you live most of your life through some sort of political position, it's rewarding to think that there are still people that are your friends even after you've finished with politics," Stelmach laughed. "It's incredibly humbling to be added to this long list of exceptional Albertans."

The AOE ceremony is usually held in October at the Government House in Edmonton, however, with complications due to COVID-19 restrictions, they will not begin planning the event until after August in hopes of being able to hold the ceremony as per usual.

Stelmach was born and raised on a farm near Lamont. His first step into politics was joining Lamont County's council.

"Hopefully this award will encourage all Albertans to look and see how we can work together to build a better province," added Stelmach.

The 69-year-old still resides in Lamont County.