Asian American Empowerment - Norman Kwong sworn in as Alberta Lieutenant-Governor

©2005 The Canadian Press
January 20, 2005

EDMONTON (CP) - Alberta's new lieutenant-governor assumed his role Thursday with humility and a gentle humour that may well become hallmarks of his term.

Norman Kwong, a former football star and businessman, was sworn in as the province's 16th representative of the Queen in a modest ceremony at Government House. "They talk a lot about the American dream - well, my story has to be the Canadian dream," Kwong told about 25 invited guests.

"My father was an immigrant grocer who couldn't even vote in Canada until his 40th year - in Canada! And he has a son who becomes the lieutenant-governor of his province. There aren't many places where you can achieve that kind of success or are even allowed to achieve that kind of success."

It's doubtful the success will go to Kwong's head. After Premier Ralph Klein said he wasn't going to bow before his old friend even though protocol might dictate that, Kwong opened his inaugural speech by quipping, "I still think Ralph should have bowed."

He delighted the audience by recalling how the premier had noted that the U.S. president was also being inaugurated Thursday - at a cost of $39 million.

"He said, 'Your number is about the same, only it's '$39.' "

A government spokesman explained the swearing-in was kept small rather than the usual more lavish affair at the legislature out of respect for Kwong's predecessor, Lois Hole, who died Jan. 6.

Kwong was accompanied only by his wife, Mary, but said he hoped their four sons would be able to join them at later celebrations planned in both Edmonton and Calgary.

He admitted it will take time to get used to being treated like royalty - having things done for him and people standing when he enters a room.

"I can't even open the car door anymore," he joked. "So if I'm driving myself, how do I get out?

"It's a real revelation. It's something we'll have to get used to but it's fun. We'll learn."

Part of the couple's job will be to entertain the Queen and Prince Philip when they visit Alberta to help mark the province's centennial this year. Kwong said the Queen might not remember him, but he once made an impression on her in his days as a Canadian Football League player.

"The Queen and I go back a long time. She came through on her honeymoon with the prince, and they came to an Eskimo football game, if you remember," he said.

"She made mention of me in the London papers."

As the first Chinese-Canadian player in the league back then, Kwong was nicknamed the China Clipper, the sort of moniker that would be unacceptable today. Nonetheless on Thursday he pointed out that the name came from an aircraft noted for its speed - "not because I clipped everybody."

At 75, Kwong seems very much at peace with himself and his heritage, but he admitted it wasn't always easy as a child. He was sometimes taunted or accused of wrongdoing because of his race.

He recalled one time when a woman complained to his father that Kwong had beaten up her boy.

"My dad said, 'How old is your boy?' and she said, 'He's 12.' Dad said, 'My boy's only nine,' so that shut her up and she left.

"There were just minor incidents like that. Other than those occurrences, I think Canada has been a great place to grow up in."

In 13 years as a running back with the Eskimos and Calgary Stampeders, Kwong won four Grey Cups. After retiring from football in 1960, he established a successful career in real estate and became part-owner and director of the NHL's Calgary Flames until he sold his interest in 1994.

In 1988, Kwong became president and general manager of the Stampeders and helped turn around a struggling franchise.

He has been national chairman of the Canadian Consultative Council on Multiculturalism and honorary chairman of the Calgary Easter Seal campaign.

A sketch of newly appointed Alberta Lt.-Gov. Norman Kwong:

Beginnings: Born in Calgary in 1929 to Chinese immigrant grocers.
Family life: Wife Mary, four sons and five grandchildren.
Nicknames: The Living Legend and the China Clipper.

Football career: In 13 years as a running back with the CFL Edmonton Eskimos and Calgary Stampeders, he won four Grey Cups, one with Calgary, three with Edmonton; retired 1960.

CFL records: First Chinese Canadian player in the league and youngest player to win a Grey Cup; record of 192 yards rushing in a single game stood for 45 years until Sean Millington broke it in 1999; rushed for 9,022 yards in his career, the third-highest in CFL history.

Accomplishments (sports): Inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame 1969 and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame 1987; holds 30 CFL records; named Canada's athlete of the year 1955.

Business: Part-owner and director of the Calgary Flames 1980-1994; president and general manager of the Calgary Stampeders 1988-199; had a successful real estate career.

Citizenry: Awarded the Order of Canada 1998; was national chairman of the Canadian Consultative Council on Multiculturalism 1979-80.

Quote: "Like an old war-horse you're always interested in sports."