On Wednesday, May 21st, Ralph Klein, the former premier of Alberta and Senior Fellow at the Fraser Institute, stopped by the stylish Metro Restaurant at 200 Burrard Street as part of  the  Fraser Institute’s Behind the Spin @Metro speaker series.

Check out the original invite, Klein’s bio and an exclusive video footage after the jump.

The original invite from the Fraser Institute:

The Fraser Institute’s signature Behind the Spin series moves this Spring to the classy Metro Restaurant at Waterfront Centre. This fabulous new space has crystal clear sound, panoramic views, and tasty hors d’oeuvres to complement the discerning tastes of our guests.

Host Leah Costello will engage our speakers and audience in lively and open conversation. Our popular reception format offers unique access to the opinion-makers whose leadership on key topics informs the news and public debate.

Our next event in the series:

Wednesday, May 21st, 2008
A Conversation with the Honourable Ralph Klein

With more than a few stories to tell, former Alberta premier Ralph Klein joins us for a candid discussion on the current events that are shaping our future.
Is there bias in the media relating to politics and some of our recent elections? What’s in store for Alberta’s energy sector - are past and present policy directions poised to create or destroy wealth and how will that impact British Columbians? Are we doing a good job of balancing economic and environmental concerns?

Be sure to also sign up for the private dinner with the speaker - this intimate salon-style setting offers you the opportunity to continue the conversation over an exquisite meal well into the evening!

Ralph Klein’s Bio from the Fraser Institute website:

The Hon. Ralph Klein

Ralph Klein is a Senior Business Advisor with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in their Calgary office. Mr. Klein served as Premier of Alberta from 1992 to 2006. He also served as the Provincial Minister of Environment and had a very successful term as Mayor of the City of Calgary during which he oversaw the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary. Through his more than 30 years in public service, Mr. Klein has built the knowledge and relationships that will enable him to provide unique insights into public policy issues for Canadian and international clients. His particular areas of interest include oil and gas, electric energy, securities and capital markets, health law, and aboriginal law. Mr. Klein holds the Chair in Media Studies, named in his honour, at Mount Royal College’s Centre for Media Studies in Calgary. He conducts lectures, seminars, and tutorials, and serves as a Senior Fellow of The Fraser Institute, where he is leading a team in the development of a Continental Energy Strategy for North America. He has also accepted a term appointment as a Public Policy Scholar in residence at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars. Mr. Klein has received numerous honours and awards, including an introduction into the Olympic Order, the Order of St. John, the Alberta Achievement Award, the Governor General’s Award, B’nai B’rith’s Citizen of the Century Award, and Calgary’s Outstanding Citizen of the Century. He is the second Caucasian in history to be adopted into the Siksika Nation and was given the name Otskoipiiksi. In 1996, the Blood Tribe also made Mr. Klein an honourary chief in the Kainai Chieftainship.

Exclusive video coverage - the Honourable Ralph Klein speaks about working in diametrically roles, both as a politician and a journalist.