Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor shares his prediction on the future of the CFL

The Honourable Norman L. Kwong, CM, AOE, KStJ Lieutenant Governor of Alberta

Normie Kwong is relishing his final few months as Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor. AsiaNetwork caught up with the legendary fullback known as the “China Clipper” moments after meeting newly installed Chinese Ambassador H.E. Lan Lijun. Our Q&A with the Honourable Norman L. Kwong.

Q: This morning you met with the Chinese Ambassador. How did that go?

A: It went very well. He invited us to go to China. I was born and raised in Calgary; my mother and father are from Canton. I’ve never been there myself. I wouldn’t mind going but I don’t have a burning desire. I guess I enjoy Canada too much. I don’t mind winter.

Q: In the dialogue between East and West: What do you think they have to offer one another?

A: I’m not really qualified to talk about it; having grown up in Canada I have more western views than eastern. But any time we’ve had opportunities to exchange views – mostly what I thought growing up was the biggest difference was family. Most Chinese families stress the closes of family. Most of my occidental friends had close families, they were good families, but not quite the same.

We have tried to raise our four boys the same way. They all have families now and seem to be happy and successful, so hopefully we did the job. My wife did a very good job with them.

Q: Among your list of priorities when you became Lieutenant Governor of Alberta was to focus on improving the lives of seniors. Are seniors under appreciated in Canada?

A: Seniors are looked after better than they used to be. I go to seniors homes and they seem to be happier. Asian cultures they always looked after seniors, especially privately. But we are doing better with homes. I think it’s a building up of society.

Q: You are a successful business person. How has having a business mind helped you in your life?

A: I was the president and general manager of football clubs, the Calgary Stampeders. I’ve always been involved in business, even when I was an athlete I knew I wasn’t always going to be an athlete. In business you get used to not taking losses as hard as some people because you’ve played sports.

Q: You are the first Chinese Canadian to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL), and actually did much more than play in it – you dominated with 30 CFL records before retiring in 1960. Yet I’m curious to know if you experienced racism, as I’m sure you must have. Are you something of a Canadian Jackie Robinson?

A: Growing up I’m sure my older brothers experienced more racism. There wasn’t that extent of racial discrimination in those days. I experienced a little bit of it. There used to be a little bit of name calling. It was more trying to get on your nerves then really being mean. I think it inspired me to work harder. I wanted to show them that they were wrong. If you are strong enough you get by. It probably helps you in the long run.

Q: The National Football League (NFL) is interested in expanding into the Toronto market. Some say the CFL can’t last if Toronto is out. And, of course, Ottawa continues to struggle without a team. So, will the CFL survive?

A: I hope it will. I believe it will, if only because of its long history. There’s enough people that remember and want it to survive. I have strong feelings that it will. It will survive in the west, for sure.

Q: You are a strong proponent of multiculturalism. There is a tension, however, between those who say we must honour and recall our British and French tradition and those who say Canada is a young country that thrives because it has no rigid definition. How do you see this playing out?

A: Multiculturalism is getting along with all races and nationalities. I think we all get along fairly well. Maybe there aren’t many strong people of different races in [Britain, France, other countries with strong ethnic tensions.] Asian Canadians have proven themselves to be great businessmen, in sports, politics – it all goes to proving better understanding.

I go to high schools and they are 50 per cent Caucasian. There’s a major change going on in Canada. It’s very different from when I was growing up. I believe we are raised as being a British colony, or whatever, and I’m very proud of it, very happy about it.

Q: Tell me about the importance of sports in your life?

A: I feel very strongly about keeping kids in sports, to keep them healthy and active. Parents need to get their kids involved, getting along with other people. Maybe your views of other people and their race will change by being involved with them in sports.

Q: You finish your four-year term as Lieutenant Governor this year. How has it been for you, and what will you do afterward?