EDMONTON (CP) - Alberta Premier Ralph Klein apologized Friday to a homeless men's shelter for the "commotion" he caused when he made an unannounced midnight visit and argued with residents.

"Earlier in the evening, I had been at a private dinner and had some drinks," Klein said in a prepared statement. "I don't deny that, but I want centre residents and all Albertans to know that I will always strive to represent my office and this province with dignity and respect."

Klein's office said the premier was not able to comment himself Friday because he had been admitted to hospital with back pain earlier in the day. A spokesman said doctors determined that the premier suffered torn and strained back muscles when he took part in a harness race as a charity stunt Wednesday night. He was expected to be confined to bed rest for several days.

The statement followed an earlier report that quoted one resident of the Herb Jamieson Centre in downtown Edmonton as saying the premier slurred as he swore and yelled at a handful of residents to get jobs. The incident occurred just after midnight Tuesday night.

"The purpose of my visit was to chat with residents and find out what their situations are like," Klein said in the statement. "During my time in politics, I have periodically made such unscheduled visits because they give me the opportunity to chat privately and honestly with people from different walks of life. I regret that on this occasion, my visit was disruptive, and I intend to send a personal letter of apology to the residents and staff of the centre."

The incident has rekindled discussion in Alberta about the lifestyle of the popular Conservative premier. In 1996 he sparked a debate himself after observing that most people who seek a doctor's treatment "are there because of something they have done to themselves."

He then admitted his own habits could use improvement, since he was a smoker who drank the equivalent of a bottle of wine a day.

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