 In 1992, McClelland was honoured as a "Distinguished Friend of the Institute" by the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.McClelland was elected in the Edmonton Southwest electoral district under the Reform party in the 1993 and 1997 federal elections, thus serving in the 35th and 36th Canadian Parliaments.He served as a Deputy Speaker in the 36th Parliament, and was the first member of the Official Opposition to be so appointed.