Alberta's political landscape is facing significant challenges, as many residents express concerns about the province's economic vulnerabilities. This sentiment was evident during discussions with various Albertans, including notable political figures, over the weekend in Calgary.

Historically, Alberta was primarily an agricultural economy until the discovery of oil in 1947. Today, the oil and gas sector, along with mining and quarrying, contributes to a quarter of the province's GDP and accounts for 70% of its exports. This economic shift has transformed Alberta's standard of living and per capita income, particularly following the surge in international oil prices after the Yom Kippur War in 1973.

However, Alberta's economic prosperity has not been without its challenges. The first signs of political tension emerged in 1954 when Quebec's long-serving premier, Maurice Duplessis, imposed a provincial income tax. This move prompted the federal government to recognize income taxes as a concurrent jurisdiction, leading to the establishment of the equalization program. This program required wealthier provinces to assist those that were less prosperous, a system that has continued to shape interprovincial relations.

Duplessis was a skilled political leader who managed to unite conservatives and nationalists in Quebec. His death in 1959 marked a shift in Quebec's political landscape, paving the way for a more nationalist agenda under Rene Levesque. This shift raised concerns about provincial autonomy and the balance of power between federal and provincial governments.

In response to the growing separatist sentiment in Quebec, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau expanded the equalization transfer payment program. This strategy, while effective in garnering support for federalism in Quebec, placed a heavier burden on provinces like Alberta, especially when Trudeau's government introduced the national energy program. This program was seen as a federal overreach into provincial jurisdiction, as natural resources are constitutionally managed by the provinces.

Alberta's then-premier, Peter Lougheed, strongly opposed the federal government's actions, which were portrayed by some media as Alberta's greed for oil revenue. Lougheed's efforts to contest the national energy program included legal battles and public relations campaigns, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Alberta and the federal government.

As Alberta navigates its economic and political landscape, the province's grievances and the historical context of its relationship with the federal government remain critical to understanding its current challenges.