The political success of Alberta premiers dating back 50 years has been closely linked to the oil and gas business and federal/provincial relations.  

Premiers fortunate enough to be in office when the oilpatch and economy were booming were popular and won multiple elections. Challenging the federal government when its policies negatively affect Alberta has been a reliable vote-getter, especially when it involves resources. 

Those who were in office when Alberta’s main industry was struggling, or were seen as cooperating with Ottawa when its policies negatively affected oil and gas, have not been treated as kindly.