Fair comment but Alberta's 'wealth' is a function of hydrocarbon deposits, not any inherent ingenuity, but a simple matter of inheritance. No different from the brown eyed sheiks of the middle east - except the cost of production is many times higher.  I'm sure you've met the folks who took over mommy or daddy's millions and considered themselves brilliant in terms of amassing wealth... and wondered why everyone else couldn't do it. Once you factor in the immense environmental damage - which by extension the rest of the country is complicit - it's not so wonderful.  Needless to say, when prices inevitably rebound, the conservatives will be back in control, and all accolades will rightfully be directed their way. Till then the province and the people have to get by - the conservatives can only thank their good fortune they're not behind the wheel now! Easy to govern from the cheap seats.