Results and Consequences

Post-World War II oil and gas discoveries transformed Alberta's economy. Alberta's economy was supported chiefly by the agriculture efforts of its inhabitants up until 1947. There was also substantial support from Lethbridge coal, Athabasca forest products, and Turner Valley oil. 

A new source of revenue for the province of Alberta was discovered at Leduc in 1947 and Alberta's fortunes prospered. The Leduc oil strike was the culmination of many years of effort to find oil outside of the Turner Valley. By 1949 oil was found at Woodbend and Redwater. 

By 1971, agriculture accounted for only 15 percent, while resource mining accounted for 40 percent of the province's economy. As a consequence of the oil and gas discoveries, Alberta became the largest prairie province in terms of population. 

By 1981, over half of the West's population lived in Alberta. In addition, Albertans, new and old, increasingly migrated to the province's urban centres. Both Edmonton and Calgary found themselves experiencing large rates of population growth and increased industry capital.