Although prosperity gave Calgary a renewed civic spirit and belief in upward social and economic mobility that expressed itself in the population’s support for energetic self-made mayors like Don Mackay, wealth also created political apathy. Throughout this period, Calgarians habitually voted for individuals who identified with social conservatism. Federally, southern Albertans continued to support the Conservative Party, which they perceived as being a greater friend than the Liberals, who sympathised with Quebec aspirations and showed little sympathy for western sentiment. The Social Credit Party maintained its power by proving to be sympathetic to private enterprise. Additionally, Ernest Manning’s charismatic blend of religion and politics appealed to conservative Albertans, and there existed, in this period, no real political alternative.

Return to Calgary in Transition: 1947-1970

Proceed to Calgary, 1971-1991