It is widely assumed Premier Stelmach will call a provincial election this week. Though being in power since 1971, the party seems to be for a fight to stay in power. Premier Stelmach has created some controversy in his year in office, starting with a review of the oil royalties program.

His government is under fire from both sides on the issue, from those who felt the Conservatives waited too long to review the agreement, losing billions and from those who feel he squeezed the oil companies at the wrong time, causing a recent economic slowdown.

Health care will again become a major issue, as it has in the past few provincial elections and Stelmach will need a concrete plan to keep costs down while maintaining service.

Some feel the saving grace for the Conservatives will be the fact few see Liberal leader Kevin Taft as Premier material. However the same was said by many people before Steven Harper became Prime Minister.