Black served as president of the Calgary Board of Trade in 1916-17 and was a member of the Alberta Public Utilities Commission in 1917.
Although Black had no political experience, and was not a candidate in the 1922 election, his successful management of the United Grain Growers recommended him to the new administration.
On September 13, he was declared elected by acclamation for the sprawling northern constituency of Rupertsland, one of the province's deferred seats.
[1] The historian John Kendle has described Black as "a dry, dour Scotsman renowned for his frugality and efficiency".
[citation needed] Black resigned his ministerial portfolios on January 12, 1925,[1] and served as a government backbencher for the next two years.