In February 1905, the federal government of Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier introduced legislation to create two new provinces (Alberta and Saskatchewan) from the Northwest Territories.

[2] Frank Oliver was the province's most prominent Liberal, but he had just been named federal Minister of the Interior and was not interested in leaving Ottawa.

[3] Peter Talbot was Laurier's preferred candidate, but he expected to be appointed to the Senate and found the latter prospect more congenial than serving as Premier of Alberta.

[9] The Rutherford led Liberals gained a strong mandate in the March 1909 election and continued to form government.

Provincial Secretary and Minister of Agriculture William Finlay was re-elected, but resigned from cabinet shortly after the election in November 1909 due to his poor health.