Almost a century ago, men and money laboured mightily to turn black, sandy gunk into something that people would pay for. Eventually, an industry was founded. The result changed Alberta — and Canada — forever.

The price of oil settled at US$51.82 a barrel today, its highest level in more than a year.

OPEC has announced that oil ministers of the 14-nation organization will meet in September, well ahead of their previously scheduled November meeting.