Peter Lougheed, former Alberta premier, seriously ill in Calgary hospital

EDMONTON – Sources have confirmed that former Alberta premier Peter Lougheed is seriously ill in a Calgary hospital with an undisclosed illness.

Lougheed, who is 84, was premier from 1971 to 1985 and launched the Progressive Conservative dynasty that continues to run the province to this day.

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The young Calgary lawyer took Alberta to the national stage in his fight with Ottawa over the national energy program.

He threatened to cut the eastward flow of oil in the battle over energy prices.

In retirement, Lougheed has remained on the public stage: in the recent provincial election he endorsed Premier Alison Redford, who considers him a mentor.

This summer, Lougheed was named the best Canadian premier of the last 40 years by the Institute for Research on Public Policy.