CALGARY -- Alberta's petro-powered economy is being tagged to lead and drive Canada's economy -- news that's little surprise to those behind the wheel at a huge oil trade show in Calgary.

But while those showing their wares at the Global Petroleum Show wouldn't dispute Tuesday's forecast by RBC Economics calling for a 4% growth in Alberta GDP this year and 3.6% in 2013, some said too much of that is weighted towards the oilsands.

With the recent dip in crude prices, that slant towards the oilsands makes it harder for smaller, conventional oilpatch suppliers, said Geoff Ewanchew of Edmonton.
"The oilsands seem to overshadow conventional oil -- with the amount of money going there, they seem to absorb a lot of the capacity in the system and the smaller guys have trouble hiring," said Ewanchew, president of Western Oilfield Specialties Corp.

A host of economic indicators add up to a nation-leading performance for Alberta, said Craig Wright, a senior vice-president with RBC.

"Massive investment in the energy sector will continue to drive activity throughout the provincial economy," stated Wright.

He said that activity is also propelling an uptick in Alberta's housing market, which further turbo-charges to the economic performance.

Brian Berreth of Medicine Hat who markets oilfield compressors said some in the sector -- like those in the oilsands -- are riding the wave far more than others.

"We've got to get the industry going ... everything's going to the North," he said.

He's hoping spiking electricity prices will mean a turn to more natural gas use that'll spur that industry's prospects.

And he said economic forecasters might be downplaying Saskatchewan, which is booming.

"Everything down there is go, go, go -- you can't get a hotel room unless you reserve it a month in advance," he said.