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1. Surprise—Alberta’s government debt burden is approaching Quebec’s

   The recent provincial budgets released by the Quebec and Alberta governments are a study in contrasts of government debt. On one hand, Quebec has a high-debt government that’s aiming to reduce its debt burden. On the other hand, Alberta ...

2. Want more automation? Then raise the minimum wage

   These days the phrase “rise of the machines” has taken on a new poignancy for some Canadians. Governments across Canada are giving low-skilled workers reason to worry their jobs will be replaced by machines—thanks to plans to hike the ...

3. Notley following Rae’s fiscal model—and getting the same results

   In 2015, Premier Notley’s incoming NDP government found itself at a crossroads when it came to handling Alberta’s deteriorating public finances. As detailed by a Fraser Institute study from that year, various past provincial NDP ...

4. The case for federal personal income tax reform in Canada

   On the 100th anniversary of Canada’s federal personal income tax (PIT), the federal government would be wise to consider reforming personal income taxes by eliminating several “tax expenditures” (tax credits, deductions and other special ...

5. The evidence mounts—minimum wage hikes reduce job opportunities for vulnerable workers

   Many Canadian provinces have expressed a desire to hike their minimum wage to $15 per hour. Alberta has begun the process with incremental increases, Ontario has formally introduced a plan, and B.C.’s new government has mused about the ...

6. Alberta’s 2017 budget—a decade of fiscal deterioration with no end in sight

   Ten years ago, Alberta’s finances were in good shape. What a difference a decade makes. Despite high oil prices in many years since 2007/08, the province has run a nearly uninterrupted string of deficits ever since primarily due to rapid ...

7. Poll says Albertans looking for a new fiscal direction in upcoming budget

   The Notley government is set to release its 2017 budget tomorrow. Barring any major surprises, it will contain spending-fuelled deficits as far out as the government provides projections. There’s also no indication that there will be any ...

8. Budget season—Alberta and Ottawa must revert back to proven fiscal policies

   Budget season in Canada is now in full swing as governments unveil their tax and spending plans for the coming year and beyond. Two upcoming budgets deserve special attention: Alberta’s (March 16) and the federal government’s (March 22), ...

9. Only 20.6% of Alberta’s $35 billion capital spending plan will pay for roads and bridges

   When the Notley government unveils Alberta’s 2017 budget next week, it will likely trumpet its multi-billion infrastructure spending plan as a way to grow Alberta’s faltering economy. That was certainly the message in the recent speech ...

10. Servicing government debt imposes real costs on Albertans

    We mustn’t forget that government debt has an immediate cost. Governments have to make interest payment on their debt every year. It’s not a choice. And doing so consumes government resources, leaving less money for other public ...