Alberta Prosperity

Alberta’s ‘Spending Restraint’ in Perspective

— Jun 20, 2024

Alberta’s “Spending Restraint” in Perspective is a new study that finds although the Alberta government’s current plan to restrain program spending increases is a constructive way to bring provincial spending more in line with sustainable revenues, doing so will be hindered by increases in per person spending introduced over the last two years. In fact, program spending this year will reach $14,334 per Albertan, which is $1,603 more per person (inflation-adjusted) than the government planned to spend this year as outlined in the 2022 mid-year budget update.

Undoing Alberta’s Personal Income Tax Hikes

— Apr 3, 2024

Undoing Alberta’s Personal Income Tax Hikes is a new study that finds reversing the 2015 provincial personal income tax rate increases and instituting a flat eight per cent tax rate would help restore Alberta’s tax advantage while saving taxpayers $1,573 a year, on average.

Alberta’s Underlying Budget Deficit

— Jan 30, 2024

Alberta’s Underlying Budget Deficit finds that if not for historically high resource revenue, the Alberta government would run a large budget deficit this year and the next two years.

It’s Time to Get Off the Resource Revenue Rollercoaster: Re-establishing the Alberta Sustainability Fund

— Oct 17, 2023

There’s time to get off the resource revenue rollercoaster: Re-establishing the Alberta Sustainability Fund is a new study that finds with spending restraint, Alberta can re-introduce a rainy-day fund worth $9.8 billion by 2025/26 that could help insulate the province’s budget from swings in resource revenue.

Don’t Spend Away the Windfall: Better Options for Alberta’s Unexpected Revenues

— Feb 9, 2023

Don’t Spend Away the Windfall: Better Options for Alberta’s Unexpected Revenues is a new study that finds when resource revenues have increased in the past, previous governments have increased spending, which led to sizeable deficits when resource revenues declined—making this an ample opportunity for Alberta to strengthen the province's finances and economy for the long-term.

Comparing Government and Private Sector Compensation in Alberta, 2021

— Nov 8, 2022

Comparing Government and Private Sector Compensation in Alberta, 2021 is a new study that finds even after adjusting for differences such as age, gender, education, tenure, type of work, industry, and occupation, government employees are still paid 5.6 per cent higher wages on average in Alberta compared to their private sector counterparts, in addition to many non-wage benefits such as Registered Pension Plans, personal leave, and early retirement.

Recent Alberta Prosperity Commentaries and Blog Posts

Alberta government must further restrain spending to stabilize provincial finances

Tegan Hill

This year, program spending will reach a projected $14,334 per Albertan, which is $1,603 higher than the original plan.

Don’t use Alberta’s Heritage Fund to pick ‘winners and losers’

Lennie Kaplan

The province's taxpayers lost more than $2 billion from failed loans, guarantees and share purchases in major projects.

Alberta government peddles fanciful numbers for film and TV tax credit returns

Matthew Lau

Appeared in the Calgary Herald, June 25, 2024

By shifting resources and money, the government is simply shifting jobs into film and away from other sectors.

Alberta government’s new smartphone restrictions won’t eliminate digital distraction in classrooms

Paige MacPherson, Tegan Hill

Appeared in the Globe and Mail, June 24, 2024

The province's math scores have fallen 45 points in the last two decades.

Alberta’s credit upgrade belies risk of red ink on the horizon

Tegan Hill, Milagros Palacios

Appeared in the Financial Post, June 20, 2024

Compared to the government’s 2022 mid-year plan, it will spend $6.1 billion more in 2023/24.

Alberta parents want balance—not bias—in the classroom

Tegan Hill, Paige MacPherson

Appeared in the Edmonton Sun, June 19, 2024

Seventy-four per cent of parents in the province believe teachers should present both sides of controversial issues.

Let’s be clear—the Alberta government’s fiscal problems aren’t over

Tegan Hill

Appeared in the Edmonton Sun, May 8, 2024

In 2023/24, debt interest payments will cost a projected $3.4 billion, equal to $691 per Albertan.

Alberta government should eliminate corporate welfare to generate benefits for Albertans

Spencer Gudewill, Tegan Hill

Appeared in the Calgary Sun, May 1, 2024

There’s little evidence that corporate welfare generates widespread economic growth or jobs.

Alberta government should create flat 8% personal and business income tax rate in Alberta

Tegan Hill

Appeared in True North, April 22, 2024

Flat tax systems encourage stronger economic growth, higher tax revenues and a more robust economy.

Alberta government should finally restore province’s tax advantage

Grady Munro, Jake Fuss, Tegan Hill

Appeared in the Western Standard, April 4, 2024

The province last year had the 10th-highest top combined income tax rate among 61 North American jurisdictions.