The province's taxpayers lost more than $2 billion from failed loans, guarantees and share purchases in major projects.
alberta's heritage fund
In Alaska, the government must pay a portion of fund earnings to citizens in annual dividends.
In 2022/23, resource revenue is projected to be $28.4 billion, the highest level on record.
According to recent forecasts, the province's resource revenue will likely be higher than forecast in Budget 2022.
The Alberta government has not contributed any resource revenue to the Heritage Fund since 1986/87.
If Alberta had followed Alaska’s model, Albertans could have received $101.5 billion in dividends.
In 2020/21, Alberta’s non-renewable resource revenue will comprise only 4.7 per cent of provincial revenue.
Alberta’s decades long economic success is a result of resource wealth, relatively sound public policies and a growing skilled labour force. Compared to other energy-producing jurisdictions such as Alaska, North Dakota, Saskatchewan, Texas, and Wyoming, Alberta does well economically but there are areas of concern, which if ignored, may affect the province’s long-term prosperity.