Alberta’s economy needs a break after five brutal years since oil prices fell, driving our economy into an agonizing period of stasis
We’re told 2020 could be the year Alberta’s economy turns the corner. So, if we do get some economic breathing room, what are we going to do with it? Alberta’s economy is ready for a break. It has been five brutal years since oil prices fell, driving our economy into a long and agonizing period…
The next two years will probably bring feeble increases in GDP, in line with 2019’s uninspiring performance. Job creation is likely to decelerate
As the clock winds down on 2019, it’s time to ponder what the coming year may have in store for the Canadian economy. To provide some context, 2019 hasn’t been a great year for the economy, with inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by around 1.6 per cent. This was less than growth in both…
Centralization undermines bottom-up co-ordination already underway between the provinces and territories
Advocates for centralized financial regulation have met their match in Canada. The nation is proof that competition between intranational jurisdictions can foster diverse, prosperous capital markets. In the research paper, The Federal Takeover of Canada’s Capital Markets, we argue the decades-long push for a national securities regulator is a solution in search of a problem.…
The worst thing Alberta can do is let the Wexit debate linger. A never-ending debate will only trigger a permanent loss of economic power and status
When the topic of political separation comes up, there’s one thing most of us can agree on: it’s bad for business. Recent grumblings in Alberta about breaking free of Ottawa’s shackles – which are, less face it, profoundly annoying and bad for business in their own way – brought back memories of that other separatist…
Less red tape and shorter decision timelines would improve Alberta’s investment environment and free up AER’s resources
By Steven Globerman and Jairo Yunis The Fraser Institute In September, Alberta Energy Minister Sonya Savage announced a formal government review of the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and replaced the AER’s board of directors with an interim panel. AER’s mandate is governing structure and operational practices in the industry. Since the announcement, several independent investigations…
Certainly there are factors beyond domestic control, but some simple regulatory changes and a general will to help industry will go a long way
Andrew Leach, an energy and environmental economist at the University of Alberta, recently observed that a number of things challenge the oil and gas industry in Canada, particularly the oil sands sector. And some of those challenges aren’t the fault of Canadian politicians or environmental activists. He noted that the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers…
The only way to raise living standards and incomes for Canadians is by building a more productive economy. Yet politicians are mum on the subject
The recent federal election campaign saw much discussion about climate change, energy policy, housing, the social safety net, and the well-being of the never-defined “middle class.” One subject that was ignored by both the media and those seeking office was productivity. That’s unfortunate and somewhat puzzling. After all, in the long term the only way…
Property tax imbalance erodes political accountability, discourages business investment and ultimately hurts employment
By Josef Filipowicz and Steven Globerman The Fraser Institute In many cities and towns across Canada, residential properties are increasing in value, while some local businesses are struggling to survive. There are different reasons for this development, including factors well beyond our borders. But in most of those municipalities, business property tax rates are higher…
Dictating social outcomes for corporations is unnecessary and unproductive
In a time where capitalism is under attack from several directions, it’s also being undermined by the very individuals and organizations that should be defending it. The Business Roundtable, a group of chief executive officers of more than 100 of the largest publicly traded corporations in the United States, recently issued an open Statement on…
A new report shows women are much more adept at driving change and managing results in startups, yet they struggle to find funding
A recent report on agri-tech startup funding provided some compelling numbers but it barely received attention. And when it comes to what it reveals about gender discrepancies, it deserves attention. More and more venture capital is being invested in the sector, which is great news. But these funds apparently aren’t serving all demographics equally. Some…