Many Albertans have long complained that Canada’s equalization system isn’t there for them when their province goes through an economic bust. But a University of Calgary economist says calls for reform should be focused, instead, on a lesser known federal program of wealth distribution. “What Albertans should really complain about is the fiscal stabilization program, […]

As if Premier Jason Kenney does not already face enough budget challenges, we now learn that the Alberta government — and by extension, Alberta taxpayers — are on the hook for paying millions of dollars a month for a refinery that is not even operating. North West Sturgeon refinery’s recent website update stated there continue […]

OTTAWA — The notion of a pan-Canadian corridor dedicated to rail, power lines and pipelines has been around for at least half a century but it looks like it’s about to get a big publicity boost. Last week, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer used a major pre-election policy speech to dust off a similar idea. Scheer […]

An economics professor at the University of Calgary says the combination of high gas prices and government rebate are set to trigger an explosion in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on B.C. roads. “It’s the perfect storm in British Columbia right now,” said Blake Shaffer. “You’ve got very high fuel prices — $1.70 at […]

We are in the midst of a pivotal social and economic transformation; whether we know it or not, humanity — Alberta inclusive — has entered the early stages of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Advancements in computing, particularly the proliferation of machine learning within the Artificial Intelligence domain, are credited as heralds for this shift in […]

Canadians are used to taking seriously the threat of separation when it comes to Quebec, but a more serious, less manageable form of conflict may eventually emerge in the federation between Western Canada and the rest of Canada. The Canadian government has been successful so far in managing the “conflict of taste” that has led […]

The School of Public Policy is very pleased to announce the appointment of Marcia Nelson, former Alberta Deputy Minister of Executive Council, as a Fellow at The School effective immediately. Commenting on the appointment, PG Forest, Director and James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair in Public Policy noted, “The goal of The School is […]

This month, the Transportation Safety Board confirmed that more than one million liters of oil were spilled when an eastbound oil train tipped onto a ranch near St. Lazare, Manitoba in mid-February. It is frequently argued in Alberta that if Canadians don’t want oil trains tipping into their streams and reservoirs, they should probably start […]

A one-year delay on a pipeline touted as a sure thing means Alberta’s struggling oil and gas sector will need more trains to get product to market and continued production cuts, one economist says. On Friday, Enbridge announced its Line 3 pipeline replacement project is being pushed back a year. The long-awaited upgrade to aging […]