The release of a number of reports by the federal Romanow Commission has exposed its two-pronged public relations strategy: First, deny that there is a problem. Second, tag the provinces (especially Alberta) as the bad guys in health care reform….

In this the third paper in AIMS’ Equalization Series, author Kenneth J. Boessenkool discusses how equalization, although noble in intent, actually creates incentives for less-developed provinces to raise taxes and overtax their citizens. “Taxing Incentives: How equalization distorts tax policy in recipient…

The federal equalization program — which distributes dollars to poorer provinces based on their ability to raise revenues — is rather simple in theory and noble in intent. According to the Canadian Constitution, equalization exists to “ensure that provincial governments…

The federal equalization program — which distributes dollars to poorer provinces based on their ability to raise revenues — is rather simple in theory and noble in intent. According to the Canadian Constitution, equalization exists to “ensure that provincial governments…

Any discussion of Alberta financial management must come to grips with the central role of resources revenues and the future financing of health and pensions.  First, a quick review of Alberta’s revenues.  In the past two decades, revenues from income…