Alberta Advantage

The Alberta Advantage is a term referencing the provincial ethos of the province of Alberta and the features, both economic and cultural, that differentiate Alberta from other Canadian provinces and territories. Jack Mintz, the director of the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy defined the Alberta Advantage as "a great life with rising incomes and reasonable public services..."[1]

History

The term the "Alberta Advantage" was first coined during the 1993 Alberta Throne Speech when then Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta, Gordon Towers, announced on behalf of the majority Conservative government of Ralph Klein:

Unlike some others, my government will not try to buy prosperity through higher taxes. Instead, it will build on Alberta's existing advantage of low taxes and its free enterprise spirit to develop the most competitive economy in North America. The government will strengthen the Alberta Advantage and sell it aggressively around the globe.

— Gordon Towers, 13th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, 1993 Alberta Throne Speech

Ralph Klein's government then proceeded to reduce public spending by 20%, leading to a government surplus and the payment of Prosperity Bonuses.[2] These bonuses were supported primarily by oil royalties received by the government. At the time, these revenues were significant as a result of the oil sands in Alberta. The move to issue bonuses was controversial and often compared to Peter Lougheed's decision to bank oil revenues in the Alberta Heritage Fund. Due to lower oil prices in the mid-2000s resulting in decreasing oil royalties, succeeding Progressive Conservative governments were faced with the decision to either operate a deficit or raise taxes. Ultimately, frustration over the mismanagement of the 'Alberta advantage' lead to election of the Alberta NDP.

Examples

For instance, having a legal drinking age of 18, granting drivers licenses at the age of 16, having no provincial tax, strong standardized testing through Diplomas and PATs, and not limited to holding the only sovereign wealth fund in Canada, Prosperity Bonuses, the Alberta Heritage Fund.

References in

References
  1. Jack, Mintz. "Opinion: Voters should consider who will maintain the Alberta advantage". Edmonton Journal.
  2. Sandra, Marting. "Ralph Klein, 70: The man who ruled Alberta". The Globe and Mail.
  3. "About". Alberta Advantage Pod.


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