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Originally Posted by Hakan
How has Alberta become even stronger through policy mechanisms? To me, the reason Alberta became stronger was rising Oil and Gas prices. Just like the price dip in the 80s necessitated a recession in the provice. Tell me, where exactly is Alberta an economic leader in industries not directly associated with oil and gas?
From the look of things, Alberta has squandered alot of the rents from the Oil under the ground with anachronistic royalty schemes under Klein and a severe lack of investment of Oil funds into anything other than Ralph bucks and tax cuts.
To me, the Alberta advantage, from a policy perspective is woefully overblown or just a flat out falsity.
Look at Norway for instance, they aren't spending any of their oil money. They're banking ALL of it for when the Oil is gone. Other countries have long term development goals that they are using Oil money with. What exactly is Alberta's vision? I'll tell you what, it's mired in a 4 year election cycle. Get ready, in 2 years you'll see some Ed-bucks coming your way.
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Alberta's economy has become much more diversified since hte increase in oil prices. They have attracted businesses and coprporations to the province because of the tax incentives that they have been able to offer.
If Norway is the model that we should be looking at than we are in big trouble. The day this province moves to more like Norway I will be not only embarrassed but scared.
I feel fine with what has be done with the oil revenues and with the economic future of the province.