Alberta Ranks Top Economic Freedom North America 2011

October 30, 2012
By Cody Battershill

Alberta Ranks Top in 2011 Economic Freedom Report by Fraser Institute

Alberta has done it again. The western Canadian province has made another top list! This time it is the 2011 Economic Freedom Report by the Fraser Institute that Alberta tops as number one, surpassing every other Canadian province as well as all of the American states.

Fraser Institutes 2011 Economic Freedom report found that on average, Canadian provinces have advanced more so in ranking than the American states when evaluated on factors such as existing government size, labour market and taxation freedoms. The report takes into account every level of government; federal, provincial or state plus municipal / local.

One alarming fact is that economic freedom has a direct correlation with affluence, says the report. Therefore to see Canadian provinces climb and American states slip in ranking, it shows how prosperity levels in both countries are differing. An example of prosperity and economic freedom...

The economic freedom reports top 12 ranking jurisdictions in North America in 2011 had an average GDP of $54,435 per capita

The lowest 12 ranking jurisdictions in North America in 2011 had an average GDP of $40,229 per capita

Even Ron Liepert, Alberta’s former Minister of Finance commented that he isn’t surprised to see that Canada and specifically the province of Alberta had done well in the economic freedom rankings. His former position as energy minister put him into direct dealings with American state law makers, many of whom envied Alberta and its low taxation (let’s not forget about our zero sales tax).

Another province who has ranked very well in the Fraser Institute’s report is Saskatchewan. Alberta’s neighbour has managed to move up to 32nd from 53rd for 2011, following behind only Alberta as the next top Canadian province on the list.

One of the main reasons why Saskatchewan has done so well for 2011 is because the American states have lowered themselves, partly due to the continued spending by the Obama administration. On the flip side the Canadian government spending hasn’t been as substantial.