EDMONTON, AB (September 13, 2011): The eroding Alberta advantage was once again highlighted today with another report that ranked Alberta in the middle of the pack among Canadian provinces for fiscal performance. 

Two months after it ranked Alberta sixth out of 10 Canadian provinces for energy investment confidence, the Fraser Institute today ranked Alberta fifth in Canada on spending, taxes and deficits.

“Alberta used to routinely be ranked at or near the very top of these national indicators,” Smith said. “This government’s massive spending increases and annual record deficits have reduced Alberta to mediocrity. The Wildrose has a plan to restore Alberta’s rightful place as national leaders in fiscal performance.” 

The Wildrose proposes a legislated cap on spending increases, pay-as-you go legislation that would require in-year budget expenses be offset by a spending cut elsewhere, sustainable capital spending, and an end to wasteful spending - such as bonuses for managers and $2 billion for carbon capture and storage.

Additionally, the Wildrose will aggressively grow the Heritage Fund through annual contributions so investment income eventually surpasses oil and gas royalties, eliminating Alberta’s reliance on non-renewable resource revenues.

“There is no reason why Alberta should be lagging behind our neighbours in terms of fiscal performance,” Wildrose Finance Critic Rob Anderson said. “Alberta can lead again, but it’s going to take a new government, with better ideas and stronger leadership.”

The Wildrose Caucus stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy.

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For further information or to arrange an interview, media are invited to contact:

Brock Harrison

Director of Communications, Wildrose Caucus

Ph: 780-399-2890