Purpose
The purpose of this website is to inform readers about the evolving economic and political trends in Alberta and its implications for policy-makers and policy advocacy groups. In-depth analysis and opinion encourages comments from readers which can be entered into the Comments section after the article. The site developer welcomes feedback on the form and content and hopes the site will provide a useful forum for the debate of policy options for consideration of all orders of government.
Unpaid contributions are welcome. Readers are encouraged to forward the content of the site. The site’s proprietary content may be reproduced without permission so long as proper acknowledgement is given. Reproduction for commercial purposes (i.e. by profit-making ventures) is strictly prohibited unless specifically approved.
My perception about economic and political discourse in Alberta is that it tends to be reserved for political backrooms. Issues tend to be debated for partisan gain rather than focusing on real problems with the public interest (impact on residents of Alberta) forgotten. Abpolecon.ca sets out to foster informed debate on policy issues vital to Alberta’s political and economic future.
I hope you will enjoy browsing this website!
Bob@abpolecon.com
About Robert L. (Bob) Ascah
Bob Ascah, the website’s creator, will offer periodic commentaries about key facets of Alberta’s political economy. The analysis and opinion pieces address challenges the Alberta government faces financially, economically and politically. Bob Ascah holds degrees in Commerce, Public Administration, and Political Science. He was employed by the Treasury and Intergovernmental Affairs departments of the Alberta government until 1996 when he joined ATB Financial as it transformed into a provincial corporation. He served as Director of the Institute for Public Economics (University of Alberta) from 2009 to 2013 and remained a Fellow until 2016. He was appointed a Research Fellow of the Parkland Institute at the UofA in 2020. He is editor and contributor to A Sales Tax for Alberta: How and Why (forthcoming, Athabasca University Press).