Sunday, November 24
2Mar By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments
Budget, Fiscal History, Opinion/Research

And then there were none: Pros and Cons of a Sales Tax

 Originally posted 2 March 2018 Economics Society of Northern Alberta hosts debate on sales tax All MLAs invited -but all missing in action Key obstacle is public's perception that governments will just waste the money Will a crisis tilt Alberta to new massive cuts or a sales tax? Are Alberta public sector workers overpaid?  Relative to whom? (more…)
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Third Quarter Fiscal Update
2Mar By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments
Budget

Third Quarter Fiscal Update

Originally published 2 March 2018 Finance Minister Joe Ceci's fiscal update issued on 28 February was more upbeat than previous reports. The headline number was a $1.4 billion reduction in the provincial deficit forecast for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2018.  For critics, the government kept the spending floodgates open; for partisans the economy was growing strongly courtesy of the sound steerage of the NDP government. Below we examine some of the details. (more…)
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CAPP’s Position- Analysis and Opinion
12Feb By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments
Energy, Opinion/Research, Uncategorized

CAPP’s Position- Analysis and Opinion

Originally posted on 12 February 2018 On Wednesday 7 February, Tim McMillan, president of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) spoke to the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. The CAPP head spoke optimistically about  growing demand for oil and natural gas, based largely on International Energy Agency forecasts. It was a "terrific outlook" with Canada being perceived as a "supplier of choice."  But dangers lie ahead, according to the CAPP head. From: The Globe and Mail, Wednesday 7 February 2018 A grainy audio of his talk (with some audience comments) and question and answer is available here. (more…)
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Crazy Time Out West
10Feb By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments
Energy

Crazy Time Out West

Originally posted 10 February 2018 Updated 20 March 2018 Legislature debate Not much has happened.  More Mayes Edmonton Journal cartoons. Notley lines up her advisory panels including key ministers and deputy ministers. Horgan not saying much. Wine war proceeds to a tribunal Now a truce- court reference for wine New measures to tax out-of-province property aim at wealthy oilpatchers? (more…)
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Docket 37627 Orphan Well Association, et al. v. Grant Thornton Limited, et al. (Redwater Resources contd)
13Jan By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments
Uncategorized

Docket 37627 Orphan Well Association, et al. v. Grant Thornton Limited, et al. (Redwater Resources contd)

Originally posted 13 January 2018 Two arms of the Crown in right of Alberta duke it out: ATB Financial to maximize its return on its security interest in Redwater Resources versus the Alberta Energy Regulator to minimize costs of clean-up to Orphan Well Association and ultimately the Alberta Crown. At stake: creditor protection under insolvency proceedings or protection of energy/environmental regulators' right to ensure reclamations carried out. Sealing orders; more intervenors, and appropriateness for a judge to take part in adjudication. (more…)
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Economy vs. Environment
18Dec By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments
Energy, Environment, Financial Institutions

Economy vs. Environment

Originally posted 18 December 2017 Several articles, studies, and announcements over the past weeks suggest that the "international movement" seeking to "manage" the risks of global warming are gaining ascendance. More recently, the World Bank president, Jim Yong Kim,  announced his institution was re-assessing the risks of fossil-fuel developments. Highlights: World Bank move China's Three Gorges floating solar panels Alberta renewable auction Moody's analysis Analysis/Opinion (more…)
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The MacKinnon-Mintz Fiscal Prescription
13Dec By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments
Budget

The MacKinnon-Mintz Fiscal Prescription

Originally posted 13 December 2017 In late October, the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary published a research paper co-authored by Janice MacKinnon and Jack Mintz.  [AB-Budget-New-Trajectory-MacKinnon-Mintz-final]  Janice MacKinnon is a professor of public policy and former NDP Minister of Finance of Saskatchewan.  Mintz is the President's Professor of Public Policy at UofC and former Director of the School of Public Policy. Both writers have formidable reputations as commentators on public policy and also as academics who have worked at the highest bureaucratic and political levels in the formulation of budgetary and taxation policies. (more…)
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DBRS downgrades Alberta’s credit
6Dec By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments
Credit Ratings

DBRS downgrades Alberta’s credit

Originally posted 6 December 2017 On 29 November, DBRS issued a press release  affirming its decision to downgrade the province's rating to AA from AA (high). In its opinion the downgrade was "necessitated" by "large operating deficits and rapid debt accumulation." (more…)
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