Improving Fiscal Fairness in Canada

Ontario and the West – but especially Albertans – overpay for Equalization and other federal programs. Canada’s hopes for future prosperity are further damaged by federal economic policies that lock in our natural resources. 

Fairness Alberta is raising awareness to generate reforms.

Peyto Lake, Alberta, Canada ©Sterling Lanier

The so-called “Just Transition” away from oil and gas is an attack on Canada’s Energy Sector.

This robs Canadians of jobs and revenues, leaves the world dependent on the likes of Russia and Saudi Arabia for their energy, and does not reduce global emissions.

Learn about our campaign to rebrand this misguided plan for what it is: the UNJUST transition

Alberta Transfer meter

Albertans sent $324 billion more to the rest of Canada than was spent in Alberta from 2000-2019 (StatsCan 36-10-0450-01).  Equalization is a significant part of that transfer – roughly $3b per year, or $8.2 million daily.

The federal government is ignoring our Equalization vote.  Since the October 18 referendum a bloated and unfair Equalization has cost us:

Equalization from Albertans since October 18, 2021

Go to the Equalization page to learn why we need Equalization Negotiations Now!

Sign our Petition and Donate to support our campaign – Thank you!

Alberta Transfer meter

Albertans sent $324 billion more to the rest of Canada than was spent in Alberta from 2000-2019 (StatsCan 36-10-0450-01).  Equalization is a significant part of that transfer – roughly $3b per year, or $8.2 million daily.

The federal government is ignoring our Equalization vote.  Since the October 18 referendum a bloated and unfair Equalization has cost us:

Albertans’ Net Contributions
(2000-2019)

Go to the Equalization page to learn why we need Equalization Negotiations Now!

Sign our Petition and Donate to support our campaign – Thank you!

Mandate

Fairness Alberta’s mandate is to inform Canadians about the magnitude of the contributions Albertans make to Canada, while educating Canadians about the damaging fiscal, trade, energy, procurement, and infrastructure policies that chronically undermine Alberta’s – and Canada’s – potential.

News

Video

CBC Power & Politics - Watch Bill explain to Canadians the significance of the Equalization Referendum.

Alberta Primetime - Building an Equalization Reform coalition

Testimony on AB's economy, CFS, and Fiscal Stabilization to Commons Standing Committee on Finance

Lilley Unleashed: Alberta's message to Ontario - Don't let Trudeau screw us over!

About the ATM

This Alberta Transfer Meter (ATM) shows the large sum billed to Albertans to fund growing Equalization payments to provincial governments in Quebec, Manitoba, and the Maritimes just since our October 18 referendum which should trigger negotiations.

This $3 billion paid annually by Albertan taxpayers is only a piece of the staggering total of transfers that have gone from Albertans’ to other provinces via Ottawa.  This overall transfer was $324 billion from the beginning of 2000 to the end of 2019.

In other words, over 20 years Albertans sent a net $79,870 per person to Ottawa that was spent in other provinces, or $319,480 per family of four.

In 2018 alone, during the midst of an economic downturn made much worse by policies, signals, and other decisions made by the Federal and other provincial governments, a remarkable $16,917 per family went to Ottawa that did not come back to Alberta.

In recent decades Albertans made a disproportionate contribution to the federal government’s spending – but taxpayers in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia pay a tab as well.  In those provinces, Equalization funding takes up most of their net contribution – roughly $2400 per family of four to pay for services in other provinces.

Albertans voted with a clear majority on October 18 to challenge Equalization and compel negotiations.  We should have many allies west of the Ottawa river given how the flaws in Equalization mean so many dollars are being unfairly handed to the eastern side of the country, particularly to Quebec.

If you agree this is unfair at a time when everyone’s services and cost of living are so pressured…

Please support our call for Equalization Negotiations Now!!

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A Strong Alberta = A Strong Canada

As someone who grew up and was educated in Ottawa and then came to Alberta for a successful career, I believe I owe it to this province to support Fairness Alberta.

Peter D. Sametz
P.Eng., ICD.D
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Albertans are good neighbours

As a proud Canadian and Albertan, it is time for my country to know that as our economy struggles we are feeling more and more mistreated by the rest of Canada - our relationship is in dire need of repair.

Jennifer Martin
President & CEO Junior Achievement, North Alberta
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Our kids are counting on us

Myself, and the people I've brought into the organization, are individuals from every political ideology. Regardless of right or left wing leanings, each one of us is interested in the economic well-being of future generations of Albertans.

Michael Jorgensen
Emmy® Award Winning Filmmaker
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Albertans need to be heard

It's important we have an organization that will help Ottawa realize that it's necessary to ensure a fair deal for Alberta. It takes a prosperous Alberta for Canada to succceed.

Bettina Pierre-Giles
Chair of the Board, Piikani Investment Corporation