Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Alberta is facing many problems as the next boom approaches. Besides environmental and infrastructure challenges, it can be argued that this boom will once again benefit the wealthy and the larger corporations while most other people in Alberta will gain little in terms of quality lifestyle. In the past, Alberta has witnessed many booms and busts, but still realized long-term growth in the size of the economy and a dramatic increase in wealth, particularly for well to do individuals and large multi-national corporations, who receive sizeable subsidies and pay little or, in some cases, no taxes. Quality of life indicators such as income security, personal disposable income, Food Bank non-dependency, housing affordability, leisure and family time, and educational attainment show that middle and low-income Albertans are struggling to keep the status quo and many are being left behind. Funding for health care, education and essential social services arguably suffer more at every bust cycle, begging the questio