Land sales in Alberta are in decline while BC and Saskatchewan are setting new records with each passing month. Investment capital is moving out of the province and new capital passes Alberta by. The new royalty regime and the almost constant tinkering that has characterized it have dealt a severe blow to an investment climate that was once welcoming and stable.
The difference between Alberta and Saskatchewan is stark. Saskatchewan's Premier Brad Wall emphasizes that his government has no intention of changing its royalty structure. And oil people in Calgary remark on how much more efficient and helpful the exploration permitting process is in Saskatchewan compared to Alberta.
How did this happen? For decades Alberta has been known as a place where business can be done without excessive interference from government but it is fast losing its edge. We intend to highlight these competitive shortcomings and urge Premier Stelmach to return to Alberta's traditional business friendly roots.
