The recent hankering for special deals under the equalization program demonstrates exactly why special deals should not be granted. For in the long run, special deals will only threaten to undermine the program itself.

Never let an inconvenient fact get in the way of a good argument. That appears to be the approach of some provinces when discussing potential changes to Canada’s equalization program. This approach is made easier by the fact that equalization…

Ken Boessenkool is General Manager of Hill and Knowlton Alberta and has written numerous research papers on equalization and other subjects for the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, the C.D. Howe Institute, the Institute of Intergovernmental Relations at Queens University,…

The end of Alberta alienation may be at hand.  At its core, Alberta alienation has a provincial and a national component. Provincially, alienation is tied to the willingness and ability of the provincial government to assert Alberta’s interests. Nationally, alienation…

“Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits is layer upon layer of irony. Musician Mark Knopfler cribbed the lyrics from an appliance delivery man who was watching music videos and complaining about the posh life of rock stars. Layer one of…