Do We Over-Equalize?

Making the case for a needs-based approach to equalization to prevent over subsidizing recipient provinces in the goal of providing "reasonable" levels of public services.
Published on July 22, 2006

Summary

This paper suggest a needs-based approach to equalization, including a realistic evaluation of the differences in the cost of providing public services across jurisdictions. This would result in a system focused on what each jurisdiction actually needs in effective revenues to deliver a given package of services, rather than focusing on unadjusted levels of absolute revenues between provinces, which can vary wildly based on economic cycles, the price of natural resources and other factors largely irrelevant to the question of ensuring each province has what it needs to provide a reasonable level of public services.

 

Featured News

MORE NEWS

Black on Canada’s Proud Black History

Black on Canada’s Proud Black History

Did you learn any Black history in Black History Month? February came and went in Canada with few high-profile offerings, except a nod to a pioneering black athlete there and a slogan or commercial there. Black organizations sued the Canadian Human Rights Commission...

Why Are Canadian Home Prices So High?

Why Are Canadian Home Prices So High?

In the last 8 years, we have seen home costs double across Canada. There are many reasons for the rise in prices and it is difficult to connect the increases to just one particular reason. In your opinion how would you rank the reasons listed below as the main causes...

NDP Premier Thinks Big on Economic Transformation

NDP Premier Thinks Big on Economic Transformation

Despite many who would never dare believe it, Premier Wab Kinew has come out said he would like to become a transformational economic leader in our province. The evidence? Well, not too long ago at an event held at the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce Kinew addressed an...