Canadian provinces once again lag behind U.S. states in economic freedom, finds a new report released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan, public policy think-tank. Economic freedom—the ability of individuals to make their own economic decisions about what to buy, where to work and whether to start a business—remains fundamental to prosperity.
Unfortunately, it's bad news for Canada.
Higher levels of economic freedom lead to more opportunity, more prosperity, greater economic growth, more investment and more jobs – but Canadian provinces once again lag behind U.S. states in economic freedom.
Most drastically, after seven straight years atop the rankings — which include the 50 U.S. states, 32 Mexican states and 10 Canadian provinces — Alberta fell from top spot three years ago and this year tied for 33rd place.