Alberta's Economic Freedom May Be the Secret to Its Distinct Culture

Alberta's oil and gas industry has been called out by Quebec's premier as not being enough to qualify as a culture. However, in a surprising twist, an analysis suggests that Alberta may indeed have its own distinct culture.

The Bloc Québécois leader, Yves-François Blanchet, made the comment during a recent media interview, saying that a culture of one's own is necessary for a nation to define itself. He added that he was 'not certain' if oil and gas qualify as a culture.

However, an examination of Alberta's economy reveals that its thriving oil and gas industry may be more than just a resource-based sector. With the highest exports in Canada, the most heavily regulated and taxed industry, yet still maintaining the best environmental record in the world, Alberta's unique economic foundation may indeed be contributing to its distinct culture.

Economists have long studied what causes some economies to succeed while others stagnate, and it turns out that personal freedoms to make economic choices play a significant role. Property rights, business and labour freedom, government integrity, and judicial effectiveness all contribute to 'economic freedom', and studies show that Alberta has the highest level of economic freedom in Canada.