The days of buoyant capital investment, jobs, and wealth are passing Alberta by as the boom-and-bust cycle runs its course and the global climate crisis becomes more acute. As the province scrambles to boost the dying oil economy and curb spending, one solution is all but ignored—a sales tax. In this collection, Alberta scholars and policy experts map out why and how a provincial sales tax can and should be implemented. They examine energy revenues, household incomes, and political support as well as opportunities for improving democracy and reducing the volatility of government revenues. Finally, this volume offers recommendations on structuring a consultative review process to improve Alberta’s long-term fiscal sustainability.

Contributions by Ergete Ferede, Ian Glassford, Kenneth J. McKenzie, Melville McMillan, Elizabeth Smythe, and Graham Thomson.

Robert L. Ascah is the author of Politics and Public Debt: The Dominion, the Banks and Alberta’s Social Credit. He blogs at abpolecon.ca.

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In Alberta’s rich history, no public policy measure has been more mythologized than a sales tax. The province remains the only one in Canada not to have one, despite withering pressure on government revenues. A Sales Tax for Alberta arrives at time when the possibility of such a levy seems more possible than ever, which makes its content more relevant and important than ever. From the political implications of bringing in such a tax to the dire need to end the ceaseless volatility around provincial revenues, this book serves as an all-encompassing guide. More than anything, it is vital reading for anyone looking for an articulate, well-rounded view of this highly combustible issue."

Gary Mason, Globe and Mail