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From Fraser Institute analysis finds high number of licensed jobs in Alberta

How could the Fraser Institute's analysis of licensing statutes affect the Government of Alberta?

Possible What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

Fraser Institute analysis may prompt Alberta to review licensing laws The Fraser Institute's new index analyzed 158 job categories across all 10 provinces, revealing that Alberta requires a license for 73 jobs, more than any other province. The analysis argues that licensure requirements often protect incumbent businesses from competition rather than protecting the public, and cites evidence from various developed economies supporting this claim. Consequently, the Fraser Institute recommends that provincial governments eliminate unnecessary licensure requirements to create more opportunity for workers. This data and policy push could lead the Government of Alberta to review its current regulatory statutes.

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How it reaches Government of Alberta

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The facts so far

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  • Researchers analyzed licensing statutes for 158 job categories across all 10 provinces.theglobeandmail.com
  • Alberta requires a licence for 73 jobs, more than any other province.theglobeandmail.com
  • The analysis identified 26 jobs that are licensed in only one province.theglobeandmail.com
  • The Fraser Institute recommends eliminating unnecessary licensure requirements.theglobeandmail.com

Why it matters

The stakes for the Government of Alberta involve the economic opportunities and costs faced by its workforce. The analysis suggests that current licensing requirements may be increasing costs for workers and consumers while limiting competition, which could affect the province's overall economic productivity and living standards.

This issue is not unique to Alberta; the Fraser Institute conducted the analysis across all 10 provinces. Furthermore, existing workarounds, such as the New West Partnership between B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, demonstrate that mutual recognition of licensed professionals is already possible, though currently only a patchwork of side agreements.

What we don't know yet

  • Will the Government of Alberta prioritize the Fraser Institute's recommendations over the lobbying efforts of incumbent businesses?
  • What specific jobs, if any, will the Government of Alberta choose to review first?

What would change this answer

Political pressure mounts from workers and consumer groupsThe Government of Alberta may accelerate the review of its licensing statutes, potentially leading to faster reforms.
Incumbent businesses successfully lobby politiciansThe Government of Alberta may resist broad changes, maintaining the status quo of current licensing requirements.

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Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.