Equalization 101: What Do You Know and What Do You Need to Know?

Equalization and federal transfers are always a hot topic, especially in Alberta. Canadians have debated, sometimes fiercely, the pros and cons of these programs since Confederation. But with Albertans facing a referendum on removing the principle of Equalization from the Constitution this October, the importance of understanding the program has never been higher. Where did it come from? Why is it in the Constitution? How does it work? And is it fair to Albertans? In this talk, Professor Trevor Tombe will shed light on these and other important questions to ensure you're well informed before voting in the municipal election this fall.

Bio: Trevor Tombe is a Professor of Economics at the University of Calgary and a Research Fellow at The School of Public Policy. His research, which focuses on economic and fiscal integration, internal trade, and fiscal federalism, has been published in top economics journals, such as the American Economic Review, Journal of Monetary Economics, and the Canadian Journal of Economics. He also serves as Graduate Program Director in the Department of Economics, is on the editorial board of the Canadian Journal of Economics and is Co-Director of Finances of the Nation. In addition to his academic research and professional service, he is deeply committed to promoting the public understanding of economics through policy publications and active media engagement.