In this report we examine trends in three distinct but related topics of relevance to oil and gas developments. First, we explore whether governments in western and northern Canada are obtaining maximum revenues (or economic rent) for the development of public oil and gas resources. In doing so, we examine how Canadian jurisdictions compare with the international benchmarks of Alaska and Norway. Second, we examine what governments are doing with revenues obtained from oil and gas resources and consider the importance of setting aside a portion of revenues to provide long-term stability and security to Canadian citizens. Finally, we examine the trends in environmental impacts associated with oil and gas developments in western and northern Canada.

This publication provoked unprecedented media attention, receiving over 100 mentions in media across Canada. It also helped spur debate during the Alberta provincial election on the current royalty regime in Alberta and whether it provides adequate compensation to Albertans for public oil and gas resources.

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When the Government is the Landlord — Executive Summary (1.02 MB PDF)

When the Government is the Landlord — Full Report, no appendices (1.0 MB PDF)

Full Report Appendices

Regional Details — Alberta (0.3 MB PDF)

Regional Details — Alaska (0.1 MB PDF)

Regional Details — British Columbia (0.2 MB PDF)

Regional Details — Northwest Territories (0.2 MB PDF, revised 9-27-04)

Regional Details — Norway (0.1 MB PDF)

Regional Details — Saskatchewan (0.2 MB PDF)

Regional Details — Yukon Territory (0.1 MB PDF)

Exchange Rates (0.02 MB PDF)

keywords:

ecological fiscal reform
environmental fiscal reform
green tax green tax reform
tax shift
tax shifting
EFR
environmental incentives
subsidy reform
environmental taxes
green budget
economic rent
non-renewable permanent funds
environmental impacts

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