A Policy
Institute for the Prairies
Recent studies have identified a number of
economic, social and demographic challenges appearing on the
prairie horizon. Our population is aging, our agriculture sector
is lagging, demands on publicly-funded services are increasing,
there is a growing shortage of skilled labour, tax rates are
uncompetitive, and the size or our labour force is shrinking
relative to our total population (a rising dependency ratio).
But although all three prairie provinces are
facing similar challenges, Alberta is clearly faring better than
Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Alberta has the fastest growing economy
in the region, the highest per-family income, the fastest
population growth, the greatest immigration, the least
out-migration, and the lowest dependency ratio.
Saskatchewan, on the other hand, is faring
worst. In addition to having the slowest economic growth, least
immigration, greatest out-migration, lowest per-family income, and
highest dependency ratio, the province is losing its young people
at an astonishing rate, has the longest health care waiting lists
in the country, and boasts a private sector which comprises only
14 per cent of the population base. On the current trajectory, the
size of Saskatchewan’s private sector will fall to only 6 per
cent of its population base by 2026.
The
disparity which exists amongst the three prairie provinces
suggests that we should be examining provincial and federal
policies to determine the reasons for such disparities. As these
are identified we will be able to plot our strategy to ensure that
each prairie province overcomes its challenges and we achieve our
maximum potential as a region.
It
was for this purpose that the Prairie Policy Centre was
established in the spring of 2001. As an independent non-profit
organization, the Institute’s mission is to advance ideas on
wealth creation in order to enhance the economic and social
well-being of the prairie region. This includes:
- Identifying
opportunities for enhancing wealth creation on the prairies;
- Identifying
factors which act as impediments to the creation of wealth on
the prairies; and,
- Fostering
a greater understanding of wealth creation and its
relationship to the economic and social well-being of the
prairie region.
Activities
To accomplish these
objectives, the Policy Institute commissions and carries out
objective, professional research to examine opportunities for and
impediments to wealth creation in the prairie region. Once the
study is complete, it is published in an easy-to-read format and
broadly distributed across the prairie region.
Rather than simply
sitting on a shelf, the information is then broken down into
bite-sized pieces and given repeated exposure through the
Institute’s weekly commentaries, fax and email distribution
network, Internet web site, press releases, and public speaking
engagements. Luncheons, seminars and conferences are also utilized
as part of the Prairie Centre’s efforts to get information out,
encourage informed discussion, and spark public debate on issues
which are of vital importance to the future of the prairie region.
The
challenges facing the prairies cannot simply be papered over.
Substantive change requires considerable effort which eventually
culminates in a change of attitudes at the grassroots level and a
shift in policy at the political level. As a Policy Institute
dedicated to the economic and social well-being of the prairie
region, the Prairie Centre is committed to making an important
contribution to this process.
Contact
Us
- Executive Director: Al Evans
- Mailing Address: 2229 Ave. C. N.
Saskatoon, SK S7L 5Z2
- Phone: 306-242-2981
- Fax: 306-242-1329
- Email: info@prairiecentre.com
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