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Creating a case study on Alberta’s commerce policies over the last 100 years involves examining how policies have evolved and their impacts on business and economic development in the province.
3 min readSep 2, 2024
Alberta, a province in Canada, has a diverse economic history influenced by its natural resources, political decisions, and global economic trends. Here’s a structured approach to analyzing Alberta’s commerce policies:
1. Historical Overview
Early 20th Century (1920s-1940s)
- Economic Context: Predominantly agricultural with some early oil discoveries.
- Policies: Limited government intervention. The economy was influenced by global commodity prices and the Great Depression.
- Key Developments: Discovery of oil at Leduc in 1947 marked a significant shift in Alberta’s economic landscape.
Post-War Era (1950s-1970s)
- Economic Context: Rapid growth due to oil boom. Urbanization and industrialization increased.
- Policies: Expansion of public sector involvement. Introduction of the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority in 1974.
- Key Developments: Establishment of major oil and gas infrastructure and the development of the oil sands.
Late 20th Century (1980s-1990s)
- Economic Context: Volatility in oil prices. Diversification efforts.
- Policies: Shift towards deregulation and privatization. Introduction of policies to diversify the economy beyond oil.
- Key Developments: Creation of the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund in 1976 to save resource revenues for future generations.
Early 21st Century (2000s-2010s)
- Economic Context: High oil prices leading to economic prosperity, followed by a significant drop in prices in 2014.
- Policies: Focus on economic diversification, innovation, and sustainability. Response to the economic downturn with stimulus measures.
- Key Developments: Expansion of the technology sector and renewable energy investments. Implementation of carbon pricing and environmental regulations.
Recent Developments (2020s-Present)
- Economic Context: Post-pandemic recovery and ongoing challenges with…