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Presents brief reports on business as of January 25, 1999, of interest to persons in Alberta, Canada. Alberta as Canada's richest province in 1998, according to the report `Provincial Economic Freedom in Canada 1981-1998,' by the Fraser Institute; View of Montana's Republican Governor Marc Racicot, that the United States state needs a general sales tax; Alberta's grants to the provincial film industry; The home market in Calgary, Alberta. INSET: Ottawa misplaces a dam, by Philip Hope.

The author reflects on the connotation that Alberta is the richest province in all of Canada. He argues that the province's prosperity, referred on the statement of Peter Lougheed, as dissident, does not reach everyone for it does not recognize others who are struggling in life. An overview that depicted the province's condition is offered. He suggests that Alberta should follow how Norway handles its oil industry.

The article offers news briefs as of March 10, 2014. Topics include efforts towards a deal between the Canadian federal and provincial governments on the Canada Job Grant program, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's announcement of plans to reduce the size of the U.S. Army, and debt from pension liabilities in Alberta, Canada.

The article reports on economic developments in the Canadian provinces. Alberta is reaping the benefits of high oil prices, but their good fortune is causing problems in the rest of the country, driving the dollar up and tourism down. The fiscal equalization program, which requires all provinces to spend comparable amounts on social programs is also troubled by Alberta's success. The new Parti Québécois leader André Boisclair is focusing attention on the separatist agenda.

Comments on establishing wealth-creating policies in the Canadian provinces. Indication that Central Canada is focusing on Alberta's growing wealth as oil prices rise; Suggestion that other Canadian provinces start thinking about how they can become more competitive; View that the campaign for Alberta to share its wealth with the rest of the federation through inter-regional transfers will increase separatist talk in Alberta and make Canada unstable.

The article discusses the oil boom in Alberta, Canada, which has become the underlying issue of next month's provincial election. Alberta is leaving other provinces far behind, growing its economy faster, attracting more newcomers, adding more jobs and paying higher salaries. Per capita GDP in the Edmonton-Calgary corridor is now 40% higher than in the rest of Canada, while the province has the lowest personal and corporate tax rates in the country. This is attracting the investment that is now driving the province's prosperity. With his Conservative government holding 73 of the 83 legislature seats and drawing at least 50% support, Alberta's premier, Ralph Klein, stands virtually no chance of defeat. With a full treasury, critics say his government is still too tight-fisted. Klein has taken heat not only from opposition Liberals and New Democrats, but also from health, education and community groups and ordinary citizens complaining of a lack of long-term vision. In his campaign, Klein is promising to meet investment needs. But the long-term questions still remain. Within a generation the province's known conventional oil reserves will probably be depleted.