Greg Flanagan
Greg Flanagan is a public finance economist with an MES (Political Economy and the Environment) from York University, and MA (Economics) from the University of British Columbia. Greg has taught and been in administration for 30 years in the Alberta post-secondary system, and recently retired from the University of Lethbridge. He has been involved with Parkland Institute since its inception as a board member, frequent researcher, and advocate; and is a distinguished research fellow.
From Gap to Chasm: Alberta’s Increasing Income Inequality
research | Apr 20, 2015The gap between the rich and the poor in Alberta is the widest in the country, and the disparity between those Albertans at the top of the income ladder and those at the bottom has been growing faster than in any other province.
Looking in the Mirror: Provincial Comparisons of Public Spending
research | Mar 19, 2015Does Alberta really have a spending problem? Is public sector spending in the province really outpacing the level of public expenditures in other provinces? This report brings facts to the Alberta budget discussion.
The Way Forward: Progressive Income Tax in Alberta
research | Mar 07, 2014With the 2014 Alberta Budget the Alberta government missed an opportunity to address a significant roadblock to improved health, happiness, prosperity, and overall well-being for the province by failing to address the province's growing income inequality.
Stabilizing Alberta’s Revenues: A Common Sense Approach
research | Feb 28, 2013This report shows that the only workable solution to Alberta's fiscal woes is an increase in corporate taxation and a return to a progressive income tax regime in the province, and that Albertans would support such a move.
Impaired Judgement: The Economic and Social Consequences of Liquor Privatization in Western Canada
research | Oct 30, 2012A comparative study of liquor systems in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
Fixing What’s Broken: Fair and Sustainable Solutions to Alberta's Revenue Problems
research | Jun 02, 2011This report sets out to answer how can we raise the revenues we need to cut our dependence on oil and gas? It explores what revenues Alberta currently brings in, how this revenue compares to other jurisdictions, what policy choices are possible and their effects on the budget.
Crisis? What Crisis?: Public Health Care and Affordability in Alberta
research | Jun 16, 2009The government of Alberta has consistently used inaccurate or incomplete numbers to undermine public confidence in the sustainability of public healthcare. This report exposes the false economies used to create a sense of crisis. It illustrates the clear trends in health care spending.
Breaking The Cycle: Stimulus with Responsibility, Stewardship and Sustainability
research | Apr 01, 2009With the global recession and oil prices in a slump, Alberta’s 2009 budget will be a critical one for the province and the country. This report lays out a framework for Alberta’s government to diminish recessionary effects, improve social services, renew and expand infrastructure, and improve redistribution systems.
Sustainable Healthcare for Seniors: Keeping it Public
research | Sep 18, 2008The Alberta government has consistently used the threat of the aging baby boomers to undermine confidence in the sustainability of public healthcare. This report evaluates the real situation for seniors healthcare in the province. This report sheds light on sustainability, and considers what will be needed in the next 20 years to maintain seniors' optimum health and wellbeing.
Sobering Result: The Alberta Liquor Retailing Industry Ten Years After Privatization
research | Jun 16, 2003In 1993/94 the Alberta Government implemented major policy changes involving the control, taxing, and distribution of liquor products. Ten years later the retail industry has evolved into monopolistic competition with its inherent excess capacity and high costs.