Publications

How are Alberta’s consumers faring in the current economic slowdown?

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The sharp deterioration in crude oil prices of the past 12 months has not only had impacts on Alberta’s business sector and on government finances, but is also affecting Alberta’s consumers as... More ≫

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The sharp deterioration in crude oil prices of the past 12 months has not only had impacts on Alberta’s business sector and on government finances, but is also affecting Alberta’s consumers as they are becoming increasingly less confident about their own situation and are cutting back on their household purchases as a result.

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Alberta’s exports sharply lower in 2015

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In the first eight months of 2015, the value of Alberta’s merchandise exports has fallen sharply by 21.3% compared to the same period of 2014, mainly as result of falling prices for crude oil and... More ≫

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In the first eight months of 2015, the value of Alberta’s merchandise exports has fallen sharply by 21.3% compared to the same period of 2014, mainly as result of falling prices for crude oil and natural gas.

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How is the current slowdown affecting Alberta’s municipalities?

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The current economic slowdown has resulted in rapidly rising unemployment in Alberta this year. The hardest hit municipalities are those that depend on the oil and gas services sector which has... More ≫

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The current economic slowdown has resulted in rapidly rising unemployment in Alberta this year. The hardest hit municipalities are those that depend on the oil and gas services sector which has seen the largest employment losses this year.

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Chemicals and petroleum refining is by far the province’s largest manufacturing sector

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In 2014, Alberta’s the chemicals and petroleum refining (CPR) sector had total revenues of $35.6 billion, accounting for 45% of total manufacturing revenues. Although this sector’s revenues rose... More ≫

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In 2014, Alberta’s the chemicals and petroleum refining (CPR) sector had total revenues of $35.6 billion, accounting for 45% of total manufacturing revenues. Although this sector’s revenues rose by two-thirds between 2004 and 2014, they are sharply lower in 2015 as lower crude oil prices get reflected in lower prices for refined petroleum products.

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Alberta’s international exports by industry : a 10-year review, 2004 to 2014

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Between 2004 and 2014, Alberta’s international merchandise exports rose 91% to a record $121.4 billion. By comparison, exports from the rest of Canada rose only 15% over the same period. Although... More ≫

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Between 2004 and 2014, Alberta’s international merchandise exports rose 91% to a record $121.4 billion. By comparison, exports from the rest of Canada rose only 15% over the same period. Although higher prices and volumes of crude oil exports were the main drivers of Alberta’s export growth, the manufacturing sector and especially the agricultural sector also made sizeable contributions to overall export growth.

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Capital investment in Alberta is anticipated to decline in 2015

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Capital investment has been the largest contributor to Alberta’s economic growth since the mid-nineties. In 2014, total investment grew by an estimated 0.4% to $92.1 billion with a decrease in the... More ≫

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Capital investment has been the largest contributor to Alberta’s economic growth since the mid-nineties. In 2014, total investment grew by an estimated 0.4% to $92.1 billion with a decrease in the transportation sector being offset by growth in other sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare. For 2015, capital investment is expected to become a drag on economic growth as energy investment declines.

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The weak Canadian dollar and strong U.S. economy benefit Alberta exporters

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International exports are one of the main drivers of the Alberta economy and the majority of Alberta exports are destined for the U.S. Therefore, the recent weakening of the Canadian dollar and... More ≫

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International exports are one of the main drivers of the Alberta economy and the majority of Alberta exports are destined for the U.S. Therefore, the recent weakening of the Canadian dollar and the strong U.S. economy should benefit those Alberta sectors that are oriented towards exports to the U.S.

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Lower crude oil prices are starting to impact Alberta’s merchandise exports

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In 2014, the value of Alberta’s merchandise exports was a record $121.4 billion, up 17.9% from 2013, mainly as a result of strong growth for oil and gas. The recent drop in oil prices has led to a... More ≫

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In 2014, the value of Alberta’s merchandise exports was a record $121.4 billion, up 17.9% from 2013, mainly as a result of strong growth for oil and gas. The recent drop in oil prices has led to a sharp decline in total exports in the first quarter and does not bode well for Alberta’s export performance in 2015.

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Declining sales of petroleum products are impacting Alberta’s manufacturing industry

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Revenues in Alberta’s manufacturing industry increased 7.6% in 2014. However, sharply lower sales in its largest sector, refined petroleum products, are starting to impact overall manufacturing revenues. More ≫

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Revenues in Alberta’s manufacturing industry increased 7.6% in 2014. However, sharply lower sales in its largest sector, refined petroleum products, are starting to impact overall manufacturing revenues.

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Alberta’s building products sector is on the road to recovery

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Alberta’s building products sector was hit hard by the global economic recession and especially by the US housing crisis that started prior to that. Revenues in this sector have bounced back since... More ≫

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Alberta’s building products sector was hit hard by the global economic recession and especially by the US housing crisis that started prior to that. Revenues in this sector have bounced back since then and have now surpassed their pre-crisis high.

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