Equalization Payments: Understanding Alberta's Central Economic Grievance
The Issue
Equalization payments represent one of the most frequently cited grievances in discussions of Albertan independence. Alberta has not received equalization payments since 1965.
How It Works
Equalization is a federal program enshrined in Section 36(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982. Payments come from federal general revenues, not direct transfers between provinces.
Pro-Independence View
Alberta has contributed billions more to Confederation than it has received back. Albertans voted 62% against the current formula in 2021, yet nothing changed.