While conservative parties and politicians might be more likely to criticize or oppose corporate welfare, the sad truth is that governments of all stripes are guilty of it — even here in Alberta.

A study released earlier this year shows that between 2007 and 2019, subsidies to businesses from both provincial and federal governments increased substantially (and soared even higher once the pandemic hit). Over that 12-year time frame, Alberta ranked fourth in the country on the average annual cost per taxpayer resulting from government subsidies to businesses.

Despite an ostensible focus on keeping spending in check and holding to conservative economic principles, Alberta’s government is poised to embark upon yet another costly round of corporate welfare.

There are many downsides to the practice, beyond just the obvious and flagrant misuse of taxpayer dollars. As noted in the study, “governments’ attempts to pick winners by interfering in the free market ultimately distort private decisions and misallocate resources.” There’s also the........

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