The Electoral Temptations of Natural Resource Revenues: Towards a Theory on the Origins of Sovereign Wealth Funds in Canada

This thesis works towards establishing a theory on the origins of sovereign wealth funds in Canada and argues that despite claims that they are inter-generational savings vehicles, in practice these funds are a means to create near- and medium-term fiscal flexibility that benefits the electoral prospects of incumbent governments. In an era of global tax competition, electoral resistance to taxation, and growing demographic pressures on public expenditures, governments have turned to sovereign wealth funds to generate much needed revenues while avoiding tax increases more visible to their electorates. Alberta is this thesis’ primary case study and illustrates the expected behaviour of sovereign wealth funds in Canada in the absence of strong governance structures, defined contribution rules, clearly articulated fund goals and strong fund connection to voters - four key elements present in widely recognized model funds like Norway and Alaska.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Political Economy

Grantor dc:publisher

Carleton University

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Bellingham, David Joseph

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2017 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, research, scholarship, and teaching. Theses may only be shared by linking to Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be used without proper attribution to the author. No part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

10.22215/etd/2017-12202

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:carleton.scholaris.ca:20.500.14718/38665