Economic Freedom

Economic Freedom of the World: 2013 Annual Report

— Sep 18, 2013

The index published in Economic Freedom of the World 2013 measures the degree to which the policies and institutions of countries are supportive of economic freedom. The cornerstones of economic freedom are personal choice, voluntary exchange, freedom to compete, and security of privately owned property. Forty-two variables are used to construct a summary index and to measure the degree of economic freedom in five broad areas: (1) size of government; (2) legal system and property rights; (3) sound money; (4) freedom to trade internationally; and (5) regulation.

Towards A Worldwide Index of Human Freedom

— Jan 8, 2013

This project, sponsored by Canada’s Fraser Institute, Germany’s Liberales Institut, and the United States’ Cato Institute, focuses on creating the first comprehensive and conceptually consistent index of freedom, including economic freedom, and is based on the “negative” definition of freedom—in other words, the absence of barriers or coercion that prevent individuals from acting as they might wish.

Economic Freedom of North America: 2012 Annual Report

— Nov 28, 2012

The index published in Economic Freedom of North America rates economic freedom on a 10-point scale at two levels, the subnational and the all-government. At the all-government level, the index captures the impact of restrictions on economic freedom by all levels of government (federal, state/provincial, and municipal/local).

Economic Freedom of the Arab World: 2012 Annual Report

— Nov 21, 2012

This is the ninth report on economic freedom in the Arab world and is published in conjunction with the International Research Foundation (IRF) of Oman and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty.

Economic Freedom of the World: 2012 Annual Report

— Sep 18, 2012

The index published in Economic Freedom of the World 2012 measures the degree to which the policies and institutions of countries are supportive of economic freedom. The cornerstones of economic freedom are personal choice, voluntary exchange, freedom to compete, and security of privately owned property.

Fraser Forum - March/April 2012: The Iron Lady - Why Margaret Thatcher mattered

— Mar 30, 2012

Fraser Forum is a monthly review of public policy in Canada, with articles covering taxation, education, health care policy, and a wide range of other topics. Forum writers are economists, Institute research analysts, and selected authors, including those from other public policy think tanks.

Read the Full Publication

Economic Freedom of North America: 2011 Annual Report

— Nov 22, 2011

Recent Economic Freedom Commentaries and Blog Posts

Canadians right to worry about ‘big government’ agenda

When governments limit economic freedom, citizens find it harder to buy and sell what they want.

Industrial Policy in 2024—another term for socialism?

Appeared in Inside Sources, June 12, 2024

In a free market, private individuals own the means of production but must take their cues from consumers.

Ottawa’s stifling policies will test optimism of Canadian CEOs

The success of any economy hinges on its institutions including its laws and regulations.

Oakville teens should learn about communism before promoting it

Appeared in the Toronto Sun, May 28, 2024

Seventeen per cent of Canada’s 18- to 34-year-olds believe communism is the ideal economic system.

Central planning from the inside—an interview with a Soviet-era economist

When more resources are controlled by politicians and the bureaucracy, there's more favouritism and discrimination.

Economic freedom can help improve allocation of human capital for men and women

The gender wage gap is largely explained by differences in the educational and employment choices of men and women.

Singapore’s industrial policy promotes real economic growth

Politicians and bureaucrats in Canada are rarely affected if the claimed benefits of government initiatives fail to materialize.

Estonia’s success demonstrates power of economic freedom

Appeared in Inside Sources, April 12, 2024

The average Estonian can expect to live nearly eight years longer than the average Russian.

‘New Socialist Man’ was a selfish corrupt cheat

With no carrots in the form of market incentives, socialist leaders deployed a terrifying array of sticks.

Singapore is not China—and some U.S. politicians should study the difference

The average Singaporean earns about 30 per cent more than the average American.