Quebec Ranks Low in Economic Freedom Among Canadian Provinces

A recent report from the Fraser Institute has revealed that Quebec is not performing well in terms of economic freedom compared to other Canadian provinces. The 2025 Economic Freedom of North America report ranks Quebec sixth out of ten provinces, indicating significant challenges for residents in managing their financial decisions.

Economic freedom measures the degree of control individuals have over their financial choices, which includes factors like employment opportunities, purchasing power, and the ability to operate a business without excessive regulatory burdens. According to the Fraser Institute, regions with higher economic freedom often experience better outcomes in wealth, health, and overall life satisfaction. For instance, incomes in the freest areas are reported to be 19 times higher than those in the least free regions. Between 2014 and 2023, the fastest-growing incomes in the United States were located in the most economically free states.

Quebec’s score of 7.66 in the all-government index places it behind Alberta, which scored 7.94 and ranks 30th overall when compared to U.S. states. A stark comparison reveals that Quebec ranks 56th out of 60 regions in North America, falling below all 50 U.S. states and five other Canadian provinces. In terms of provincial policies excluding federal factors, Quebec received the lowest score among Canadian provinces at 3.10.

The top three Canadian provinces in terms of economic freedom are Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, which scored 7.81 and 7.77 respectively. Other provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick also ranked lower, with many Canadian provinces falling behind their U.S. counterparts.

The low ranking of Quebec can be attributed to a combination of high taxes, substantial government spending, and stringent regulations that hinder business growth and job creation. Matthew Mitchell, a senior fellow at the Fraser Institute and co-author of the report, stated, “High taxes, high levels of government spending and overly-burdensome regulations continue to depress economic freedom across much of Canada.”

The complete rankings of Canadian provinces are as follows:
– Alberta (30th overall, 7.94/10)
– British Columbia (47th, 7.81)
– Ontario (49th, 7.77)
– Manitoba (54th, 7.69)
– Saskatchewan (55th, 7.68)
– Quebec (56th, 7.66)
– New Brunswick (57th, 7.61)
– Nova Scotia (tied for 58th, 7.59)
– Prince Edward Island (tied for 58th, 7.59)
– Newfoundland and Labrador (60th, 7.58)

The findings suggest that where individuals live can significantly impact their economic choices and opportunities. As Quebec prepares for changes in taxation in 2026, residents may be looking for ways to navigate the economic landscape to improve their financial situations.

The full Fraser Institute report is available for those interested in a deeper understanding of economic freedom in North America.