MEDIA ADVISORY - Canada's Natural Resources: Blessing or Curse to the Canadian Economy?

CALGARY, Jan. 20, 2014 /CNW/ - There is no question that Canada has a rich and varied resource portfolio. Many people would assume this abundance of natural resources is an economic boon - but is it really? Studies show examples of countries where natural resource wealth actually discourages growth in the rest of the economy.   

This begs the question:  Are Canada's resources actually benefiting the overall economy?

Media are invited to an upcoming press conference where Professor Alan Gelb will critique the management of Canada's natural resources. He will explain how prosperity hinges on a few policy measures that government must adopt.

Alan Gelb is a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington, DC. His recent research includes aid and development outcomes, the transition from planned to market economies, the development applications of biometric ID technology, and the special development challenges of resource-rich countries.

He was previously director of development policy at the World Bank and chief economist for the bank's Africa region.

What:	Media conference with Alan Gelb
When:	Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. eastern
Where:	Charles Lynch Press Conference Room, House of Commons, Ottawa, On

SOURCE: The School of Public Policy - University of Calgary

For more information or to set up an interview after the news conference, media should contact: Morten Paulsen, 403.399.3377, [email protected]