BY SHONDELL SABAD, SENIOR STRATEGIC ADVISOR AT THE ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP

As we head toward a federal election, the national conversation must focus on economic growth – not just in abstract terms, but in ways that actually improve the lives of Canadians. The truth is, our overall GDP growth masks a serious problem: Canada’s GDP per capita is in free fall.

According to Visual Capitalist, Canada ranks dead last among developed countries in real GDP per capita growth over the past decade. That means while our population has grown, our prosperity has not. Our standard of living has declined compared to peers like Australia, Germany, and the U.K., and even relative to most U.S. states.

GDP per capita is the most telling indicator of a country’s economic health. It measures how productive we are, how much we earn, and what quality of life we can expect. Growth driven by immigration and government spending, without a rise in productivity, simply spreads our wealth thinner.

This isn’t just a data point – it’s a warning sign. Higher taxes. Longer wait times. Declining affordability. Stretched services. These are the consequences of declining per-person prosperity.

We cannot rely on population growth and public spending to sustain us. We need bold, private-sector-driven economic growth powered by investment, innovation, and smarter fiscal policy.

If we want better outcomes, we must demand better ideas. GDP per capita must be front and centre in this election. As voters, we all have a role to play in reversing Canada’s economic decline. It’s time to raise our expectations – and our voices.