Fraser Institute
The Fraser Institute is a Canadian nonprofit public policy research and educational organization, registered as a charity (Business Registration Number: 119233823RR0001). Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Vancouver, it operates regional offices in Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax. The institute describes itself as non-partisan and independent, focusing on issues such as taxation, health care, education, economic freedom, energy, and environmental policy. Its mission is to "improve the quality of life for Canadians" by analyzing government policies and promoting competitive markets, entrepreneurship, and individual choice[1][3][4].

History and Activities

The Fraser Institute conducts research through self-published reports, workshops, and seminars, emphasizing data-driven analysis with the slogan "If it matters, measure it." It has hosted prominent figures such as economist Milton Friedman and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Key research areas include economic freedom indices, minimum wage impacts, and critiques of government intervention in markets. A 2021 study argued that raising minimum wages in Canada disproportionately affects younger workers and does not reduce poverty[4][5].

Funding

As a registered charity in Canada and the U.S., the Fraser Institute relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations, explicitly avoiding government grants. Annual revenue grew from $421,389 in 1975 to nearly CA$12 million by 2022[1][3]. Major donors include the Charles Koch Foundation, ExxonMobil, and the late Canadian businessman Peter Munk, who contributed $5 million in 2016. The Aurea Foundation, established by Barrick Gold founder Peter Munk, provided over $1.6 million between 2006 and 2012[1][5].

Affiliations

The institute is an associate member of the State Policy Network, a coalition of free-market organizations, and collaborates with international think tanks in over 80 countries. It has faced scrutiny for accepting funding from foreign sources, including $1.7 million from non-Canadian donors in 2010 alone[1][4][5].

Criticism

Critics, including DeSmog, have questioned the institute's ties to fossil fuel interests and corporate donors, arguing that its advocacy for deregulation aligns with donor priorities. The Fraser Institute maintains that its research remains independent and peer-reviewed[1][5].