This morning the Fraser Institute released its 2011 report on the Economic Freedom of North America. The report measures economic freedom within the Canadian provinces, the United States and Mexico.

This year’s report reveals a decline in economic freedom in the United States, hindering recovery from the recession. To explain the impact this decline has on our future, lead author of the report Professor Nathan Ashby states,

“High levels of economic freedom are a key ingredient in creating prosperity. States with high levels of economic freedom provide families with higher standards of living. Conversely, states and provinces with low levels of economic freedom will see families experience lower standards of living and reduced opportunities.”

While some states fare better than others, Alberta, Canada has risen to the top of the list of most economically-free places in North America, ousting Delaware from its top spot.

To view individual state rankings and read more about the report, the Fraser Institute’s full report is available below as well as at www.freetheworld.com.