You have to file in both countries. You also have to file documents to indicate bank balances, a separate filing.
In 2011 if you are a bona fide resident of a foreign country, including Canada - which has certain requirements, your first $92,900.00 USD in this case in Canadian income is exempt (you have to convert CDN $ to US $ to figure this out). Over that amount you have to pay US taxes.
As to Alberta, Canadian taxes are higher than in the USA, as is the cost of living, though Alberta is better than most. The health care system is not really free, since you pay for it in taxes, nor does it cover everything – there is inexpensive (relative to the USA) supplemental health insurance for preexisting conditions. Health care is run by the provinces, which means more local control. It is not run by the federal government as it is in the UK and which is where Obamacare is heading.
Housing in Edmonton is expensive. There is a real estate bubble due to the oil patch boom. There is work however. Getting into Canada is not as easy as the article presents, long term the two countries are heading in different directions financially.
The Canadian national debt is too high, and some provinces, such as Ontario, are also from a conservative view point, though Alberta is not one of them. But this is a relative matter. The CDN national debt is about $18,000/ person the USA debt is $180,000 /person- add a zero.
Thank you for all the information and your time.