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Multibillion-Dollar Budget Deficit on Tap as Alberta Introduces Its 2026 Budget
Alberta's 2026-27 deficit nears $10 billion due to lower oil revenues and rising public service costs amid rapid population growth, officials and analysts say.
- On Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, the United Conservative government tables the 2026-27 provincial budget, with analysts expecting a deficit just shy of $10 billion and Premier Danielle Smith warning of significant deficits.
- With Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, analysts say rising expenses from $60 billion to $75 billion and population growth pressure revenues, while WTI near US$61.50 depresses royalties.
- The budget preserves $10.8 billion for education with a seven per cent increase, $7.7 billion for doctors' pay and recruitment, and officials note a five per cent PST could yield about $6 billion.
- Continued deficits mean shortfalls will increase provincial debt and borrowing costs while pressuring health, education and infrastructure funding ahead of political tests later this year.
- Looking ahead, Smith plans to bulk up the Heritage Fund, rule out tax hikes and deep service cuts, and double natural resource production via the proposed pipeline to B.C. coast, blaming former prime minister Justin Trudeau's immigration policies for rising costs.
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Multibillion-dollar budget deficit on tap as Alberta introduces its 2026 budget
EDMONTON - It’s budget day in Alberta, and the overarching question is not whether the budget will show a deficit, but exactly how many billions of dollars in the red
·Toronto, Canada
Read Full ArticleLow oil prices and population growth are at stake, according to the Prime Minister.
·Montreal, Canada
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left6Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 33%
R 17%
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