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Big spending, big deficit and fee hikes: Highlights from the Alberta budget
Alberta's 2026 budget increases education and health spending by over 5%, raises debt to nearly $109 billion, and implements new taxes on rental vehicles and tourism, officials said.
- Feb. 26, 2026 reporting shows that Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner tabled a budget projecting a $9.4-billion deficit with $7.6 billion in revenue and $8.39 billion in spending.
- Spending on education and health care rises, with education at $138 billion and health at $83.9 billion, exceeding the population-plus-inflation peg of 3.7 per cent.
- A personal rental vehicle tax will take effect in 2027 at six per cent before other taxes, excluding long-term leases and non-passenger rentals.
- This marks the second deficit under Premier Danielle Smith, with a $7.6 billion shortfall projected for 2027 and a $6.9 billion deficit the following year; taxpayer-supported debt will rise nearly $17 billion, reaching almost $109 billion in 2026 and almost $138 billion by 2029.
- A tourism levy rises in April to six per cent from four per cent and fees and penalties increase for filings, licences, and registration affecting businesses and charities.
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It falls slightly despite a significant increase in provincial spending.
·Montreal, Canada
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Alberta Posts $9.4 Billion Deficit, Breaks Own Fiscal Rules
Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner tabled a $9.37 billion deficit budget on Thursday, projecting three consecutive years of red ink as falling oil prices and rapid population growth strain the province’s finances. The 2026-27 budget sets record spending at $83.9 billion — roughly a 5% increase over the current fiscal year — while projecting revenue […]
Coverage Details
Total News Sources7
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 33%
C 67%
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