Albertans brace as finance minister unveils budget with a second consecutive deficit

Finance Minister Nate Horner is set to table the 2026–27 provincial budget Thursday, and officials say resource revenues will be much lower, contributing to a significant deficit.

Albertans will see the United Conservative government’s proposed 2026–27 budget when Finance Minister Nate Horner tables it on Thursday. Officials have warned that resource revenues are expected to be far lower than in past years. Premier Danielle Smith has said the deficit reflects lower energy prices and rapid population growth. Key points: - The budget is expected to show a multibillion-dollar deficit driven in part by reduced oil and gas revenues. - Finance Minister Nate Horner has said the province will not seek immediate tax increases and emphasized affordability concerns. - Premier Danielle Smith cited population growth and lower energy prices as pressures on health, education and infrastructure spending. - The finance minister is scheduled to table the budget at around 3 p.m. local time on Thursday. Summary: The government presents the budget amid official warnings of much lower resource revenues and a resulting significant deficit. The budget will be tabled at about 3 p.m. local time on Thursday. Undetermined at this time.