Alberta sets budget date for Feb. 26, warns will be tough one amid global uncertainty

The United Conservative government is warning Albertans that the upcoming budget will be a tough one.

EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government says it will bring in the new budget on Feb. 26 and is warning it will be a tough one.

Finance Minister Nate Horner says declining oil prices and ongoing global trade conflict and uncertainty mean the government faces what he calls “tough choices.”

He says the goal is to make responsible decisions to protect the province’s financial future.

The current budget is already deep in the red ink.

The province is projecting a $6.4-billion deficit when the fiscal year ends in March.

That represents a massive multibillion-dollar swing from an $8.3-billion surplus the year prior.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 3, 2026.

Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press