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EDMONTON — Alberta’s finance minister is warning of tough choices ahead as the province prepares to table Budget 2026 in what he describes as a more difficult fiscal environment.
Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, said lower-than-anticipated oil prices, ongoing trade conflict and global economic uncertainty are weighing on provincial revenues.
“Albertans know these times aren’t easy and the path ahead will require tough choices, but Alberta’s government has a clear path forward,” Horner said in a statement. “We are making responsible decisions now, to protect the province’s financial future, stay focused on what matters, and ensure Alberta remains strong for our children and grandchildren.”
Horner said declining resource revenue and increasing demand for programs and services from a growing population are straining the province’s fiscal position.
“Global markets are weak, oil prices are low, and that reality is showing up in Alberta’s books,” he said. “When revenue drops, spending and deficits have to adjust — there’s no way around it. Our job is to make hard decisions early, set firm limits, and protect the province’s fiscal footing.”
He added that discipline is essential to maintaining stability.
“Discipline matters because once it’s gone, services, jobs, and stability are put at risk. Discipline today means stability for the future.”
The government says Budget 2026 will reflect a deliberate and disciplined approach to spending and revenue generation, with a focus on managing pressures while protecting essential services.
Between November 2025 and January 2026, more than 16,500 Albertans submitted input through an online public survey on budget priorities. More than 22,000 people also participated in a December telephone town hall hosted by Horner.
Under Alberta’s legislated fiscal framework, the budget must be released before the end of February. Budget 2026 is scheduled to be tabled Feb. 26.
Horner said no further comment will be made on budget contents until its release.
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