Edmonton, AB – Alberta Budget 2026 includes several measures aligned with the priorities of Alberta Chambers of Commerce members—maintaining Alberta’s tax advantage, strengthening economic competitiveness, and continuing disciplined growth of the Heritage Fund. At the same time, projected deficits, rising debt, and the absence of a clear path back to balance by 2028 raise serious concerns about Alberta’s long-term fiscal position.

With ongoing energy price volatility and trade uncertainty, Alberta needs a predictable and disciplined fiscal framework that supports investment and protects competitiveness. Our network continues to emphasize spending discipline over structural deficits, and we encourage the government to pair priority investments with clear expenditure restraint and a credible plan to restore balance.

If the oil and gas prices remain low for an extended period of time, government revenues will be lower than budgeted. In this event, how acceptable to you are each of the following?

(Alberta Perspectives Provincial Priorities, 2025)

As the province responds to growth pressures and service demands, the path back to balance still needs to be clear and credible. Structural deficits and debt are not a sustainable fiscal strategy – difficult trade-offs can’t be deferred indefinitely.

We urge the government to follow through on its commitment to a comprehensive review of provincial revenues to inform a fiscal plan that starts with spending restraint, restores balance, and protects Alberta’s economic advantage.

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For more information, please contact: 

Dana Severson

Manager, Advocacy and Research

Alberta Chambers of Commerce

dseverson@abchamber.ca | Phone: (780) 425-4180 ext. 2

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is a federation of 106 community-based chambers of commerce representing nearly 22,000 job creators.