Alberta's finance minister, Nate Horner, addressed the Calgary Chamber of Commerce in an effort to gain support for the province's 2026 budget, which boasts substantial spending plans yet also reveals a staggering deficit exceeding $9 billion. Horner emphasized the need for continued investment in public services despite fiscal pressures, fueled by a growing population and low oil prices, arguing that these measures are essential to weathering economic challenges ahead.

Criticism has emerged from the Opposition NDP, which accuses Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative government of poor economic management. They argue that the government has squandered gains from the previous oil boom, leading to a situation where future generations are left to deal with massive debt. This political contention underscores the broader debate within Alberta about fiscal responsibility versus the necessity for spending to drive growth.

Furthermore, local responses from the mayors of Calgary and Edmonton reflect divergent interpretations of the budget’s implications. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas expressed concerns over a significant increase in the education property tax that will affect residents, while Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack acknowledged the tax hike as a necessary measure to ensure adequate funding for schools. This split among local leaders highlights the budget's controversial nature and its varied impact on the province's two largest cities.