EDMONTON, AB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is warning Albertans that the province is in a dangerous debt spiral in the wake of the 2026-27 budget.

“Spending is up, debt is up, taxes are up and this is a terrible budget for taxpayers,” said Kris Sims, CTF Alberta Director. “This spending is irresponsible with the debt hitting $100 billion for the first time and this government isn’t even bothering to make obvious spending cuts.

“The Alberta government needs to stop wasting so much money.”

The government is borrowing $9.4 billion and the provincial debt will hit $108.9 billion this year.

This year, interest payments on the debt will cost Albertans $3.4 billion. That’s $280 million per month.

The Alberta government increased spending 5.7 per cent compared to last year.

Spending on pay for government employees will cost taxpayers $37.9 billion this budget year, up by 8.6 per cent from last year’s forecast.

The provincial government is increasing funding for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts by $3.5 million to a total of $43 million estimated for next year. The foundation has given grants for things such as food container garbage taped to Christmas tinsel and a video of someone hiding behind a big sheet of paper.

Meanwhile, the Alberta government is raising taxes.

The Alberta government is raising the education property tax. The increase will cost taxpayers about $468 million more than it did last year.

There’s a new tax on rented vehicles that will cost taxpayers about $36 million. 

The hotel tax is going up from four per cent to six per cent, taking in about $66 million. 

“This budget is infuriating because Premier Danielle Smith didn’t even bother to cut wasteful spending on ‘art’ made out of garbage, but she’s raising property taxes on families’ homes and pushing the debt over $100 billion,” said Sims. “The premier can’t just pass the buck to Ottawa or shrug it off because of oil prices that routinely fluctuate.

“Smith needs to take responsibility and cut spending.”

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