Budget 2026 supports communities and investing in business and industry.

By Lethbridge Herald on February 28, 2026.

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman

Lethbridge Herald

Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams says Budget 2026 reflects the difficult but responsible choices required in times of real challenge. 

“By maintaining essential funding and delivering on our commitments, we continue to support communities today while building for the future,” says Williams.

Budget 2026 supports communities by investing $7.1 billion to support local infrastructure needs including roads, water systems, bridges, and essential community facilities, including: 

• $2.6 billion over three years to maintain the Local Government Fiscal Framework providing municipalities with predictable, stable funding.
• $103 million for drought and flood mitigation projects to support communities improve their long-term resilience. 
• $38 million for wildfire investment to sustain the province’s commitment to wildfire pre-suppression and response. 

This does not include capital investment for five air tankers, as delivery of these aircrafts is expected to begin in 2031 and therefore, funding will be included in future capital plans. 

• $19 million for public safety and emergency infrastructure, including Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System and environmental monitoring. 
• $21.2 million over three years to expand the electronic monitoring program, helping keep communities safe. 

Budget 2026 also helps maintain Alberta as a global leader of responsible, reliable energy production with and Minister of Energy and Minerals, Brian Jean says our economy is fuelled by responsibly produced oil and gas, and the global demand has never been higher or more important. 

“The investments we are making in the energy sector in Budget 2026 will ensure we are able to build hospitals, schools and roads, and power this province for generations to come,” says Jean. 

Budget 2026 allocates $15 million over 2025-26 and 2026-27 for early planning work to advance an oil pipeline to the West Coast. This includes cost estimates and engagement to help inform a credible proposal for federal consideration. 

Funding for system enhancements to implement the Bitumen Royalty in Kind program.
System upgrades are needed for this program that could help the province obtain the top global price for oil and spur private investment. 

$530,000 to continue engagement with people across Alberta about nuclear energy and develop a provincial roadmap and regulatory framework. 

Alberta’s government will begin the sale of Renewable Energy Credits to make up a small portion of the losses from the Renewable Energy Program, which was introduced by a previous government. 

Budget 2026 is also investing into diversifying Alberta’s economy and expanding opportunities for businesses with: 

• $9 million over three years for the Cooperative Seed Processors Program to upgrade aging infrastructure, equipment and technology in seed processing facilities. 
• $4.6 billion over three years to develop and maintain provincially owned network of roads and bridges that connect municipalities and communities throughout Alberta, supporting safe and efficient flow of industrial, commercial and passenger traffic. 
• $129 million in 2026 for economic development and trade, supporting investment attraction and enhancing internal and international trade. 

And Budget 2026 supports business growth, investment attraction and long-term competitiveness through: 

• $25 million over three years to support Indigenous-led projects through the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative and the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund. 
• $20 million for small business supports and regional economic development to drive local growth and job creation. 
• $385 million over three years for the Innovation and Employment Grant program that provides small- and medium-sized businesses with refundable tax credits for qualifying investments in research and development in the province. 
• $15 million over three years to support the Passenger Rail Master Plan to develop a passenger rail network. 
• A $76 million investment in Travel Alberta that will create jobs and support family-owned businesses and Indigenous-led tourism operators, helping local economies thrive.  
• $87 million over three years for the Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program (APIP) that attracts investment and supports Alberta’s position as a global petrochemical producer. 

To date, Alberta’s government has committed $647 million to five major projects representing $9.1 billion in private-sector investment across petrochemicals, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels. 

$225,000 in 2026–27 for the creation of the Premier’s Investment Council Secretariat, which will enable a more consolidated and strategic approach to investment attraction across government departments and key partner agencies.