Lethbridge-West MLA Rob Miyashiro is reacting to the 2026 Alberta budget. (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

UCP budget ‘delivered so little’ for Albertans, says Lethbridge-West MLA

Feb 27, 2026 | 1:05 PM

A local politician is questioning the validity of this week’s provincial budget and the United Conservative Party (UCP) itself.

Lethbridge-West MLA Rob Miyashiro, who is part of the Alberta NDP, is reacting to the budget, which was delivered on Thursday, Feb. 26, by Finance Minister Nate Horner.

The budget delivers increases in spending in areas like healthcare and education, but it comes with a $9.4 billion deficit.

The next two budgets are projected to carry deficits of $7.6 billion in 2027 and $6.9 billion in 2028.

Horner cited low oil prices and rapid population growth for the budgetary downturn, as Premier Danielle Smith also alluded to earlier this month.

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READ MORE: Big spending, big deficit and fee hikes: Highlights from the Alberta budget

Miyashiro says the UCP was handed “some of the strongest economic conditions in a generation,” yet presented a large deficit with a debt projection that will double in Alberta to $137 billion.

“Alberta has the highest oil production in our history and near‑record royalties,” says Miyashiro. “So, why is life getting harder for everyday Albertans while this government drives us deeper into debt?”

The New Democrat says the provincial government has spent so much of Albertans’ money and delivered “so little in return,” adding that Albertans will be paying the price through rising costs.

“The UCP’s 2026 budget will actually add more costs for Albertans by raising fees for seniors in continuing care, for small business owners, for drivers, for truckers, for trades workers. The provincial government is even raising property taxes,” says Miyashiro.

The City of Calgary reports the provincial portion of property taxes will increase by 21.05 per cent in 2026. Based on a typical single-family home in Calgary, assessed at $706,000, families would have to pay an additional $339 this year just for the provincial portion.

The City of Lethbridge has not released a similar calculation for what the tax hike would be for its homeowners.

Miyashiro says that, after seven years of UCP government, life is getting harder for Albertans.

“Albertans deserve a government that can turn economic strength into better lives for people. If the UCP won’t do that, it’s time for a government that will,” he adds.

Some items in the budget that specifically impact southern Alberta are:

• $59 million over three years toward a catheterization lab at Chinook Regional Hospital, as well as intensive care unit (ICU) capacity at Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.
• $35 million for the development of the University of Lethbridge’s Rural Medical Teaching School.
• $10 million over three years for an expansion to the Renal Dialysis unit at Chinook Regional Hospital
• $74 million over three years for the Cardston Health Centre Replacement Project, replacing one of Alberta’s oldest standing hospitals.
• $2 million for planning for the Centre for Community Wellness at Medicine Hat College.
• $61 million over three years for the twinning of Highway 3 from Taber to Burdett.
• $152 million over three years for the twinning of Highway 3 from Seven Persons to Medicine Hat.

READ MORE: Lethbridge mayor encouraged by local investments in Alberta budget