Alberta premier to address immigration pressures ahead of provincial budget

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to deliver a televised address this evening focusing on immigration and its impact on provincial services, as her government prepares to table the 2026 budget next week.

Speaking Wednesday, Smith said Alberta’s public finances are facing strain partly due to rapid population growth. The province has led the country in interprovincial migration in recent years, driven by relatively affordable housing and job opportunities in energy and construction sectors.

Smith said some newcomers have been “heavy users” of public services without yet contributing to the tax base or securing employment. She did not provide specific figures but indicated that pressures on health care, education and social supports would be addressed in the upcoming fiscal plan.

Immigration policy is primarily set by the federal government, though provinces manage service delivery and operate nominee programs that select economic immigrants based on local labour market needs. The premier’s remarks come amid ongoing national discussions about housing availability, infrastructure funding and the pace of newcomer arrivals.

The provincial budget is scheduled to be introduced in the legislature next Thursday. It is expected to outline how the government plans to manage growth while maintaining funding for core public services.