Budget 2026 Maintains Strong Capital Plan in Tough Fiscal Climate

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The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA), whose members build major capital and infrastructure projects across Canada, said today that Alberta’s Budget 2026 takes a sober and responsible approach in a lower oil-price environment—while maintaining a strong capital plan for major projects across the province.

With the budget projecting a $9.4 billion deficit, PCA stated that Albertans understand these are tough financial times and welcomed the government’s effort to manage uncertainty while keeping Alberta building.

“This is a much more sober budget than what we’ve seen elsewhere, and it reflects the fiscal reality Alberta is facing,” said Paul de Jong, President & CEO of PCA. “Maintaining a strong capital plan is important. In a constrained environment, the focus must be on execution—getting projects built efficiently, on time and with the kind of fair, competitive procurement Alberta is known for.”

PCA also welcomed major investments to expand skilled trades training capacity—particularly additional seats at NAIT tied to the Advanced Skills Centre—saying the budget’s emphasis on training is a direct support for project delivery and economic growth.

“Workforce capacity is one of the biggest constraints on building,” de Jong added. “Investing in training seats is exactly the kind of practical step that helps Alberta deliver hospitals, schools, municipal infrastructure and highways—while creating long-term careers for Albertans.”

PCA said the budget’s disciplined tone and continued commitment to priority infrastructure will also be welcomed by international investors looking for stability, predictability and fiscal sanity—confidence that supports jobs for PCA workers and long-term prosperity for all Albertans.

Finally, PCA noted that lower resource revenues once again underscore the importance of market access and regulatory certainty, pointing to Alberta’s recent initiatives with the federal government on a new pipeline proposal.