Alberta Premier Smith set to give TV address ahead of provincial budget

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Feb, 2026 09:52 AM

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she will give a television address on Thursday, a week ahead of the provincial budget.

Smith announced there would be a TV address at an unrelated news conference in Calgary.

She didn't share what would be discussed, and a spokesman for the premier's office says details would come later.

In one of her last major public addresses, Smith promised a referendum on provincial separation if citizens gathered enough signatures on a petition.

Finance Minister Nate Horner is scheduled to deliver the budget on Feb. 26.

Smith has said Albertans should expect a tough budget with "significant" deficits, as the province grapples with low oil prices, but has ruled out tax hikes and deep service cuts.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken

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