March 5, 2026
RED FM News Desk
The opposition Alberta New Democratic Party is warning that Budget 2026 will make life more expensive for residents of Calgary, who are already dealing with rising costs.
Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi said the budget forces Calgarians to bear the consequences of what he described as government mismanagement by the United Conservative Party.
“This budget asks Calgarians to shoulder the consequences of UCP mismanagement,” Nenshi said. “Despite some of the strongest economic conditions in a generation, the government has delivered a massive deficit with no clear path to balance. In short, they’ve wasted the boom during the boom and are sticking Calgarians with the bill.”
Diana Batten, MLA for Calgary–Acadia, said families in her community are already feeling the pressure from rising living costs.
“I hear from families every day who say life has never felt more expensive, and this budget only drives costs higher,” Batten said. “Instead of helping people, the UCP is making it even harder to build a good life in this city.”
According to the NDP, Budget 2026 includes more than 30 new or increased fees and taxes. The most immediate impact for Calgarians will be the largest provincial property tax increase in the city’s history — a 21 per cent jump from last year, which is expected to cost the typical family about $350 more annually.
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