Alberta’s 2026 budget projected a C$9.4 billion deficit, but the outlook has improved sharply as WTI oil prices have run well above the budget assumption of $60.50 US per barrel. With prices holding above $70 US for much of spring and summer and briefly topping $100 US, the province could end the year with a surplus of about C$5 billion. The shift is driven entirely by oil, with each $1 move in WTI affecting annual provincial revenue by roughly C$680 million. Officials and economists caution the surplus is not assured and depends on oil prices staying elevated through the rest of the fiscal year, with risks including easing U.S.–Iran tensions and trade disruptions.

Meta said it will build its first Canadian data centre in Sturgeon County, Alberta, investing more than $13 billion and using both grid electricity and onsite natural gas generation. The company also pledged $60 million for local infrastructure and said the facility will use a closed-loop, liquid-cooled “dry cooling” system to eliminate operational water use. Meta expects 3,000 construction jobs and 300 operational roles, with the site slated to begin operating in the next few years.