The province’s projected deficit for 2026-27 has grown from the $1.24 billion that was forecast when the budget was tabled in February.
The deficit is now projected to be $1.4 billion.
The government says in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, 11 departments and other entities required additional appropriations totalling $249.6 million.
Meanwhile, it says the deficit for 2025-26 was also $1.4 billion.
The province says revenues were higher than expected in the last fiscal year but spending outpaced that increase because of three factors:
They are $592.6 million in one-time restructuring costs, a $384.6-million increase in healthcare costs and a $76.3-million increase in seniors’ care costs.

