Overview
- The Progressive Conservative government presented its first full-year budget that follows through on affordability promises from last fall’s campaign.
- Measures include a higher income threshold before provincial tax applies, a larger child benefit, a boosted seniors benefit, a tuition freeze at Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic, and phased small‑business tax cuts through 2028.
- Health spending rises to a record $5.4 billion, and the plan adds police, prosecutors, judges, and court staff to strengthen public safety.
- The government reports a $729 million deficit for 2025–26 and projects a $688 million shortfall for 2026–27, with larger gaps expected through 2030 and net debt reaching $20.8 billion.
- Revenues rely on about $2 billion from offshore oil based on 96.7 million barrels at US$79 Brent and a 74.1‑cent Canadian dollar, and the forecast excludes any Churchill Falls hydro revenue until a deal is signed.