CHARLOTTETOWN — Prince Edward Island’s finance minister has tabled a record deficit budget for the second year in a row.

Jill Burridge introduced the 2026-27 budget in Charlottetown today with a $410-million deficit.

It’s more than double the $184-million deficit the Progressive Conservative government tabled last spring, which was a record at the time.

This year, Premier Rob Lantz’s government plans to spend about $3.8 billion, with just $3.4 billion in revenue.

The fiscal plan includes $269 million in new spending.

Burridge says it also contains about $321 million in measures designed to help Islanders with affordability.

“Across our communities, we are seeing the impact of growth,” Burridge told the legislature.

“More people. More demand. And increasing pressure on the services that Islanders rely on every day. And government must do the same, making careful choices to support Islanders while ensuring our finances remain sustainable.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 14, 2026.

The Canadian Press