Canada's oil-rich province of Alberta is forecasting a deficit of C$9.4bn ($6.9bn; £5.1bn), citing a "dramatic" increase in its population coupled with low oil prices.
The once debt-free province called the deficit "a tough pill to swallow", saying it will have to break its own fiscal restraint laws and that it cannot balance the budget for the next three years.
The projection comes as the province prepares to put several referendum questions to voters later this year, including one that would restrict access to certain social services for some newcomers.
Alberta is also grappling with a grassroot movement that is gathering signatures to force a separate referendum on secession from Canada.
Delivering the economic outlook on Thursday, Alberta's finance minister Nate Horner said the province is dealing with a "dramatic" increase in its population at the same time as oil prices dip.
