By Patrick Burles - @Patrick Burles on Twitter

Wildrose Shadow Minister in Lethbridge as Part of Economic Diversification Tour

Aug 10, 2016 | 2:13 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The Wildrose Shadow Minister for Economic Diversification and Trade stopped in Lethbridge Wednesday (Aug 10), as part of a tour to examine the challenges facing Alberta.

Prasad Panda met with the media at tecconnect, noting that while he wants to hear people’s concerns, he also wants to gather information that can help the province grow and develop.

“If there are any best practices in a particular economic development region, I want to take it to the other regions of Alberta and share with them whatever I’m hearing and learning,” explained Panda.

One key Panda discussed, was a greater emphasis on economic diversification and not relying so heavily on the oil sector. He specifically noted agriculture exports, tourism and forestry as areas that are showing potential, before highlighting one in particular.

“All the new incubators, they’re talking about off-shoots of Google or Microsoft, that kind of business,” Panda stated. “So we have to see how we can get our post-secondary students to focus on those skill developments.”

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Having said that, Panda noted that his tour will include stops at post-secondary institutions – such as the University of Lethbridge – to hear from educators and students.