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Local entrepreneurs pushing Lethbridge ahead with a healthy economic wellbeing

Feb 8, 2017 | 3:38 PM

LETHBRIDGE – As we enter into a new year, it’s fitting to thank those who have contributed to the economic wellbeing we’ve enjoyed here in Lethbridge. 

Thank you to the businesses and entrepreneurs that call Lethbridge and the surrounding area home. You have helped protect us from the worst of the jobs crisis in Alberta. Your continued success has demonstrated a tenacious and innovative spirit that has enriched us all. Despite increased taxes, government red tape and new policies that have caused significant job losses in other parts of the province, our Lethbridge entrepreneurs have helped us weather the storm. 

Lethbridge is frequently mentioned in top ten lists for being one of the best places to do business in Canada. In December, Lethbridge’s unemployment rate was 6.4%, which is significantly lower than the Alberta average of 8.1%. While Alberta’s unemployment rate increased by 1.7% last year, it only increased by half of that (0.7%) in Lethbridge.

There is over $500 million in private investment in major business developments planned for Lethbridge in the next year. There was also a significant increase in building permits in 2016, at a time when permits were decreasing in most of the province.

Our shared prosperity is thanks to the world-class products and services that we develop here. From our agricultural sector that produces beef, poultry, pork, sugar beets, potatoes, grains, lentils and pulses; to the innovators in oil & gas, clean energy, financial and business services; to the educators who draw students from around the globe to study at our university, college and trade schools.

With a young, dynamic and innovative workforce trained in the skills of today, we have every reason to be confident in our community’s continued prosperity – even in the toughest of times.

Thank you to the champions of industry, such as the Chambers of Commerce, the Lethbridge Construction Association and the Canadian Home Builder’s Association in Lethbridge, for all the work you do to promote a healthy business culture here.

We know there will be challenges ahead. No one fully understands how damaging the Carbon Tax will be. It remains to be seen how the new American government will affect the competitiveness of our export industries here in Lethbridge. However, I have faith in the people of Lethbridge and the skills and talents we bring to work each and every day. We have a thriving entrepreneurial culture here in our community and investors are noticing. This is good news not just for those in business, but for our entire community. When businesses thrive we all win, as jobs are created and social initiatives are supported. It is with great pride that I represent the riding of Lethbridge in our nation’s capital.