Downtown Lethbridge. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Ottawa announces $2-million to support jobs in Southern Alberta

Nov 12, 2020 | 10:49 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – 13 organizations in Southern Alberta are receiving funding to support up to 2,700 jobs.

The federal government has announced funding through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), which is intended for small and medium-sized businesses that have been unable to access other federal relief measures.

“Businesses all across Canada have been hit hard by COVID-19. That’s why, through Regional Development Agencies like Western Economic Diversification Canada, the federal government is providing businesses vital support, and saving thousands of jobs. Our government committed to create one million jobs, and I want to assure southern Alberta business owners and workers that while we manage this health crisis, we will be there to support you for as long as it takes, with whatever it takes, and we will get through this together,” says Economic Development Minister Melanie Joly.

Economic Development Lethbridge is one of the funding recipients. The full list is as follows:

• Alberta Clean Technology Industry Alliance (ACTia)
• Alberta IoT
• Calgary Chamber of Commerce
• Calgary Economic Development
• Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Corporation-West (CETAC-WEST)
• Creative Destruction Lab Rockies (CDL-R)
• Economic Developers Alberta (EDA)
• Economic Development Lethbridge
• Mount Royal University – Business Scale Up Program
• National Angel Capital Organization
• The A100
• The Alberta Food Processors Association
• University of Calgary – Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) lab

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

RRRF funding was created as many businesses have faced new barriers and challenges when it comes to accessing capital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supported agencies will work with companies ranging from startups that need help to get going or more mature businesses looking to grow.

More details on the RRRF program here.