Strides in attracting health care workers to Lethbridge, but slow progress

Like many communities in Alberta, the Bridge City is facing its share of challenges in attracting and retaining medical professionals. Mayor Blaine Hyggen admits, while it’s not always easy, it’s important to show students, like those at Lethbridge Polytechnic, the advantages of staying here when they graduate.

“If you train in an area, it’s proven time and time again that the odds of you staying in that area are far greater,” the mayor said.

“So, this is what we want to make sure that we can offer any program and keeps those folks within our community.”

One particular student that he’s hoping will stay in the city, once they’ve completed their studies, is his daughter, who graduates from university next month.