Press Release
From: Prairies Economic Development Canada
Over $11.2 million for Lethbridge area organizations and communities announced at the newest PrairiesCan service location
January 19, 2023
Southern Alberta has extensive economic growth opportunities and is a key contributor to the province’s overall prosperity. Lethbridge and its surrounding communities have an abundance of skilled talent, natural resources, iconic tourism destinations and a rich Indigenous history.
Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, officially unveiled a new PrairiesCan service location in Lethbridge. This will bring PrairiesCan directly to the community recognizing the unique circumstances of southern Alberta. The new office is located in the Post, Lethbridge’s historic post office in the heart of downtown.
Communities throughout the Prairies have unique needs and priorities and the people who live there know how to best address them. That is why the Government of Canada is enhancing community economic development across the Prairies by opening seven new PrairiesCan regional offices, including in Lethbridge.
Local entrepreneurs, municipalities, community organizations and more can tap into these services now available in their community. PrairiesCan will continue to serve as an investor, convener and pathfinder supporting businesses, innovation, and communities to build a strong, competitive Prairie economy that benefits everyone.
As part of the launch, Minister Vandal also announced more than $11.2 million in PrairiesCan funding for 18 projects to support tourism, community economic development, and innovation across southern Alberta, supporting 230 jobs.
Examples of projects receiving support include:
These projects have a wide range of impacts, from enhancing manufacturing and agri-food processing, to supporting hands-on learning for youth, and to creating accessible and modern public gathering spaces and will continue to build the region’s vibrant economy, creating jobs and opportunities for Alberta workers.
Quotes
“Southern Alberta plays a large part in Alberta’s prosperity, which is why our government is making investments so the region can continue to build on its strengths while creating and attracting high quality jobs Canadian workers can depend on. Our new PrairiesCan service location in Lethbridge allows us to work with local partners and sharpen our focus on further strengthening the area’s economy. This is just one more example of our government is working in partnership with communities on the Prairies to create new pathways for economic growth and respond to local priorities.”
–The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan
“The Lethbridge region is a driving force in our economy, and our government is committed to making sure it continues to play a major role in our economic prosperity for years to come. We are proud to support these projects that build on the strengths of the region and further diversify Alberta’s economy to create more local jobs and opportunities for everyone.”
–The Honourable Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development, Government of Alberta
“As a City, we understand the value our regional partners bring to our local residents and to the rest of the country. The tagline of the Lethbridge community brand is “Brighter Together” which speaks to how much stronger we are when we collaborate across the region. I’m thrilled to see the immense financial investment and a permanent commitment from PrairiesCan to continue building on that regional strength and amplifying all Southern Alberta has to offer.”
–Blaine Hyggen, Mayor of the City of Lethbridge
“This investment in the University of Lethbridge will further propel southern Alberta’s economic prosperity and technological expertise. Expanding work-integrated learning opportunities for Indigenous youth will help them excel in their studies and future careers. Together, these two programs will help create a bright future for our community.”
–Dr. Mike Mahon, President and Vice-Chancellor
“We are exceptionally grateful for this investment by the Government of Canada solidifying its commitment to the agriculture economy in Southern Alberta. As we prepare to open our doors in Spring 2023, we do so knowing that we will welcome the world with state-of-the-art digital assets to match the industry leading innovations occurring throughout the region, further proving we are Canada’s Agriculture Destination”
–Mike Warkentin, Chief Executive Officer, Lethbridge & District Exhibition
“Sugar beets have a long history in helping shape Southern Alberta and we are grateful for this funding opportunity to look at ways in which sugar beets can continue to contribute to the growth and development of this province and country.”
–Dave Cailliau, Industry Development Chair of Alberta Sugar Beet Growers
“This investment from PrairiesCan will allow us to complete development of our new agriculture applied research and innovation centre and hire skilled personnel to operate our state-of-the-art agriculture research laboratory. We appreciate this commitment to agriculture research in southern Alberta as Lethbridge College’s researchers work to find innovative solutions that support industry and drive change in sustainable food production.”
–Dr. Brad Donaldson, Lethbridge College President and CEO
“PrairiesCan investment shall provide unique opportunities for art, heritage, culture and history to come together and reflect the diversity of the creative south-western Alberta sector for years to come. Enriching our community with new stories and building capacity for future story tellers to develop their craft and have a place to showcase their talents demonstrates the value of culture in Alberta.”
–Darrin J Martens, CEO/Executive Director, Galt Museum & Archives
Quick facts
Related products
Associated links
Contacts
Kyle Allen
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
[email protected]
Rohit Sandhu
Communications Manager
Prairies Economic Development Canada
[email protected]
IBF5
182 total views, 2 views today