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Healthy Economic Growth to Continue for Lethbridge

Sep 17, 2019
For Immediate Release

Lethbridge, AB…The Conference Board of Canada released their mid-sized cities report earlier today, and the news for Lethbridge continues to be encouraging. According to the report, “Lethbridge’s economy has fired on all cylinders over the past two years, expanding by 5.8 per cent in 2017 and by 5.1 per cent in 2018.” The strong economic performance locally can be partially attributed to having a reasonably diversified economy, which provides stability according to the report. Lethbridge is expected to see its GDP expand by 2.6% in 2019 and is forecasted to grow another 2.7% in 2020. The numbers are positive for the city at a time when the overall provincial GDP remains stalled. “Lethbridge economic growth continues to outpace most other areas in Alberta partly due to the strength of our agriculture, manufacturing and non-commercial services sectors.” commented Economic Development Lethbridge CEO, Trevor Lewington.  

The diverse nature of the Lethbridge economy has been a key component in sustaining employment growth. The report highlights job growth of 2,900 in the most recent year, led by gains in Construction, Personal Services and Information & Cultural Industries (which includes tech-based employment). The local economy witnessed growth across a variety of sectors, with the gains in the Primary & Utilities sector (which includes agriculture) and Non-Commercial Services (which includes education and healthcare) leading the way. Lewington remarked on how strong performances in these sectors keep Lethbridge viable as a great place to do business. “We know that we have two world class post-secondary institutions in our city and creating opportunities to retain our graduates is critical to ensuring a workforce with the skills for the future.”  

Economic Development Lethbridge board chair Jenn Schmidt-Rempel, explains how the work groups like EDL help in keeping a local economy strong “Economic Development Lethbridge plays a key role in our city as both a leader in economic development and setting the tone for positive growth. This report from the Conference Board underscores that our work around the priorities of investment attraction, business retention and expansion as well as innovation and entrepreneurship are on the right track.” 

The mid-sized cities report includes a summary of the Conference Board’s economic forecasts for Canada and for each of the provinces that is home to the seven featured cities in the report. (Sault Ste. Marie, Brandon, Moose Jaw, Lethbridge, Red Deer, Prince George & Chilliwack) The report, published annually, provides public and private decision-makers comprehensive insight into the economies of Canada’s mid-sized cities. 

Economic Development Lethbridge is an arm’s length organization, supported by the City of Lethbridge, governed by a 25-member volunteer Board of Directors and managed by a team of professionals dedicated to promoting economic prosperity in Lethbridge.


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For more information, contact:     

Trevor Lewington, CEO

Economic Development Lethbridge 

403.331.0022 or 403.330.3701

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