Lethbridge, Alberta - Economic Development Lethbridge is pleased to host a ‘food for thought’ luncheon on April 29, 2016. The Honourable Shannon Phillips, MLA Lethbridge West will provide attendees with an overview of the key highlights of the provincial budget and how this may impact the local community. Following the presentation, Minister Phillips will also participate in a moderated question and answer session, creating an opportunity for participants to actively engage in conversation and provide feedback.

"Budget 2016 is one of the most important in decades,” says Minister Phillips. “While it faces the tough reality of a deficit it also sets forth a strategic plan to stimulate the economy and job creation, expand the use of renewables, trigger innovation, and invest in infrastructure.”

The budget highlights opportunities that could impact the community in the future in relation to areas such as renewable energy projects, regional economic development initiatives, capital investment and investment tax credits as well as a reduction in the provincial small business tax rate. Lethbridge will also be directly impacted by the budget announcement through three significant infrastructure projects which include:

• $15 million towards the Lethbridge Chinook Regional Hospital, $9 million of which will come this fiscal years
• $248 million for the University if Lethbridge Destination Project over five years; roughly half of that will come this fiscal year.
• $24 million over five years for Lethbridge College’s “trades and technology renewal and innovation.” It will see more than half this fiscal year.

 
*Source: Global News with a file from Global’s Nancy Hixt

“Budget 2016 outlines our plan for the next year as we assist families, stabilize public services, and encourage entrepreneurship,” adds Phillips. “We are helping Albertans who have faced job loss with significant investments into training and apprenticeships. We are encouraging investments into renewable energy, a sector that holds great promise for Southern Albertan businesses.  And we are doing this while stabilizing funding for the important services that Albertans have asked us to protect: health, education, and supports to seniors and families. I look forward to a frank discussion with you about the reality of our current fiscal situation and our government's plan for the way through.”

“Economic Development Lethbridge is pleased to host an event that will increase understanding of provincial budget priorities and the connection to the community,” says EDL CEO Trevor Lewington. “Initiatives like Team Lethbridge lay the foundation for increased connection between our community and the provincial government which in turn creates opportunities for our organization to continue to raise awareness about Lethbridge and the role we play in the provincial economy.”

The ‘food for thought’ luncheon will take place at the Coast Lethbridge Hotel & Conference Centre on Friday, April 29 from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $40 and available here or through the home page of chooselethbridge.ca. Minister Phillips will be available for media interviews immediately following the luncheon. A media invite will also be sent out the week of the event.

 
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Contact:          
Trevor Lewington
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: (403) 331-0022 Cell: (403) 330-3701