Mayor’s statement on 2026 Provincial Budget

I was pleased to attend the budget announcement in Edmonton, on behalf of Lethbridge City Council.   

We are excited at the announcement of $59 million across the next three years dedicated for developing a catheterization laboratory and enhancing intensive care unit (ICU) capacity at Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. We are also encouraged by the provincial government keeping the other existing commitments to Lethbridge and the region, such as the Southern Alberta Medical Program at the University of Lethbridge. 

It will take some time to review the entire scope of the 2026 provincial budget, including discussions with our Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, to see the full picture for our city. We look forward to working with the provincial government in the coming weeks and months to learn more about what this proposed budget means specifically for Lethbridge.  

As always, Lethbridge City Council will continue to advocate for the supports we need in our city to best serve our residents.   

-Mayor Blaine Hyggen