Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

It can be argued that one of Lethbridge’s greatest assets is its diverse and dynamic population, which continues to grow at a steady pace and now sits at over 100.000 with more than 25 percent of the adult population age 35 or less. Over the past several years, Lethbridge’s population has grown by an average of nearly two per cent per year. That’s around 150 new arrivals each month including immigrants and refugees. Lethbridge continues to demonstrate a stable and balanced labour market where employers have access to most of the newcomers. Lethbridge’s labour market also benefits from numerous students graduating from University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College and area high schools each year, which in turn enables graduates to possibly stay in this area and pursue a wide range of employment opportunities. As is the case in any community, a percentage of its residents, for various reasons, are not able to fully embrace these opportunities. The speaker will outline some of the issues involved and shed lig