Lethbridge Herald
Apr 13, 2024
AT THE LEGISLATURE
Nathan Neudorf – UCP MLA for Lethbridge East
Exciting news is on the horizon for Southern Alberta as Budget 2024 unveils substantial investments aimed at propelling our region’s healthcare and infrastructure sectors to new heights.
With a focus on the expansion of the University of Lethbridge (U of L) medical school and critical wastewater treatment initiatives in Lethbridge, the future looks brighter than ever.
Budget 2024 marks a momentous occasion with a generous allocation of $224.8 million towards the creation of a new U of L rural focussed medical school, representing a substantial leap forward in medical education and healthcare services. This investment goes beyond mere financial figures; it’s about reshaping our community’s healthcare landscape and nurturing the future leaders of medicine.
With $43.2 million earmarked for a cutting-edge training center right here in Lethbridge, equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms and advanced simulation facilities, we’re ensuring our students receive unparalleled training.
Additionally, $55.6 million will sustain operational expenses, guaranteeing that our training centres in Lethbridge and Grand Prairie remain thriving hubs of medical excellence.
Our investment in expanding physician training programs, to the tune of $126 million, is inspired by the success of similar initiatives in Northern Ontario and British Columbia.
With an impressive 72 per cent rural retention rate for healthcare professionals, these programs underscore our dedication to keeping doctors within our local communities.
Excitingly, the U of L is hoping to invite their first cohort of training physicians in the 2025-2026 school year – a truly inspiring time for medical education in Lethbridge!
But that’s not all – we’re also committed to bolstering our infrastructure. With a $2.8 million grant allocated for the City of Lethbridge’s water treatment plant expansion, we’re taking significant strides towards securing a sustainable future for our city. This funding jumpstarts essential planning and design efforts, laying the groundwork for increased wastewater treatment capacity and healthier communities.
And on the education front, there’s more good news to share. The Lethbridge School Division is poised to receive design funding for the modernization of Galbraith School, while ongoing construction funding drives the development of new K-5 and K-6 elementary schools in Lethbridge-West for both the Lethbridge School and Holy Spirit Divisions.
Let’s not overlook the gym expansion project at Ecole la Verendrye – all part of our vision for fostering vibrant, inspiring learning environments for our children.
With a renewed sense of optimism and a firm commitment to building a brighter future for Southern Alberta, Budget 2024 is paving the way for progress and prosperity. Get ready to join us on this exciting journey as we work together to make our community stronger than ever before!