Is Demographics and Diversity changing Lethbridge? Are we growing Bigger and Better or just Bigger? (Part 2 Q&A)

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 light on the many long term benefits we continue to receive from adding energetic and culturally diverse refugees, immigrants and newcomers to our community. Speaker: Sarah Amies Sarah Amies has lived, worked and raised a family in Lethbridge since 1982. She graduated from the University of Lethbridge (’BA – Distinction) in 1988. For the next 13 years, she worked as the Applied Studies program coordinator and as an Arts and Science Academic Advisor for the U of L. ?In 2001, Sarah started working with Lethbridge Family Services as the Program Director for the Immigrant Services department. In this capacity, Sarah is involved in community development and educational initiatives as well as overseeing the daily operations of the settlement office. Sarah is very dedicated working with the City and its citizens in order to develop a community that is supportive of and welcoming to our newest neighbours. In 2012, Sarah received YWCA’s Women of Distinction award and she was named a U of L Alumni Honour Society Inductee in 2013. Moderator: Knud Petersen Date: Thursday, March 15, 2018 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (below The Keg restaurant) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive South Cost: $11 lunch (hearty soup & bun, desert & coffee/tea) or $2 coffee/tea. RSVP not required