Lethbridge’s mayor said he is encouraged by new health-care investments outlined in Alberta’s 2026 provincial budget.
Mayor Blaine Hyggen said he 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 capacity at Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital,” he said.
The funding committed in Budget 2026 will also support development of a catheterization, or cath, lab at Chinook Regional Hospital, helping bolster critical-care services in southern Alberta.
Hyggen also welcomed the province’s continued support for other previously announced commitments in the region, including the Southern Alberta Medical Program at the University of Lethbridge.
He noted it will take time to fully assess the impact of the 2026 provincial budget on the city’s finances and operations.
“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.”
Hyggen said city council will continue pressing for resources to meet residents’ needs.
