Letter To Lethbridge City Council Re: Emergency Medical Services Delivery

March 31, 2026
 
Dear Mayor and Members of Council,

On behalf of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, we are writing to acknowledge the ongoing discussions between the City of Lethbridge and the Government of Alberta regarding the future delivery of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in our community.

We recognize that this decision is complex and involves important considerations related to service delivery, funding structures, and long-term sustainability. We also appreciate the City’s efforts to seek additional information and time to ensure a well-informed outcome.

From the Chamber’s perspective, this issue extends beyond service delivery alone. It is directly connected to Lethbridge’s role as a secondary city and regional economic hub, and how competitiveness is measured and supported within Alberta.

As outlined in our recent policy work, mid-sized and regional cities operate within a structural gap. They are expected to provide critical services that support broader regional populations while operating with more limited fiscal capacity and fewer revenue tools than major metropolitan centres.

Lethbridge’s integrated Fire and EMS model is an example of how secondary cities have adapted to meet these broader responsibilities efficiently and effectively. Any changes to this model should be evaluated not only through a cost lens, but through a place-based competitiveness lens, recognizing the role these services play in supporting regional growth, workforce stability, and investment readiness.

From a business community perspective, we encourage consideration of the following:

• Economic Competitiveness: Emergency response systems are foundational infrastructure that support labour force participation, business continuity, and investor confidence
• Regional Service Role: Lethbridge serves a much broader population than its municipal boundaries, and service models should reflect this regional function
• Workforce Attraction and Retention: Access to reliable emergency and healthcare services is a key factor in attracting and retaining skilled workers, including healthcare professionals
• Fiscal Reality of Secondary Cities: A one-size-fits-all provincial approach may not reflect the unique structural and economic realities of mid-sized communities

1. A place-based approach to EMS service evaluation that reflects Lethbridge’s role as a regional hub
2. Full directness on cost, service levels, and long-term impacts to support informed decision-making
3. Consideration of both economic competitiveness and public safety outcomes in evaluating all options