A Smarter, Fairer Local Economy for Medicine Hat
It’s time to put people at the center of our economy—supporting small businesses, creating real job pathways, and investing wisely so every resident of Medicine Hat can build a future they believe in.
Medicine Hat families are feeling the pinch, rising rents, job uncertainty, and less reliable utility revenue in a volatile market. Small businesses, especially those downtown, are still trying to bounce back from the pandemic and long construction projects. Rising costs like property taxes and utility fees make things even tougher. At the same time, young people are unsure about their future here. Employers are having trouble finding workers, and many job seekers, especially youth, are struggling to find steady, meaningful jobs.
As a candidate for City Council, I believe it’s time to shift from reaction to renewal—by planning with purpose, forming stronger partnerships, and putting the people of Medicine Hat at the heart of every decision. A stable, diversified economy means more than energy profits—it means real opportunity, community investment, and smart growth that reaches every corner of our city.
The Reality on the Ground:
- Small businesses are navigating inflation, supply costs, and hiring challenges.
- Youth face limited job pathways and rising housing costs.
- Seniors and lower-income households are being hit hardest by unpredictable utility rates.
- Residents are asking hard questions about major city investments—especially in clean energy.
What Our City Needs Now:
- Smart Investments, Transparent Decisions
Before launching multimillion-dollar initiatives like the Saamis Solar Project, we need clear business cases with community input. Major capital projects should benefit the local economy, create jobs, and demonstrate long-term savings—not surprise us with cost overruns.
- Support for Small Business and Entrepreneurs
Small business employs over 70% of Canadians in the private sector. Let’s create a “Business Navigator” role at City Hall, expand programs like the Façade Improvement Grant, and introduce a Youth Enterprise Microgrant to inspire the next generation of local entrepreneurs.
- Stronger Infrastructure, Led by Community
Every neighbourhood, from Southlands to the Flats, deserves investments shaped by local voices, not just outside consultants. We need to review the myMH Master Plan, ensure projects offer long-term value, and consider the social benefits, not just the financial ones.
- Job Pathways That Include Everyone
Let’s partner with Medicine Hat College, local trades, and employers to build job pathways in green energy, healthcare, and digital sectors. We can introduce inclusive hiring incentives, such as paid internships, and build career pipelines that retain young talent.
- A Balanced Role for Government
We need to work closely with the Province and Ottawa to secure funding for clean energy, make sure we have the right oversight for Municipally Controlled Corporations if our community chooses that route, and invest in sustainable housing. This isn’t about giving out handouts. It’s about leadership that unites people.
- In Business and in Government: Trust Is Earned
Good leaders don’t just talk. They build partnerships, ask questions, and deliver results. As the saying goes, “Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.” It’s time to focus forward—with smart decisions and steady hands.
Let’s build a city where everyone can succeed. Medicine Hat doesn’t need quick fixes or finger-pointing. We need strong leadership, open conversations, and a real focus on local opportunities.
Let’s discuss how we can grow our economy in a fair and sustainable manner that benefits everyone.
References
- City of Medicine Hat – Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP)
https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/news/city-launches-clean-energy-improvement-program.aspx - City of Medicine Hat. (2024). Downtown Revitalization and Business Recovery Overview. Retrieved from https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/news/downtown-business-update.aspx
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). (2023). Small Business Recovery Dashboard – Alberta. Retrieved from https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/research/small-business-recovery-dashboard
- Government of Alberta. (2023). Labour Market Outlook: Youth Employment Trends. Retrieved from https://www.alberta.ca/labour-market-outlook.aspx
- Lighting Retrofit & Greenhouse Gas Reduction Report
https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/news/lighting-the-way-to-a-greener-future.aspx - Medicine Hat Ratepayers Advocacy (MHURA)
https://ratepayersmedicinehat.org/ - Medicine Hat News – MCC Governance Rejection
https://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2025/07/22/municipally-controlled-corporation-idea-gets-officially-rejected-by-council/ - Medicine Hat News. (2023, November 15). Construction, inflation continue to challenge downtown businesses. Retrieved from https://medicinehatnews.com
- Chat News Today – Clean Energy Transition Challenges
https://chatnewstoday.ca/2024/09/05/medicine-hat-faces-uphill-battle-in-clean-energy-transition-but-sky-is-not-falling-director-says/ - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada – Small Business Statistics
https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/sme-research-statistics/en/key-small-business-statistics - City of Medicine Hat – myMH Master Plan
https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/government-and-city-hall/my-mh.aspx - Alberta Government – Workforce Strategies & Labour Market Outlook
https://www.alberta.ca/labour-market-outlooks - Medicine Hat College – Programs and Community Partnerships
https://www.mhc.ab.ca/FutureStudents/Programs - Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) – Entrepreneur Support Programs
https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/start-buy-business/start-business/young-entrepreneurs-program - Statistics Canada. (2024). Labour force characteristics by age group, Alberta. Retrieved from https://www.statcan.gc.ca/
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