Economic Development

James Lu explains his journey as a newcomer in Canada and playing a role as an unexpected successor to a Medicine Hat institution and small business that's been open for over 80 years.   

Medicine Hat once again receives top marks from an affordability perspective with the lowest living wage calculation among 21 participating Albertan communities

Mook Fabrics discuss their people first culture, its commitment to employee development, and the benefits of having a diverse, loyal, and dynamic workforce

Medicine Hat Economic Development, in partnership with Cypress County, the Town of Redcliff, and the Town of Bow Island, collectively launched the Southeast Alberta Municipal Immigration (SAMI) Rural Renewal Program earlier this year. Through the program, employers within these municipal boundaries can recruit and retain foreign nationals to live, work and settle in our region through the program. 

Medicine Hat Economic Development (MHED) has released the second of two industry-specific business retention and expansion studies (BREIS), focusing on the manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution industries in Southeast Alberta.

Al Sharma,. Manager of Investment Attraction for Medicine Hat Economic Development, attended the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Conference in Whistler, BC in January 2025.

We are excited to introduce our fully staffed Medicine Hat Economic Development team! Over the past year, we’ve grown into a dynamic group of seven, each bringing unique skills, perspectives, and passions to support our city’s growth. Meet the team:

When Medicine Hat Economic Development received Council approval for its strategy in the summer of 2023, a critical piece of the holistic approach was a focus on business retention and expansion. This activity involves engaging with the industry to identify challenges and opportunities; often referred to as the heart of economic development. 

The final quarter of 2024 has been productive, from meeting with stakeholders to building relationships throughout our region. The Medicine Hat Economic Development team continues to leverage connections and utilize data-driven decision-making to grow the industry and the economy in Medicine Hat.

A living wage reflects what earners in a family need to bring home based on the actual costs of living in a specific community. Living wages are rooted in the belief that individuals and families should not just survive but be able to live in dignity and participate in their community.