Lethbridge Joins Global Effort to Combat Hate and Extremism

Lethbridge has officially become a member of the Strong Cities Network, a global coalition of over 270 municipalities dedicated to reducing hate, extremism, and polarization.

 

This partnership provides the city with access to shared training, expertise, and practical tools aimed at fostering a safer and more inclusive community.

 

As part of this collaboration, Lethbridge is among the select 10 Canadian municipalities invited to participate in the inaugural Prevention Academy Canada project.

 

This initiative, funded by Public Safety Canada, offers free resources to help communities address challenges such as:

 

Addressing local hate and extremism, both online and offline.

 

Building community resilience through partnerships, support, and digital literacy.

 

Strengthening long-term prevention with clear plans and effective communication.

 

Mayor Blaine Hyggen emphasized the importance of this membership, stating, "Keeping our community safe and healthy is a key priority. Being part of the Strong Cities Network and Prevention Academy helps our staff build skills and partnerships that prevent hate and division before they grow. This makes our community stronger, supports residents, and helps keep Lethbridge a safe and welcoming place for everyone."

 

This new affiliation complements ongoing efforts by Community Social Development (CSD) to enhance community safety through preventive measures, including:

 

Continued implementation of the Community Wellbeing and Safety Strategy (CWSS), which provides a citywide blueprint for improving health, safety, and quality of life.

 

Administration of Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) funding that invests in local prevention-based programs.

 

Advancement of the federally funded Building Safer Communities program, focusing on reducing risk factors for violence and crime among youth.

 

Andrew Malcolm, General Manager of CSD, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: "Our team and community partners are already doing great work to support wellbeing and safety in Lethbridge. Being part of the Strong Cities Network gives us another layer of support. It connects us with practical ideas and real-world experience from other cities, bringing even better solutions to our community. Together, these efforts reflect a deliberate shift from a reactive state to proactive strategies that address root causes and build resilience."

 

In addition to these initiatives, the city has been proactive in addressing community safety concerns. In December 2023, Lethbridge launched a Community Safety Survey to gather residents' perceptions of safety, aiming to inform future strategies. Furthermore, in February 2024, the city secured a $200,000 grant from the Alberta Government's Community Support Fund to develop a Safe Reporting program, focusing on improving the well-being of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals by addressing violence and enhancing safety.

 

These concerted efforts underscore Lethbridge's commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and resilient community for all its residents.