Open Letter to LHS Members and Lethbridge Heritage Advocates Concerning Alberta Budget 2026
The Lethbridge Historical Society (LHS) would like to update members on recent developments affecting the Historical Society of Alberta (HSA). Budget 2026 proposes eliminating all provincial funding for the HSA—support that has historically represented only a tiny fraction of Alberta’s $74.6‑billion revenue base. Despite its modest cost, the HSA supports more than 25,000 volunteer hours annually, provides essential heritage expertise, and has played a key role in Alberta’s heritage preservation since its founding in 1907 by the first Premier of our province, Alexander Rutherford!
This change comes at the same time as increases to the Tourism Levy and a new vehicle rental tax, introduced in response to Alberta’s $15.2‑billion tourism economy—an industry that relies heavily on the local stories, research, and archival resources the HSA helps preserve.
Members who wish to share their perspectives on the value of Alberta’s heritage are invited to contact their MLA. A short, easy-to-use email script has been prepared to help members express why the HSA’s work matters in communities like Lethbridge, and how heritage supports education, tourism, and local identity. These emails need to be sent by March 11, as that is when the committee convenes.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to preserving southern Alberta’s history.
The "Email Your MLA" Toolkit for Members
Instructions for Members:
1. Find your MLA’s email address (List below or look up here.
2. Copy and paste the text below.
3. Fill in the bracketed information (like your city and a local historical site you care about).
4. Send it before Wednesday, March 11!
Subject: URGENT: Restore funding for the Historical Society of Alberta (HSA)
Dear [MLA Name],
I am writing to you today as a constituent in [Your City/Neighbourhood] and a concerned supporter of the Historical Society of Alberta (HSA).
I was shocked to learn that Budget 2026 includes a notice of total funding elimination for the HSA. As we face a $9.4-billion deficit, I understand that fiscal discipline is necessary; however, cutting the HSA is a "false economy" that saves a negligible amount of money while permanently damaging our province’s identity and tourism potential.
The HSA is vital to our community because:
· It preserves our local stories: Without the HSA, the history of [Mention a local landmark, e.g., the High Level Bridge in Lethbridge / the Old Strathcona district in Edmonton] loses its primary steward.
· It powers our tourism: The government just increased the Tourism Levy to 6%. We cannot tax our brand while defunding the very organization that preserves the history tourists come to see.
· It leverages volunteer labour: For every dollar of provincial support, the HSA provides thousands of hours of volunteer expertise. This cut "fires" the very Albertans who build our community for free.
Our history is not a luxury—it is the foundation of our future. On Wednesday, March 11, when the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future reviews the budget for Arts, Culture, and Status of Women, I am asking you to stand up for our heritage and call for the restoration of HSA funding.
I look forward to hearing your position on this critical issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address—Essential to confirm you are a constituent]
[Your Phone Number]
Contacts List
Ron Wiebe, Chair - Grande Prairie-Wapiti: grandeprairie.wapiti@assembly.ab.ca
Lorne Dach, Deputy Chair - Edmonton-McClung: edmonton.mcclung@assembly.ab.ca
Nathan Neudorf, Lethbridge-East: lethbridge.east@assembly.ab.ca
Rob Miyashiro, Lethbridge-West: lethbridge.west@assembly.ab.ca
Grant Hunter, Taber-Warner: taber.warner@assembly.ab.ca
Samir Kayande, Finance Critic (Fiscal Responsibility): calgary.elbow@assembly.ab.ca
Eric Bouchard, Committee Member: calgary.lougheed@assembly.ab.ca
Adriana LaGrange, Minister (Health/Regional Influence): reddeer.north@assembly.ab.ca
Nolan Dyck, Regional Advocate: grandeprairie@assembly.ab.ca