Federal Minister Ruby Sahota trip to Lethbridge “eye-opening”

Lethbridge welcomed a second federal minister to our city this week.

Ruby Sahota, the Secretary of State (Combatting Crime) and MP for Brampton North—Caledon discussed public safety issues with municipal officials including Mayor Blaine Hyggen and the Lethbridge Police Service. While discussions focused on new federal legislation, Sahota says she was fascinated by what she’s been seeing locally.

“It’s been a real eye-opening experience, I’ve learned a lot from the things that are being implemented through your municipality.”

In what she was likely referring to Lethbridge’s Clean Sweep program, Sahota praised the concept and says she’s never seen anything like it. “Asking the community to help and being able to pay people for the work that they’re doing to clean up the community, that’s something that I don’t see in many communities across the county. That’s very unique.”

The Clean Sweep program is a joint initiative by the City of Lethbridge and the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone. It pays individuals—often those experiencing homelessness or addiction—a daily stipend or hourly wage to clean up the city, including street sweeping, garbage pickup, snow shoveling, and needle removal.

According to Sahota, bail reform was another major taking point at a Wednesday roundatable.