LSLEA is a network of partners including five Municipalities, three Metis Settlements, and a number of community and regional organizations.
Together, we work to identify and promote partnerships and projects that strengthen our regional economy.

LSLEA is part of a province-wide network of 11 Regional Economic Development Alliances, all of which play an important role in Alberta's Economic Development Framework.
The geographic area encompassed by LSLEA includes communities within the boundaries of the MD of Big Lakes, the MD of Lesser Slave River, and the MD of Opportunity.

Regional Overview
The LSLEA region in northern Alberta covers an area of 53,614 square kilometers, spread over a vast area of lakes, plains in the south, and boreal forest. The region accounts for 8.4% of Alberta's land mass and for 0.8% of Alberta's population.

According to Statistics Canada's latest estimates, the region's population totaled 28,100 in 2010, an increase of 4.5% from 2006. According to the 2006 federal census, the number of employees was 11,930, and the unemployment rate was 9.3%.

The LSLEA region's largest industry on an employment basis is retail trade, accounting for 12% of total employment in census year 2006, followed by oil and gas at 10%, and construction and manufacturing at about 8.5% each. The region's manufacturing is concentrated in the forest product sector. The LSLEA region also boasts a vibrant hospitality sector, accounting for 1.3% of Alberta's supply of hotel rooms.