SACPA acknowledges that our events takes place on the lands of the Blackfoot People and Metis Nation of Alberta, Region lll and we pay respect to their past, present and future cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship to the land. SACPA commits to assist reconciliation efforts by raising awareness of the ways past and present injustices can be reconciled.

Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) was founded in 1967. It is an independent forum, moderated by volunteers, meeting Thursdays at noon some 40 weeks a year and at occasional special sessions, to debate local, provincial, national, and international issues of concern to the residents of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta.

SACPA sessions are at the LSCO (Lethbridge Senior Citizen Organization) at 500 11 St. S. Lethbridge, lunch at 11:30 am, speaker 12:00 to 1:00 and made available on our YouTube channel for viewing and you are invited to explore them on our YouTube channel.

The rationale of the Council is that the strength of a political democracy is lodged in the freedom of citizens to assemble and freely discuss ideas and issues. SACPA seeks to promote a sense of community and citizenship amongst the public. It is strictly non-partisan in its political outlook and encourages the expression of divergent viewpoints. SACPA does not take sides on the issues debated at its sessions. The opinions expressed by speakers are their own and are not necessarily shared by the Board of Directors.

Upcoming Sessions

Upcoming Sessions

How We Moralize and Why It Matters

Thursday, October 2, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Ian Olasov

Moralizing gets a bad rap, but I’ll try to convince you that it (sort of) shouldn’t. I’ll walk through a handful of unusual forms that moralizing can take, like ironically thanking someone or pretending to reprimand someone who isn’t there. I’ll try to show that paying closer attention to these forms of moralizing should change your mind about the function of morality, sanctimoniousness, and whether morality is more a matter of reason or emotion.

Growing Local: How High-Tech Greenhouses Are Bringing Year-Round Canadian Produce to Your Table

Thursday, October 9, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Colin Chapdelaine, President of Whole Leaf Ltd.

Canadians increasingly want produce that is fresh, safe, and grown close to home—but our climate rarely cooperates. Modern controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) is changing that equation. This talk explores how energy-efficient greenhouses like Whole Leaf’s 11-acre facility in Coaldale now supply millions of heads of lettuce year-round with 90 percent less water than field production and zero insecticides or herbicides. The speaker will examine: The market shift toward “Made-in-Canada” fresh produce and its economic impact Key technologies—climate control, hydroponics, automation, and combined heat-and-power (CHP) systems—that make northern greenhouses viable and competitive Sustainability gains: Reduced land use, water recirculation, and CO2 utilization How local production shortens supply chains, lowers spoilage, and improves food security for Southern Alberta & Canada.

You can’t take it with you: What are the important proactive steps that can be taken planning your retirement and estate documents?

Thursday, October 23, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Susan J Ginther

Retirement and especially estate planning are often ignored until late in life and sometimes too late. The speaker will give options on some of the many different scenarios that most of us will experience. Speaker: Susan J Ginther Susan has been a financial advisor and investment & retirement planner for over 32 years. Her passion and focus are relationships and planning. Knowing and understanding clients’ wishes are paramount to her before making plans to achieve their goals.

Recent Sessions

Recent Sessions

What Happens When a Performing Arts Centre Becomes the Cornerstone of Community Growth?

Thursday, September 25, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dawn Leite

The future of downtown Lethbridge is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about people, community, and creating spaces that bring us together. The Civic Common Redevelopment Strategy presents a bold vision to reimagine our city’s core: a vibrant, inclusive precinct that integrates mixed housing, enhances the public realm, and welcomes a new performing arts centre as a cultural anchor. At the heart of this plan is the belief that the Civic Common should be magnetic, green, and walkable—a civic hub where neighbours connect, businesses thrive, and arts and culture flourish.

Being Trans Is Amazing! So Why All The Hate?

Thursday, September 18, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Kattie Aurora

Exploring the highs of trans joy, the lows of being a scapegoated minority, and the history of reactionary hatred against us to help explain the era of emerging fascism we’re living through. Speaker: Kattie Aurora I was born in Saskatoon where I lived until my family moved to Lethbridge as I was starting high school. After that, I moved to Ottawa to study space systems engineering at Carleton University. I grew up on hopeful sci-fi like Star Trek and Stargate, and my dream was to make these futures a reality.

What is the Current State of Childcare in Alberta?

Thursday, September 11, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dr. Susan Cake, Assistant Professor in Human Resources and Labour Relations

Dr. Susan Cake will explore the progress made since the federal government’s historic 2021 investment in child care, the challenges Alberta families and educators still face, and why child care remains a cornerstone issue for the future of our province. Speaker: Dr. Susan Cake Dr. Susan Cake is an Assistant Professor in Human Resources and Labour Relations. Dr. Cake has been with Alberta’s Athabasca University since 2020. Susan serves as the Chair of Child Care Now Alberta and is on the board of Child Care Now.

When traditional hearing aids no longer provide sufficient benefit, what can be done?

Thursday, September 4, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Glenn Hole

The world of implantable hearing devices - cochlear implants will be explored. How these technologies work, how they have been able to prevent lifelong deafness in children born without hearing, which adults might be a candidate, and what life is like as a cochlear implant user will be detailed. Drawing on clinical experience and fellowship training in cochlear implants, the presenter will demystify the process of assessment, referral, and post-implant care.

SACPA Annual General Meeting 2025

Thursday, June 26, 2025 1:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

chaired by Knud Petersen

SACPA’s AGM is scheduled immediately following the final 2023 – 2024 session featuring Dr. Duane Bratt. Members in good standing eligible to vote. Date/time: Thursday June 27, 2023, 1:15 pm. Location**:** Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) Dining Room, 500-11 Street S, Lethbridge, AB
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