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

Is the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen needed now more than ever?

Thursday, April 24, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Bill Ginther

The Lethbridge Soup Kitchen (LSK) has been serving meals to the less fortunate for the past 40+ years and will continue to do so as long as there is a need. LSK is blessed to have a great core of volunteers from many churches and service clubs in Lethbridge and surrounding area, many of whom have served for as long as the soup kitchen has been in existence. Upwards of 800 volunteers representing all ages and walks of life are gratefully doing much of the daily work to compliment the many suppliers, who provide most of the supplies needed to prepare the meals that are served three times a day, seven days a week.

Storage losses in all kinds of agri food crops are substantial - are they largely preventable?

Thursday, May 1, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dr Chandra Singh

More information coming soon. Date/Time: Thursday, May 1, 2025. The session begins at 12 noon and concludes at 1 pm. Cost is free, donations however, are gratefully accepted. Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 -11 Street S, Lethbridge Lunch and Refreshments: Please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good-value food options. The Atrium Dining Room is available by 11:15 am

The evolution of tea - are there any health benefits drinking specific varieties?

Thursday, May 8, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Sampath Walgama

Tea’s origins are widely believed to be in China, with the tea plant, Camellia Sinensis, native to the southwest of the country, particularly the Yunnan province. It’s an aromatic beverage prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over cured or fresh leaves of Camellia Sinensis. While tea has been initially considered as a “beverage” it is no longer considered just a “beverage” by itself but rather a drink with medicinal value.

Recent Sessions

Recent Sessions

What will it take to make Lethbridge the healthiest city in Canada for all to live, thrive and age well?

Thursday, April 17, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Jason Shriner & Kathy Lewis

This is the Question that inspires Imagine Lethbridge, a grassroots organisation of residents passionate about a prosperous and sustainable future for our community. To answer this question, Imagine Lethbridge centres its thinking, activities, and processes around a unique and fresh perspective on economic activity known as regenerative economics by academics, and affectionately called “Doughnut Economics” by communities worldwide adopting and applying its principles. Our speakers will present the core principles and visual framework of Doughnut Economics, and share perspectives from a global, provincial and municipal viewpoint on practical considerations for ethical community prosperity and sustainability.

Land Use Bylaw Renewal: Shaping the Future of Lethbridge

Thursday, April 10, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Genesis Molesky and Ross Kilgour

The Land Use Bylaw is the rule book that regulates development on private land in the city and the last time it was comprehensively reviewed and rewritten was 1986. The Land Use Bylaw Renewal project is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a city and establish regulations to shape the future of Lethbridge. This presentation will examine how the Land Use Bylaw shapes where we live, work, and play, and how the new Land Use Bylaw will be created.

Chess for Life at University of Lethbridge - How might chess help those involved in the criminal justice system?

Thursday, April 3, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dr. Lance Grigg, Joel Fortier & Jade Oldfield

Friday afternoons in a southern Alberta classroom, youth may be learning how to keep their troubles in check. Leaning over chess boards at the ULethbridge, teens and young adults who are at-risk or have been convicted of various crimes are taught to think, think again, then think some more as they move their pawns, kings, queens and rooks across 64 black and white spaces. The founder of Chess for Life says the program helps them learn how to accomplish short-term goals, like completing community service hours, following a curfew and staying out of trouble.

What story do we create about the homeless?

Thursday, March 27, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Yale Belanger

When we think about how storytelling shapes our understanding of community, we often turn to historians, musicians, and other public commentators to help us make sense of our shared narrative. However, the role of policymakers and journalists in shaping this understanding is often overlooked. This presentation explores how two key institutions—the Lethbridge Herald and Lethbridge City Council—have shaped public discourse about local homelessness. The speaker will explore how their framing of this issue has influenced the community’s ability to respond.

How do Neighbourhood Connections support a Stronger, more Resilient City?

Thursday, March 20, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Jerry Firth, Community Development Officer

Neighbourhood connections are the foundation of a resilient city. They enhance safety, well-being, and local engagement, strengthening Lethbridge as a whole. This session explores why these connections matter, insights from the Neighbourhood Engagement Project, and the role of neighbourhood associations—like the League of YQL Neighbourhoods—in fostering community. Beyond discussion, this is a call to action: whether by engaging with neighbours, supporting local initiatives, or simply being a friendly presence, small efforts make a big impact.
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