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

What is the role of a community newspaper in the digital age?

Thursday, January 8, 2026 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Scott Sakatch

This presentation will focus on the changes that have taken place in new media in general and community newspapers specifically over the past 20 years, and what strategies might best help this medium thrive in the future. Speaker: Scott Sakatch Scott Sakatch recently retired after a year as editor of the Lethbridge Herald. Prior to that, he was an editor and reporter at the Herald from 1997-2006. In the interim years, he worked for former Lethbridge West MLA Greg Weadick and ran a communications consulting business.

Tour of Nokoowaayi “My Home” supportive housing complex

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 2:30 PM

461 Stafford Drive North

SACPA is co-hosting a Tour of Nokoowaayi “My Home” supportive housing complex, 461 Stafford Drive North Date/Time: Tuesday, January 13 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm

Bill 12: What can vulnerable Albertans expect?

Thursday, January 15, 2026 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Rene Plaizier

Speaker: Rene Plaizier Date/Time: Thursday, January 15, 2026. The presentation begins at 12 noon & 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 South, Lethbridge Lunch and Refreshments: If you like, please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good-value food/drink options in the Atrium Dining Room ahead of the session

Fear and loathing in Alberta - how do we overcome it to save the Prairie Rattlesnake?

Thursday, January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Sheri Monk, owner of Snakes on a Plain

The prairie rattlesnake is one of the three species which still remain in Canada, and they are facing unprecedented pressures through road mortality and habitat loss. There is no question that if this iconic species is to persist in Canada’s Wild West, it will require humans to sanction their survival. Join Sheri to unravel how perception and myth can lead to persecution and fear and how we can fight back with truth, compassion and empathy.

South Campus: How can we Plan for Tomorrow, Together?

Thursday, January 29, 2026 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Trevor Lewington

Communities everywhere are grappling with how best to grow. How to balance opportunity with responsibility, and how to create spaces that support people, businesses, and future generations. The South Campus project sits at the heart of that conversation in Lethbridge. Located west of the Oldman River and south of the University of Lethbridge, these lands offer a rare, once-in-a-generation chance to shape a new kind of neighbourhood. A neighbourhood that reflects community needs, local values, and long-term potential.

Why study bird brains?

Thursday, February 5, 2026 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dr Andrew Iwaniuk, Professor of Neuroscience

Why would anyone bother studying bird brains? This is a question that I frequently get from many people. As I will discuss, studying bird brains led to the discovery that adults can add new cells to the brain: this has informed current treatments and experiments in human brains. Birds also provided some of the first evidence that hormones can affect human brain anatomy and function. A lot can also be learned about bird behaviour from studying their brains, which I will illustrate from our own studies of hummingbirds, vultures, and the Dodo.

Recent Sessions

Recent Sessions

Public or Private Space? Front Yards as a tool for community and biodiversity development.

Thursday, December 18, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Paige Rosner, Environmental Educator & Community Project Lead – Helen Schuler Nature Centre

Privately owned front yards have the potential to be significant community-building spaces that contribute to your neighborhood and to nature. While still being a private space, front-yards arguably are a window into what you value and how you show up for your neighbours. Best Front Forward was a Helen Schuler Nature Centre campaign that ran to resounding success in March-October 2025. This recognition program was designed to both inspire and to thank residents with amazing front yards around the city.

Elbows Up, Elbows Down? Donald Trump and the future of Canada

Thursday, December 11, 2025 6:30 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dr. Michael Byers

Prime Minister Mark Carney was elected on a platform of standing up to Donald Trump, after the U.S. president adopted sweeping tariffs and threatened to make Canada the “51st state”. But since the election, Carney has become very deferential to Trump. At what point does deference become subservience? What happens if Trump does something that is truly damaging to Canada? When do the elbows come back up? Speaker: Dr Michael Byers
Please Donate Session Archives Listen Membership Watch SACPA