Food Banks: Why are they Needed in Our Affluent Society?
Kelsey Janzen and Dr. John Usher ,
Thursday, December 19, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Low income is at the root of more than three decades of food bank use in Canada. Though the circumstances that send someone through the doors of a food bank are diverse – the loss of a job, family breakup, sudden health problems, barriers related to race, disability, or mental illness, among others – it is the widespread lack of income to cushion hard times that is the key factor making Canadian food banks so necessary, particularly for low income families with children.
Cuts to Post-Secondary Education in Alberta
Robert Sutherland ,
Thursday, December 12, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Alberta’s March 7 provincial budget featured a seven percent cut to basic operational grants for post-secondary institutions, compounded by revocation of an earlier promise of a 2% increase. The Ministry of Enterprise and Advanced Education has also sent “letters of expectation” to each of the 26 post-secondary institutions in the province, requiring universities and colleges to work more closely with each other. The University of Lethbridge faced an almost $12 million operating grant cut and combined with heavy cuts at Lethbridge College also, they have had wide-ranging effects on students, faculty, support staff and the Lethbridge economy.
Is the Federal Governments Proposed First Nations Education Act Underfunded and Too Paternalistic?
Sheena Jackson ,
Thursday, December 5, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Many First Nations people are reacting with anger and disappointment to the Federal Government’s proposed education legislation for First Nations that recently was released by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Bernard Valcourt. Under the draft legislation, band councils would be allowed to operate schools directly, as some already do, but also to purchase services from provincial or regional school boards or from the private sector. First Nations could also form education authorities that would oversee one or more schools in a region, but the Federal Government would set and enforce standards for schools on reserves.
The kids may not be speaking your language, but they're still alright
Nicole Rosen ,
Thursday, November 28, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Since the dawn of time, people have complained about how ‘young people’ speak. Look in the comments section of any website, especially on an article dealing with language or grammar, and you’ll find ‘purist-and-proud-of-it’ commenters who insist that proper language is necessary for proper comprehension and communication, that the English language as we know it is in a serious state of endangerment. Texting and a lack of grammar instruction in schools are often claimed to be the root of the problem.
No science, No evidence, No truth, No democracy
Katie Gibbs ,
Monday, November 25, 2013 12:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
There have been drastic changes to science in Canada in recent years. These changes have happened in three distinct ways: reduction in the ability of government scientists to communicate their research to the public, the erosion of our science capacity - especially with respect to fundamental research and environmental monitoring, and a reduction in the role of evidence in policy decisions. The impacts of these changes go far beyond science. Science and evidence are essential elements for a functioning democracy.
Municipal politics in Alberta: wards, financing, and the developers.
Paul Fairie ,
Thursday, November 21, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
In the last municipal election in Lethbridge fewer than 30% of the population bothered to vote despite a staggering 29 candidates vying for the 8 council positions. How is it that a robust campaign with so many candidates did not generate a stronger voter interest? Some candidates argued for a ward system to be brought to Lethbridge to make it easier for voters to make their choices but others argued that Lethbridge should remain an at-large system.
Is the Idle No More Movement Still Active? – Should We Care?
Lori Brave Rock ,
Thursday, November 14, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
One year ago, four women in Saskatchewan began exchanging emails about the Harper Governments omnibus budget Bill C-45, better known as the Jobs and Growth Act, which had just been introduced in Ottawa. Jessica Gordon, Sheelah McLean, Sylvia McAdams and Nina Wilson were concerned the bill would erode indigenous rights. They decided to organize an event in Saskatoon, set for Nov. 10, and to help spread the word they turned to Facebook.
Immunization and Vaccines: What are the Benefits and Risks?
Vivien Suttorp ,
Thursday, November 7, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Alberta Health Services (AHS) officials are asking residents of southern Alberta to get their children immunized as the best way to defend against a potential measles outbreak. With some towns reporting less than 70 per cent measles vaccination rates, AHS officials say misinformation about the effectiveness of vaccines may be to blame and could be putting children at risk, particularly the very young. With immunization being a free choice, some people choose not to vaccinate their children thinking there are risks associated with such, however vaccines are generally credited with being reasonable safe, effective and one of the best methods in which societies can reduce mortality in children.
Has the Grinch Also Stolen Halloween?
Austin Fennel ,
Thursday, October 31, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Dr. Seuss composed the children’s story, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” in which a mean old critter attempted to steal Christmas from a family, only to have a change of heart. The question may be posed whether the present form of Halloween is an expression of another theft. Since the Middle Ages, Halloween was part of a three-day festival. Various Celtic influences imported themselves into the festival, making it joyful and/or spooky.
Talking About Dying Won't Kill You: Should We Have a Choice at the End of Life?
Wanda Morris ,
Thursday, October 24, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
It’s a topic we’re really not comfortable discussing, but it’s just not going away. With a constitutional court challenge in BC and legislation pending in Quebec, the question of whether Canadians should be able to choose medical help to die when they are at the end of life is one of the most significant civil rights issues of our time. The speaker will be addressing this issue from a variety of perspectives including the language of the debate, the logic of the arguments, the legal principles at stake, the evidence from experience and the impact on those working with the sick and dying.
Talking About Dying Won't Kill You: Should We Have a Choice at the End of Life?
Wanda Morris ,
Thursday, October 24, 2013 1:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2013 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm Location: Room PE264, 1st Choice Saving Centre, University of Lethbridge Free event, free parking, everyone welcome It’s a topic we’re really not comfortable discussing, but it’s just not going away. With a constitutional court challenge in BC and legislation pending in Quebec, the question of whether Canadians should be able to choose medical help to die when they are at the end of life is one of the most significant civil rights issues of our time.
How independent are juries in coming to their verdicts? How constrained are they by the law? What happens if a jury refuses to find an obviously guilty defendant not guilty?
Gary Bauslaugh ,
Thursday, October 17, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The answers to these questions are clear but not widely known. Juries are completely free to return any verdict they wish to return. Juries are not constrained in this by the law. There is no penalty for coming to whatever verdict the jury wishes to come to. Coming to a verdict which is at odds with the letter of the law is called jury nullification. Juries can, in effect, nullify the law.
Early Child Development Mapping Initiative
Chantelle Uhrbach and Lance Chong ,
Tuesday, October 15, 2013 1:00 PM
Galt Museum
The Early Child Development (ECD) Mapping Initiative, led by Alberta Education, is a five year research and community development activity that includes implementation of the Early Development Instrument (EDI) in kindergarten classes across the province. The initiative will help Albertans to better understand how their young children are doing and to work together to support healthy development. The initiative is funded by the Government of Alberta and supports the Education Minister’s priority to improve broad based support and early intervention initiatives for at–risk children to improve their learning outcomes.
Lethbridge Hurricanes: What are the Challenges Managing a Junior Hockey Club?
Brian McNaughton and Brian Wichers ,
Thursday, October 10, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The Lethbridge Hurricanes Western Hockey League (WHL) franchise began in Winnipeg 45 years ago as the Winnipeg Jets. The franchise stayed in Winnipeg until the conclusion of the 1976-1977 season, along the way changing its name to the Winnipeg Clubs and later, the Winnipeg Monarchs. The franchise moved to Calgary for the 1977-78 season playing there as the Wranglers for 10 seasons before relocating to their current home in Lethbridge as the Hurricanes in 1987.
Election forum - mayoral
Mayoral candidates ,
Thursday, October 3, 2013 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
The 2013 Lethbridge Municipal Election promises to be hotly contested with an expected large number of councillors and several mayoral candidates running for City Council. As in the past, SACPA is hosting election forums for Councillors and Mayor on different nights. The video for this can be seen at: http://www.lethlib.ca/detail/recorded-municipal-election-forums The SACPA forum for City Councillors will be held on Wednesday, October 2 at the Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery 7 – 9 pm
Drilling for Oil and Gas within the Corporate Boundaries of a Municipality: What are the Issues?
Tim Robillard and David Hill ,
Thursday, October 3, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Resource development inside municipal boundaries might sound strange, but given Alberta’s geological landscape it is rare to find municipalities that don’t have some type of energy project affecting lands within their corporate boundaries. The City of Lethbridge is one of these municipalities so affected. Arguable, the challenge is to ensure impacts are minimized, public safety is maintained and corporate needs are met all the while providing business opportunity and contributing to society’s growing energy demands.
Election Forum - councillors
council candidates ,
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
The video for this can be seen at: http://www.lethlib.ca/detail/recorded-municipal-election-forums The 2013 Lethbridge Municipal Election promises to be hotly contested with an expected large number of councillors and several mayoral candidates running for City Council. As in the past, SACPA is hosting election forums for Councillors and Mayor on different nights. The SACPA forum for City Councillors will be held on Wednesday, October 2 at the Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery 7 – 9 pm
Should Public Dollars be used to Support the Restoration of Private Historic Buildings?
Belinda Crowson ,
Thursday, September 26, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Private ownership is one of the cornerstones of our system. Each person is responsible for the care, maintenance and development of their own land, house or business. But what happens when a privately owned historic building is historically valuable? Lethbridge has a number of historically significant buildings that need repair and some of them are held privately. In some cases, like the Bow on Tong and Manie Opera Society buildings, provincial and municipal governments have provided approximately $80,000 in support of stabilization of these historically important privately held buildings.
Secularism, Multiculturalism, Democracy and the Philosophy of Science: What's the Relationship?
Sandra Harding ,
Thursday, September 19, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Recently, lively debates have emerged in the social sciences about how to think about the unexpected return of religion to the public sphere. This phenomenon has occurred not only in modernizing societies around the globe, but also in modern Western democracies. Scientific rationality and technical expertise have always been regarded as the most powerful forces for modernization. Yet it turns out that Western secularism is in central respects deeply Christian and even Protestant, and that there are multiple secularisms–at least one for each religion.
Change a River, Change a Community? Factoring in the 'People Equation', What Can be Done to Minimize Serious Flood Damage?
Tom Johnston ,
Thursday, September 12, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
During the disastrous June 2013 Southern Alberta floods, thousands of people were displaced and entire communities were affected by flooding that brought dramatic change to how people live, work and interact with each other. Furthermore, the financial losses are in the billions, which when everything is said and done will affect everyone in the province. The speaker will argue that the critical element to planning for the future is community engagement.
Why does federal politics remain the domain of men?
Melanee Thomas ,
Thursday, September 5, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Despite the growing gender balance in provincial premiers, elected politics remains the domain of men. According to the 2012 Global Gender Gap Report, Canadian women’s position in politics is 20% of men’s. How is this possible, given that Canada not only has no formal, legal restrictions on women’s political representation and participation, but that discrimination based on gender is prohibited under sections 15 and 28 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
Annual General Meeting
various speakers ,
Thursday, June 20, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
2013 Annual General Meeting of Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs WELCOME APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY ADOPTION OF MINUTES – JUNE 21, 2012 ANNUAL REPORTS: Chairperson Finance Committee (Treasurer’s Report and Budget for 2013-2014) BREAK FOR LUNCH AT 12:30 pm Program Committee SACPA on Campus Program Committee Policy and Bylaw Committee Administrative Manager Personnel Committee Nomination Committee (one open position on the Board) Appointment of Auditors and Open Discussion Regarding SACPA’s Future Direction
Is it Justifiable for Governments to Muzzle Publicly Funded Scientists?
Mark Goettel ,
Thursday, June 13, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Increasingly, the federal Government has been tightening its leash on its scientists and science in general. For instance, most publicly funded research must now have an industrial component. In several departments, researchers are now only allowed to speak about their studies if ministerial permission has been granted. In many documented cases, scientists have been muzzled in speaking to media about their research. The federal Government contends that when federal scientists speak with the media, they do so under media rules that were changed a few years ago.
Should the Recent Scandals in the Canadian Senate be a Catalyst for Reform of the Upper Chamber?
Daniel Hays ,
Thursday, June 6, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The Parliament of Canada has two houses, the elected lower house (the House of Commons) and the appointed upper house (the Senate). Both houses are involved in the passing of legislation. Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, said the Senate was to be a place of “sober second thought” so that legislation would receive proper and careful consideration before finally becoming law. Has excessive partisanship eroded the “sober second thought” of the Senate?
Is it Finally Time to Quit Debating Evolution?
Dan Johnson ,
Thursday, May 30, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
When the topic of evolution comes up it is often to discuss the debate, to choose sides, and to balance the arguments, but is it time to quit debating evolution? By affording anti-evolutionists equal time we risk spending all our time debating evolution and missing the real debates within evolution. These debates, full of exciting controversy and disagreement, are obfuscated when the focus is on the wrong discussion. The speaker will start with a brief look at the amazing diversity and beauty of nature, then the weight of the evidence in favour of our current understanding of evolution by natural selection, and then he will delve into the interesting but entirely understandable debates within evolutionary science.
The Blanket Exercise
Julie Graham ,
Friday, May 24, 2013 1:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
The Blanket Exercise Date: Friday, May 24, 2013 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm Location: University of Lethbridge, 1st Choice Saving Centre, Room PE264 SACPA on Campus and KAIROS Lethbridge is hosting a public presentation of the “Blanket Exercise”- a teaching tool by KAIROS to raise awareness and understanding of the nation to nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Julie Graham will be leading the exercise. Julie Graham is the human rights Education and Campaigns Coordinator for KAIROS, the social justice organization of eleven national Canadian churches and church agencies, represented in Lethbridge by an energetic local chapter.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Why Does it Matter to Us?
Julie Graham and Mike Frank ,
Thursday, May 23, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
In 2008, Prime Minister Harper apologized for the shared government and church-run Indian Residential School System. As part of that apology, an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission was struck, using a model practiced by only a handful of countries worldwide. Its mandate runs through 2014, and in June and July it will hold local public hearings in Alberta- hearings where former students and others will stand before us and tell their stories.
Doping in Sports: Who Wins and Who Loses?
Tim Takahashi ,
Thursday, May 16, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The practice of enhancing physical performance with ingested substances has been around since ancient times. The Greeks were known to use a form of opium; other cultures have used mushrooms and even strychnine. But in modern times, the use of synthetic drugs to enhance athletic performance, commonly referred to as doping, has exploded, as evidenced by the recent massive doping scandals involving legendary athletes in the Tour de France and Major League Baseball.
Another political party? The Alberta Green Party re-emerges
Janet Keeping ,
Thursday, May 9, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The Progressive Conservative Party has been the governing party for more than four decades in Alberta for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that there has rarely been a viable alternative party with enough support to move from the Opposition to the Government benches. In almost every political system that employs a single member plurality electoral system the opposition parties merge into one party (or a coalition) to provide an alternative to the government.
The Human Brain, Environments, Genes, Health and Behaviour?
Bryan Kolb ,
Thursday, May 2, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Our understanding of brain development and function has fundamentally changed in the past decade. Brain development embody much more than just the simple unfolding of a genetic blueprint but rather represents a complex dance of genetic and environmental events that interact to adapt the brain to fit a particular environmental context. Thus, it is now clear that prenatal, postnatal and early childhood experiences set the brain on a trajectory that profoundly influences not only how children learn and develop but also contribute to health and wellness throughout the lifespan.
Is a Provincial Sales Tax or a Revised Tax System in Alberta Inevitable?
Ron Liepert ,
Thursday, April 25, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Economists agree almost unanimously that a consumption tax could help level out the peaks and valleys of our provincial revenue now tied to the price of fossil fuel. If combined with a decrease in personal income tax, a sales tax could lead to increased economic diversification while capturing spending from out-of-province visitors. A consumption tax or a revised tax system could pave the way for a balanced budget in Alberta without severe cuts to services thereby enabling future generations to take full advantage of our resource assets.
How have these works of fiction changed the world?
Jason Donev ,
Thursday, April 18, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Science fiction and science are deeply intertwined. From the space race to nanotechnology scientists are following the predictions of science fiction. This talk will discuss how science fiction has predicted and influenced science and technology. Prof. Jason Donev from the University of Calgary will provide a whirlwind tour of science fiction in books, movies and television and how our world is different as a result. The talk will also explore how Star Trek, H.
Should Taxpayers Support the Redevelopment Plan at Lethbridge Exhibition Park?
Rudy Friesen ,
Thursday, April 11, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The Board of Directors of Lethbridge and District Exhibition approved a development plan for Exhibition Park that represents 3 years of comprehensive examination, including a financial review, facility condition audit of all buildings, needs and market assessments, and a multiple accounts evaluation framework study to arrive at the preferred site for redevelopment. Along with conceptual designs of a new Trade and Convention Centre and Agriplex, the redevelopment plan contains a thoroughly vetted business case that demonstrates long-term sustainability.
Are Recent Cuts to Alberta Post-Secondary Education Justifiable?
various speakers ,
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
Special Session in partnership with the Lethbridge Public Library Tuesday April 9th from 7-9pm at Lethbridge Public Library Alberta’s March 7 provincial budget featured a 6.8 percent cut to basic operational grants for post- secondary institutions, compounded by revocation of an earlier promise of a 2% increase. The Ministry of Enterprise and Advanced Education has also sent “letters of expectation” to each of the 26 post-secondary institutions in the province, requiring universities and colleges to work more closely with each other.
Citizen Journalism: Unaccredited, Uncertified, Illegitimate . . . and Popular
Kim Siever ,
Thursday, April 4, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The face of news is changing. It is estimated that 46% of people get their news online at least three times a week and almost every news entity has turned to virtual media to keep up with the demand. Online news revenue now generates more than print newspaper revenue and over 50% of people have learned about breaking news through social media rather than official news sources. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+ and other social media platforms make sharing and accessing the news easier than ever while mobile phones and devices mean that we can be constantly “tuned in” and connected.
Where Will the Roman Catholic Church Be Heading Under Pope Francis?
Erin Phillips ,
Thursday, March 28, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
In February, Pope Benedict surprised the Church and the world with his resignation. Now the Church has met and named Pope Francis as the new Pope. This is a significant window of opportunity for the Church. Does it signal a move to a more liberal and progressive Church? Will we notice any change at all on key issues – such as controversial social issues, women in the priesthood, and a host of other questions?
From Source to Tap: What are the Solutions to Big Challenges in Our Headwaters?
Shannon Frank ,
Thursday, March 21, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Though only 30km wide and 24% of the area of the Oldman watershed, the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains provides 90% of the water - they are our headwaters - the source of water that feeds our streams, lakes and groundwater. The intensity of use in the headwaters has increased and this trend is expected to continue. The community is concerned about the cumulative impact of recreation, logging, oil and gas, grazing and other land uses.
Why is Disparity Running Rampant in Alberta?
David Campanella ,
Thursday, March 14, 2013 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Alberta is blessed with abundant and lucrative natural resources. The province is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in quality of life and wellbeing. Is it not time to ensure that all Albertans share in the province’s wealth? Albertans from across the income spectrum benefit from efforts to reduce disparity. Disparity erodes social and economic wellbeing for everyone across the income spectrum. Prominent national and international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Conference Board of Canada agree that pronounced inequality has a negative impact on the economy.
Idle No More: What are the Main Issues Behind the Movement?
Natoamiskapiakii (Faye Morning Bull) ,
Thursday, March 7, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The Idle No More movement began late in 2012 after the Harper Government passed their massive omnibus budget Bill C-45. Four women, Nina Wilson, Sheelah Mclean, Sylvia McAdam and Jessica Gordon all shared a vision in which people can help protect Mother Earth, her lands, waters and people. The women began discussing the possible impacts that some of the legislation would carry if people remained idle. To them, it became evident that women MUST do something about the apparent colonial, unilateral and paternalistic legislation being pushed through Canada’s parliamentary system.
Alberta's Health Inquiry: Can Public Trust be Restored?
Raj Sherman ,
Thursday, February 28, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
During January’s Alberta Health Services (AHS) Preferential Access Inquiry in Calgary it was revealed that private patients jumped the line for taxpayer-funded cancer screening tests, thereby prompting a review of how AHS work with private clinics. The inquiry heard that patients from a private medical clinic were automatically fast-tracked for tests at Calgary’s publicly funded colon-cancer screening centre and receiving treatment within weeks while most Albertans waited nearly three years for non-urgent colonoscopies.
Is it time to Reconsider the Indian Act?
Tom Flanagan ,
Wednesday, February 27, 2013 12:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
Part 1 of the Audio of this speech is available courtesy of an audience member here: http://snd.sc/XHjXez NOTICE OF SPECIAL SESSION Wednesday, Feb 27, 2013 7pm PE 261 University of Lethbridge The Idle No More movement has brought issues of treaties, reserves, land claims, and the Indian Act to the forefront of political discourse in Canada. Perhaps best known for his book First Nations? Second Thoughts the speaker has written extensively on aboriginal history and politics with an eye to making major changes in the relationship between aboriginal people and the Government of Canada.
Why Will Albertans be Facing a Deficit in the Next Budget?
Brian Mason ,
Thursday, February 21, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Premier Alison Redford has given Albertans to understand that there will be some belt tightening and cuts in the next Provincial budget expected later this winter. We can expect a large deficit, but no tax or royalty increases are being contemplated. Is this the only way to deal with the anticipated shortfall? How well is the provincial economy being managed by our Government? Are there other ways the economy and resources of Alberta could be managed?
Proposed Federal Constituency Boundary Changes: Are They Fair?
LaVar Payne ,
Tuesday, February 19, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
SPECIAL SESSION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 19 at NOON at Country Kitchen Catering A government-appointed commission’s latest ideas were put forth recently following a series of public hearings in the fall. A new Lethbridge riding would cover the city and county of Lethbridge, including Coaldale, Coalhurst, Picture Butte and Nobleford, while Cardston would join an expanded Foothills constituency. Raymond, Magrath and Stirling, as well as Milk River, would join Medicine Hat Medicine Hat MP LaVar Payne has filed a protest to the changes, citing concerns about potentially losing Brooks from his riding to become part of Bow River, which also would include Taber and Vauxhall.
Why We Need an Alberta Constitution
Tom Sindlinger ,
Thursday, February 14, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Voter turnout has dropped in almost every advanced industrial country but Alberta’s voter turnout has dropped even more precipitously. According to the speaker, the reduced voter turnout is a symptom of a larger problem: people have become disengaged from government, and they have to be reconnected. What is to be done about such disconnection? The speaker will argue that a provincial constitution would give people control over their government and reconnect citizens with government.
Supporting Sustainable Food – Good, Clean and Fair Food: Panel & Reception
Wade Nelson, Tony Legault, Jill Cairns ,
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 12:00 PM
Southern Alberta Art Gallery
Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) Location: Southern Alberta Art Gallery, 601 - 3 Avenue South, Lethbridge Are you interested in local, good, clean and fairly produced food that helps to sustain our healthy landscapes and clean water? How can we achieve greater availability of such food? Perhaps you are not very familiar with these ideas and want to know more, or maybe you have some interesting ideas to share.
Are Urgent and Pressing Medicare Issues Facing Albertans in 2013?
Sandra Azocar ,
Thursday, February 7, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Some may think medicare issues have gone away with the election of a more liberal Tory Premier. Are things going just fine with health care in Alberta? How is this Provincial Government under Allison Redford doing as stewards of Alberta Health Services? Should we be concerned about the state of primary health care? Is creeping privatization of health care still an issue and are the recent cuts to home care the right way to go?
Should public dollars be used to fund private schools?
Kent Hehr ,
Tuesday, February 5, 2013 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
SACPA and the Lethbridge Public Library present a special evening session of the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs on Tuesday Feb 5, 2013 from 7-9pm MLA for Calgary-Buffalo Kent Hehr presented a Private Member’s Bill in November 2012 that called on the Alberta government to eliminate public funding for private schools. Alberta is one of only five provinces that subsidizes private students. Furthermore, Alberta provides 70% funding to private schools, the richest subsidy to private schools in the country.
In Majority Governments, What Can the Opposition do to Affect Legislation?
Danielle Smith ,
Thursday, January 31, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The Wildrose Party became the official opposition in the 87 seat Alberta Legislature on April 23, 2012. Despite capturing 34 % of the vote, only 17 Wildrose MLA’s managed to get elected including party leader Danielle Smith. During the 2012 fall session of the Legislature, the Wildrose Party was very active introducing numerous amendments to proposed legislation, but usually to no avail. The Wildrose believe they heard loud and clear from Albertans that they want solutions to balance the budget, improve health care and education and to put an end to what appears to be a PC Government culture of corruption, conflict of interest and entitlement.
Climate and Energy: Does Canada need an Energy Strategy?
Kent Peacock & Cosmos Voutsinos ,
Thursday, January 24, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Energy drives life. Energy use has been a great advantage to our species. However, we are moving toward a compelling predicament as our societies thrive and our population grows. With population growth our energy needs increase. Our current sources of energy are thought by many to be leading to harmful climate change – and at the same time they are depleting at a rate we find discomforting. The consequences to our complex society and to other life forms on earth are uncertain.
Petro States: Oil and the New Servitude
Andrew Nikiforuk ,
Thursday, January 17, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Ancient civilizations routinely relied on shackled human muscle. It took the energy of slaves to plant crops, clothe emperors, and build cities. In the early nineteenth century, the slave trade became one of the most profitable enterprises on the planet, and slaveholders viewed religious critics as hostilely as oil companies now regard environmentalists. Yet when the abolition movement finally triumphed in the 1850s, it had an invisible ally: coal and oil.
Does a Northern Gateway Pipeline Make Sense?
Barry Robinson ,
Thursday, January 10, 2013 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The Federal Government and Alberta’s Provincial Government are advocating that a new pipeline to the Pacific Ocean is essential to growth of the petroleum industry in Alberta. Enbridge has proposed to build a 1200 km pipeline to ship bitumen from Alberta’s oil sands across the rugged terrain of British Columbia to a marine terminal in Kitimat, BC. Is the Northern Gateway Pipeline needed? What are the economic benefits of the pipeline?