Are Public Sector Workers better off in Alberta than in other provinces?
Dr. Richard Mueller ,
Thursday, December 19, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
The September 3, 2019 release of the Report and Recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Alberta’s Finances (the MacKinnon report) argues that both the size and compensation of Alberta’s public sector are higher than comparator provinces, and suggests that the government could reduce the size of the public sector (through employee attrition), consider alternative delivery of government programs and services (through the private and non-for-profit sectors), and recommends that the government establishes a legislative mandate that sets the salary levels for all public sector employees.
Successes and Challenges for U of L Students Supporting Refugee Students
Dr. Anne Dymond and Abdullah Mouslli ,
Thursday, December 12, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
In 2016, students at the U of L established a local chapter of the World University Service of Canada (WUSC). It is a Canadian international development non-profit organization dedicated to improving education, employment and empowerment opportunities for youth, women and refugees in more than 25 countries around the world. WUSC’s Student Refugee Program (SRP) combines refugee resettlement with opportunities for higher education. The U of L WUSC program changes the lives of young people here and around the world.
Lyme disease: What are the early warning signs and is treatment effective?
Audrey Skoog ,
Thursday, December 5, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
Is it MS, Lupus or immune system dysfunction? Doctors were left puzzled by Audrey Skoog’s rapidly deteriorating health. This led to specialist after specialist as well as referrals out of country and out of province. When diagnosis came, she found herself with late stage Lyme disease otherwise known as disseminated Lyme disease; this stage occurs months or even years after a tick bite, when the infection is not appropriately treated in the first or second stages.
Waste Less Food: How wasted food costs us time, money and resources – and what we can do about it
Kathleen Sheppard ,
Thursday, November 28, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
The average Canadian households wastes $1,760 every year in squishy cucumbers, spoiled yogurt and moldy bread. Not only does food waste have a negative impact on our pocketbooks, it’s bad for the environment as resources are wasted producing food that is never eaten. Wasted food is responsible for 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, making the reduction of food waste a key strategy in fighting climate change. Households are the second largest contributors to food waste, with 21% of food waste occurring in the home.
Did anyone win the 2019 Canadian federal election?
Paul Fairie ,
Thursday, November 21, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party retained power in a close-run federal election. The Liberals won 157 seats and 33% of the popular vote, enough to retain power in a minority parliament. Opposition leader Andrew Scheer’s Conservative Party won more votes, but far fewer seats. This was the first time since 1979 that the winner of the most seats wasn’t also the winner of the most votes. The NDP did far better than the polls suggested at the beginning of the campaign, but worse than in 2015 and catastrophically worse than their record high in 2011.
What are the Opportunities and Challenges for Alberta in its 2019 Budget?
Nathan Neudorf ,
Thursday, November 14, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
Budget 2019 reflects a commitment to responsible fiscal management and a promise to balance the budget in 4 years. It’s focused on creating jobs and delivering public services and infrastructure to support private sector investment and a vibrant society. Alberta’s many successive provincial deficits have created a serious financial situation and a debt burden that has reached $62.7 billion. Government spent almost $2 billion on interest (debt servicing) last year – more than what was spent on 17 out of 21 ministries.
Irrigation is the Economic Lifeblood of Southern Alberta and its Agriculture: How much Water will you use today? Can Technology support increased Efficiency?
Terrence Lazarus ,
Thursday, November 7, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
As the largest irrigation district by irrigated acres in Canada, St Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID) has licenses to divert water from the St. Mary, Waterton and Belly rivers. The total volume of SMRID’s allowable diversion is 722,000 ac/ft. or about 890 million cubic meters of water. On average however, the SMRID diverts only around 50 per cent of its total license. One of its licenses now allows for not only water for irrigation as originally conceived, but for other uses such as municipal, industrial, recreational and environmental.
Killmonger at the Museum: What a Hollywood Blockbuster Can Tell Us About Institutions These Days
Aruna D'Souza ,
Friday, November 1, 2019 1:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
Art NOW Series: Aruna D’Souza Killmonger at the Museum: What a Hollywood Blockbuster Can Tell Us About Institutions These Days Friday, November 1, 2019 from 12 noon to 1 pm in University Recital Hall W570, U of L Free admission, everyone welcome! Museums around the world have been challenged by protesters in recent years to account for who and what they show and who is footing the bill. While the questions aren’t new, the expectations about how museums function as public entities are, especially in the U.
Should we be worried that Video & Board Gaming, Comics, Superhero's and Halloween are growing into Multi-Billion Dollar Industries?
Dylan Purcell ,
Thursday, October 31, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
The video game industry generated appox. $135 billion US globally in 2018 and is forecasted to be worth $300 billion by 2025. The global market value of board games, alternatively known as tabletop games, was nearly 8 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 and is estimated to reach a value of $15 billion in 2025. The comic book industry is steadily worth around $1 billion yearly, but over the past decade, superhero movies, most of which are based on superhero comics, have been growing.
If we follow the new Canada Food Guide, are we likely to live healthier lives?
Heather Mathur ,
Thursday, October 24, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
The new Canada Food Guide was recently released and includes an online suite of resources that better meets the needs of different users including the general public, policy makers, health professionals, healthcare centres, childcare centres, and schools. The Canada Food Guide has a long history of being used and is promoted by health professionals when supporting Canadians to eat well. The Food Guide can help influence the foods served and sold in Canada’s public institutions like workplaces, healthcare centres, recreation centres, and schools.
What is Open Science and Why Does it Matter?
Dr. Vincent Larivière ,
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 1:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
Vincent Larivière: “Scholarly Communication and Open Access: What Researchers Should Know” Tuesday, Oct 22 from 3 to 4:30 pm in the Library Alcove, Level 10, University of Lethbridge Library Dr. Larivière is a leading (and entertaining) researcher on the topic of contemporary scholarly communication. Join us for a timely and lively discussion on academic publishing models, and how you will be affected by them. He is the author of “The Oligopoly of Academic Publishers in the Digital Era,” among many other publications.
What are some of the Most Important Things Happening in Lethbridge?
Chris Spearman, Mayor of Lethbridge ,
Thursday, October 17, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
Now that Lethbridge is a city of more than 100,000 inhabitants, there are some perceived “big city” problems that go along with it. Actually, we have had many of them all along, but with a larger population they become more visible. With the Federal election looming in less than a week and a Provincial budget to be unveiled shortly after, the intergovernmental effects on Lethbridge could be substantial and will need unpacking.
Helping Vulnerable People Recover – What does success look like?
Shawna Pinay ,
Thursday, October 10, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
Many people think that successful work with poverty-stricken street people and people living with drug & alcohol addiction/mental health issues will result in a “normal” life for them. That is however, largely a myth. It’s also true people generally assume that successful work with and help for the impoverished and homeless, should be measured by how close clients get to society’s “norm”, meaning money, a house, a job, a family, living a stereotypical happy and “normal” life as a result of that help.
Thriving With Schizophrenia and Dealing with Mental Health Illness and Addiction: What are the Issues?
Catherine and Austin Mardon ,
Thursday, October 3, 2019 1:00 PM
Dr. Foster James Penny Building
Mental health, Schizophrenia and substance use problems and illnesses affect people from all walks of life – our parents, siblings, children, friends, co-workers, neighbours and often, ourselves. The costs of inadequate planning and inconsistent access to mental health and substance use services are high – both personal and financial. People with mental health and substance use problems and illnesses face stigma and discrimination. They contend with obstacles to completing education, pursuing employment opportunities and obtaining adequate housing.
Energy, Utilities, and how Consumers are being over charged?
Joe Anglin ,
Thursday, October 3, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
The deregulation of Alberta’s electricity system is now 19-years old, and in the last five years three successive Alberta governments have passed on an opportunity to mitigate the shortcomings of an Alberta “energy only market.” This has resulted in Albertans paying more for their energy utilities. Climate change and the climate change debate have significantly impacted retail utility costs in Alberta. The speaker will examine these impacts from a regulatory perspective, and how contemporaneous political influences have caused utility rates to rise for the average ratepayer.
Federal Election Forum
All Candidates ,
Wednesday, October 2, 2019 1:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
University of Lethbridge Student Union (ULSU), the Association of Political Science Students and Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) will be hosting an all-candidates Federal election forum in the BMO Auditorium, room SA8002, Science Commons, U of L on October 2, 2019 at 6:30 pm All Lethbridge Federal constituency candidates have been invited. The 2019 Federal Election promises to be an interesting contest with many issues up for discussion. This election forum will be conducted using both formulated and audience questions.
The ARCHES Indigenous Recovery Coach Program: A Path For Recovery
Joey Blood (Aakainiskimm) and Jerry Firth (Piitaana) ,
Thursday, September 26, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
The ARCHES Indigenous Recovery Coach Program is a recovery-oriented, community-based and culturally informed recovery coach program, supporting adults undergoing opioid agonist therapy (OAT), also known as medically assisted therapy (MAT), for opioid addiction in Lethbridge. The program is intended to combine one-on-one community-based transition / navigator services with peer support services and culturally-focused healing. From a strength-based and person-centered approach, the Indigenous Recovery Coaches focus on working with participants to apply their newly acquired recovery skills in their living environment and help them resolve any issues or problems that can impact their recovery.
In the Wondrous Reverberations of Silence: Mel Murakami and a Generation of Japanese Canadian Visionaries
Dr.'s Darren Aoki and Carly Adams ,
Thursday, September 19, 2019 1:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
They constructed a Japanese garden on the parched land of the southern Alberta prairie, an iconic monument amplifying the most powerful of all sounds – silence. Mel Murakami, Kingo Sakamoto, and a generation of many other Japanese Canadians. Who were these visionaries who literally changed the face of postwar Lethbridge? How can we piece together the stories of people who did so much but spoke so little? In a very special journey to remember remarkable individuals, we’ll hear echoes of voices now long departed in the memories of their descendants.
How much does Lethbridge Recycle and where does it all end up?
Joel Sanchez ,
Thursday, September 19, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
The majority of residents in Lethbridge believe in the importance of recycling and keeping waste out of the landfill. The City’s Waste Diversion Policy has led to specific targets for reducing waste in both households and businesses with the goal of cutting the overall community waste in half by 2030. The Residential Waste Diversion Strategy is targeted to reduce the amount of waste residents send to the landfill with a 50% waste diversion rate by 2021 and a 65% waste diversion rate by 2030.
The Economic Impact of Area Agriculture on Lethbridge – Is it Essential?
Trevor Lewington ,
Thursday, September 12, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
The agriculture sector in Lethbridge is supported by the surrounding region, which includes more than 900 farms generating farm receipts of $1.1 Billion per year, building on assets of $3.2 Billion. Primary crops in this region include canola, corn, potatoes, sugar beets and pulses in addition to significant livestock and dairy production. There are more than 120 established agri-food processing businesses in the Lethbridge region producing food and/or feed for local consumption and export.
The Blackfoot Confederacy and its Culture – what may their Future Hold?
Travis Plaited Hair ,
Thursday, September 5, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
The Blackfoot people is made up of four nations. These nations include the Piegan Blackfeet, Siksika, Piikani Nation, and Kainai. The four nations come together to make up what is known as the Blackfoot Confederacy, meaning that they have banded together to help one another. The nations have their own separate governments ruled by a head chief, but regularly come together for religious and social celebrations. Historically, the member peoples of the Confederacy were nomadic bison hunters and trout fishermen, who ranged across large areas of the northern Great Plains of western North America.
2019 Annual General Meeting of Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs
SACPA Board of Directors ,
Thursday, June 20, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
Approval of Agenda and appointment of Secretary Adoption and discussion of Minutes – June 28, 2018 Annual Reports: Chairperson Finance Committee & Treasurer’s Report and Budget for 2019-2020 Program Committee Break for lunch from approx. 12:30 - 1 pm followed by more reports SACPA on Campus Program Committee Policy and Bylaw Committee Administrative Manager Personnel Committee Nomination Committee Appointment of Auditors and free discussion on new ideas and SACPA’s future direction.
The Recently Released Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Report Lists 231 Calls for Justice: What are the Immediate Priorities?
Terri-Lynn Fox ,
Thursday, June 13, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
In response to calls for action from Indigenous families, communities and organizations, as well as non-governmental and international organizations, the Government of Canada launched an entirely independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) in September 2016. The National Inquiry’s Final MMIWG Report released June 3, reveals that persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.
Medical Emergency Trauma: Why is Helicopter Transport so Important?
Dale Thacker ,
Thursday, June 6, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
In 2004 Dale Thacker got involved as a 1/3 owner in Rangeland Helicopters with Larry Elford and Ian McLeod. Their wish was to bring effective helicopter EMS to the southeastern part of Alberta. They recognized that STARS Air Ambulance was available, but from a trauma perspective considering the “golden hour”, it wasn’t sufficient, and wanted better coverage for the people who call this southern region home. The Southern Alberta MedicAir Society had also come to similar conclusions about STARS coverage.
Many Albertans are unhappy with Federal Policies: Is it Time for Alberta to renegotiate its Relationship with Canada?
Randy Royer ,
Tuesday, June 4, 2019 1:00 PM
Dr. Foster James Penny Building
Ideally, Albertans seek a modern Canadian federated state with collaborative politics, internal free trade and an equal voice for all citizens. Confederation was arguably not built to achieve these objectives when it was born more than 150 years ago and the time may have come to challenge Alberta’s current relationship with Canada. It is like two partners living together, one dissatisfied, one content – should Alberta have a meaningful discussion with Ottawa about their future relationship sooner rather than later?
Are Environmentally Sensitive Areas of southwestern Alberta being Sacrificed for Wind Power?
Bobbi Lambright ,
Thursday, May 30, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
Southern Alberta, including the MD of Pincher Creek, is one of Canada’s windiest regions and the area’s rich wind resources are extremely attractive to developers. This renewable potential, however, is having an unexpected negative environmental impact – wind farms and associated transmission infrastructure are threatening one of the last remaining areas in Alberta with large tracts of native grassland and unique ecosystems of critical importance to preserving the unique bioversity of the plains.
Nature Talks: Why Grasslands Matter
Craig Harding, Megan Jensen, Adam Moltzahn and Leta Pezderic ,
Thursday, May 23, 2019 1:00 PM
Helen Schuler Nature Centre
Join the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Alberta Region in Lethbridge to celebrate the iconic species of the grasslands and the important role habitat conservation plays in their survival. A panel of experts, Craig Harding, Megan Jensen, Adam Moltzahn and Leta Pezderic will share stories and insights about pronghorn, sage grouse, ferruginous hawks and other amazing creatures of this endangered ecosystem. Thursday, May 23, 2019 Reception 6:00 pm Presentation 7:00 pm Helen Schuler Nature Centre 300 Indian Battle Road South Lethbridge, AB
Middle East Societies in Crisis
Sean McMahon ,
Thursday, May 23, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
The crisis of the global political-economy continues to sharpen. Trade wars—the precursors of military wars—involving the United States, the European Union, China, India, Mexico and Canada are intensifying. The United States has unilaterally abrograted the Trans Pacific Partnership, Intermediate Nucler Forces Agreement and North America Free Trade Agreement. Social inequality and wealth concentration are at record levels. The major central banks are realizing even more “ultra-accommodative” monetary policy for stock markets and more austerity for workers.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada – Protecting our Grasslands
Leta Pezderic ,
Thursday, May 16, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is Canada’s leading national land conservation organization. A private, non-profit organization, partnering with individuals, corporations, other non-profit organizations and governments at all levels to protect our most important natural treasures — the natural areas that sustain Canada’s plants and wildlife. NCC secures properties (through donation, purchase, conservation agreement and the relinquishment of other legal interests in land) and manages them for the long term.
Are Women Premiers in Canada less likely to be Re-Elected than Men?
Melanee Thomas ,
Thursday, May 9, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
With the UCP gaining power in Alberta’s recent provincial election, Jason Kenney became premier of Alberta and for the first time since 2008, no women preside over a Canadian provincial or territorial legislature. And that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. Until 1991, when Rita Johnston became British Columbia premier, because of a scandal involving then Premier Bill Vander Zalm, Canadian provinces had been ruled by male premiers. Since then, 11 women has held that position, but not one of those premiers, even those who led their government to a majority mandate, has had the support required to stay in office for more than a full term after being elected.
Building a Bike Path linking Lethbridge and Coaldale: Good idea – but where could the Funding come from?
Henry Doeve ,
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
Global News coverage of this talk can be seen at: https://globalnews.ca/news/5251149/link-pathway-coal-dale-lethbridge-bike-cycling/ The ability to ride your bike off highway and jog or walk safely along a paved pedestrian pathway between Lethbridge and Coaldale is something the LINK Regional Pathway Society is working towards. And they have the support of the City and Lethbridge County, St. Mary Irrigation District (SMRID) and the Town of Coaldale. The society has been working on a vision to connect the Henderson Lake area with Birds of Prey in Coaldale along the canal system owned by the SMRID.
You have the Power to End Sexual Violence
Kristine Cassie, MSc, RSW ,
Thursday, May 2, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
It is estimated that 1 in 3 women/girls and 1 in 6 men/boys in their lifetime will experience some form of sexual violence either in childhood or in their adult life. Young adults are generally most at risk, but it can happen at any age, and it’s been going on for many, many years. A new facility, the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre (CSAC) in Lethbridge at 740-4 Avenue South is now open.
Home Reno: If a quoted price sounds too good to be true, it probably is
Wes Carroll ,
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
Most people wants to save a dollar and you might get a renovation done cheaper if you pay cash. Sounds great, and what could possibly go wrong? Keep in mind not all contractors are created equal. Homeowners need to do thorough research on how to select a good contractor before they sign a deal with anyone. Unfortunately, homeowners are at a disadvantage because it’s difficult for an untrained eye to find errors in technical work and it’s unlikely that the homeowner will know if a project is up to code before it’s too late.
Are Aboriginal Rights and Canadian Law Reconcilable?
Dr. Christopher Nowlin ,
Thursday, April 25, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
As a rule, Aboriginal Rights are the rights of Indigenous people to carry on with their traditional and ancestral customs of hunting, fishing, trapping, feasting and holding religious ceremonies. They stem in part from Indigenous occupation of lands prior to European contact and assertions of sovereignty. Aboriginal rights also flow from the many treaties that Indigenous leaders signed with the Crown over the last few centuries, which are matters of contract law—sacred contract law.
What did the April 16 Election Results tell us about the Sentiments of Albertans?
Dr. Duane Bratt ,
Thursday, April 18, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
In the 2015 provincial election, the New Democratic Party, led by Rachel Notley, won an unprecedented victory in Alberta. Unseating the Progressive Conservatives – who had won every provincial election since 1971 – they formed an NDP government for the first time in the history of the province. Unfortunately for Premier Rachel Notley and her NDP government, revenues from Alberta’s energy sector tanked in 2015 and still hasn’t fully recovered. Nevertheless, the NDP government pressed on with their plans to rectify Alberta’s massive infrastructure deficit in support of public institutions, but in the process, they’ve amassed hefty budgetary deficits, despite implementing progressive tax changes and a carbon levy
Why are only a few People Building Energy Efficient "Net-Zero" Houses?
Rudy Reger ,
Thursday, April 11, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
For many people, a net-zero home conjures up visions of houses beyond their reach. But supplying energy for your own home is no longer confined to the future. For many homes, a well-designed solar power system can meet 100% of their energy needs on a yearly basis. Lethbridge and the entirety of Southern Alberta get more sunlight than almost anywhere else in Canada, making solar panels the perfect solution for powering your home on green energy.
The New Alberta Advantage? Technology, Policy, and the Future of the Oil Sands
Markham Hislop ,
Thursday, April 4, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
The global energy system is being transformed by new technologies that will revolutionize oil and gas markets — whether Alberta is ready for it or not. In his new book, energy journalist Markham Hislop examines how visionary oil sands executives like Suncor CEO Steve Williams are preparing their companies – which produce two-thirds of Alberta’s oil – for the onrushing low-carbon future. An integral part of the oil sands’ savvy business strategy is the energy and climate policies of Premier Rachel Notley’s government.
Provincial All Candidates Election Forum for Lethbridge West
Panel of Candidates ,
Friday, March 29, 2019 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Seniors Centre
SACPA presents the 2019 Alberta Provincial all candidates Election Forum for the Lethbridge West constituency Date: Friday, March 29, 2019 Time: 6:30 – 9 pm Venue: Lethbridge Senior Centre (LSCO) Gymnasium, 500 – 11 Street South The April 16, 2019 Alberta Provincial Election promises to be an interesting contest and ought to attract more attention than normally would be expected of such. The SACPA forum will be conducted using both formulated and audience questions.
Is Canada's Equalization Payment Formula Fair to All Provinces?
Dr. Trevor Tombe ,
Thursday, March 28, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
Each year, in mid-December, the federal government releases its calculation for what each province is entitled to receive as equalization. The numbers show Alberta’s recession lowered its ability to raise revenues. They show Ontario has graduated to “have” status, but (interestingly) will still receive equalization payments. They also set the stage for the upcoming Federal-Provincial-Territorial discussions over the soon-to-expire formula. And on top of all this, budget challenges in oil rich provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador put equalization payments front and centre in provincial political debates, where misleading claims are unfortunately all too common.
Provincial All Candidates Election Forum for Lethbridge East
Panel of Candidates ,
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
SACPA presents the 2019 Alberta Provincial all candidates Election Forum for the Lethbridge East constituency Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2019 Time: 6:30 – 9 pm Venue: Royal Canadian Legion hall, 324 Mayor Magrath Drive South The April 16, 2019 Alberta Provincial Election promises to be an interesting contest and ought to attract more attention than normally would be expected of such. The SACPA forum will be conducted using both formulated and audience questions.
Is the Ability to Shutter Government Services and Declare National Emergencies being Abused by US Presidents?
Dr. James Tagg ,
Thursday, March 21, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
US President Trump recently declared a national emergency in a bid to fund his promised wall on the US – Mexico border without the approval of Congress on the heels of signing a bipartisan government spending bill that would prevent another partial government services closure following a historic 35-day shutdown in December and January. That shutdown was caused by Trump’s demand that Congress provide him with $5.7 billion in wall funding as part of legislation to fund certain government agencies.
Are We Dementia Friendly?
Shari Remus, Regional Lead, Community Relations ,
Thursday, March 14, 2019 1:00 PM
Legion
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often used interchangeably as many people believe that one means the other. In fact, the distinction between the two diseases often causes confusion for the persons living with dementia, their families and caregivers. Alzheimer’s and some types of dementias remain a mystery in many ways. Therefore, the similar changes in the brain are often mixed up in every day conversation and understanding. According to National Institute on Aging, Dementia is a brain disorder that affects communication and performance of daily activities and Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that specifically affects parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language.
Making Sense of the Yellow Vest Protests
Dr. Trevor Harrison ,
Thursday, March 7, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
Inspired by, or at least imitating, the protests of France’s Gilets Jaunes, a Yellow Vest movement has similarly made headlines the past few months, especially in Alberta. In what ways does this movement echo the one in France – or even past movement in Canada? How, more broadly, should we understand the Yellow Vest protests? On the surface, the concerns seem clear enough: stalled pipeline projects and fury over a federal and provincial the carbon tax.
What is Holding-Back the Adoption of Electric Cars and What Can Be Done About It?
Jim Steil ,
Thursday, February 28, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
“If, instead of building the automobile, had I asked folks what they wanted, the answer would have been… [just] a faster horse.” (Henry Ford) EVs are touted as the next world-wide disruption, yet unlike the transition from the horse and buggy, physically owning and driving one is hardly disruptive at all. EVs are a timely and much-better version of what we already own and drive – a faster and better horse – so where are they all, and why?
Alberta's Partisan Politics and Ideology: Would Independent MLA's with No Party Affiliation be a better Option?
Richard Strankman, MLA for the Drumheller Stettler constituency ,
Thursday, February 21, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
Alberta’s Partisan Politics and Ideology: Would Independent MLA’s with No Party Affiliation be a better Option? Canada’s NorthWest Territories has a consensus government, in which all members are Independent and do not belong to a political party caucus. This form of government has been in place for over 40 years. The direct democratic governance model used in the North West Territories has allowed their Legislative Members the innate ability to put their constituents’ needs singularly ahead of all else.
Although Dating and Relationships have Evolved, is Matchmaking back in Style?
Sandra Juell ,
Thursday, February 14, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
In today’s world, matchmaking tends to refer to apps and internet sites that we use to do the dirty work of sorting out good candidates for relationships, but for much of human history, the matchmaker was a person. Choosing a life partner was often viewed as far too complicated a decision for young people on their own, and from the Aztec civilization to ancient Greece and China, their elders (often women) intervened to make sure they had the “right” kind of suitor.
Should Backyard Hens be allowed within Lethbridge City Limits?
Kelti Baird ,
Thursday, February 7, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
On September 17, 2018, City Council was asked to consider a one year pilot project for the keeping of up to 4 egg-laying hens on urban properties with suitable yard space. Council voted to investigate further and to have public consultations, with a decision to follow in late March 2019. Bylaw 3383 prohibits the raising of poultry within the City of Lethbridge and it has not been amended since 1983. Is the Bylaws out of date?
Elon Musk, President of Mars?
Dr. Michael Byers ,
Friday, February 1, 2019 12:00 PM
Lethbridge College
Who owns Outer Space? Could Elon Musk become President of Mars? How would one negotiate a treaty with aliens? Space is becoming a very busy place, with 90 orbital launches occurring in 2017 alone. Many of the governance challenges that currently exist on Earth will soon exist in Space. Yet the unique conditions of Space, including extremes of danger, distance and time, will necessarily require fundamental changes to the conduct of international relations and the content of international law.
Elon Musk, President of Mars?
Dr. Michael Byers ,
Thursday, January 31, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
Who owns Outer Space? Could Elon Musk become President of Mars? How would one negotiate a treaty with aliens? Space is becoming a very busy place, with 90 orbital launches occurring in 2017 alone. Many of the governance challenges that currently exist on Earth will soon exist in Space. Yet the unique conditions of Space, including extremes of danger, distance and time, will necessarily require fundamental changes to the conduct of international relations and the content of international law.
Should Canada Establish a Single-Payer National Pharmacare Program?
Sandra Azocar ,
Thursday, January 24, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
Of all the developed countries with universal, single-payer health care systems, Canada is the only one that does not include coverage for prescription drugs. There are currently 23 different public drug and supplementary plans within Alberta alone, but they provide benefits for just 20% of Albertans. Within Canada we have a patchwork of drug coverage, with more than 100,000 different drug and supplementary plans, yet, 1 in 10 Canadians cannot afford their prescription drugs.
The Choice before Albertans in 2019
Hon. Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment, Parks and Climate Change ,
Thursday, January 17, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
In May 2015 the people of Alberta were faced with a choice at the ballot box and they surprised the pundits by choosing an NDP government, despite all the predictions that the Progressive Conservatives would add to their 44 year term in office. Now, almost four years later, the Premier has indicated that she will hold the election in the Spring of 2019 and again ask the people of Alberta for their vote.
Journeys to Justice: Reflections on Canadian Christian Activism
Joe Gunn ,
Thursday, January 10, 2019 12:00 PM
Legion
Canadian churches have made a huge impact on key justice issues over the past 50 years on education, economics, refugee sponsorship, the environment, domestic violence, public health care, women’s rights, and the cancellation of the debts of Global South countries. A new book from Citizens for Public Justice’s Joe Gunn features interviews with ten key people who have been active in social justice struggles across Canada for many years. How did Christians from varied ecumenical backgrounds work together to help end apartheid, admit refugees from Chile and Indochina, defend Indigenous Peoples’ rights, promote economic justice, and more?
Journeys to Justice: Reflections on Canadian Christian Activism
Joe Gunn ,
Thursday, January 10, 2019 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
A new book from Citizens for Public Justice’s Joe Gunn features interviews with ten key people who have been active in social justice struggles across Canada for many years. How did Christians from varied ecumenical backgrounds work together to help end apartheid, admit refugees from Chile and Indochina, defend Indigenous Peoples’ rights, promote economic justice, and more? Canadian churches have made a huge impact on key justice issues over the past 50 years on education, economics, refugee sponsorship, the environment, domestic violence, public health care, women’s rights, and the cancellation of the debts of Global South countries.