Covid, Chaos and Christmas!
Linda Hancock , Phd
Thursday, December 16, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
The season that suggests we should have joy, peace and love can often instead be filled with busyness, financial demands and feelings of being overwhelmed. Getting just the right gift and saying just the right thing is difficult enough without having to navigate all the fears and restrictions introduced by a pandemic. The speaker has worked with more than 8000 clients who asked her to help them problem solve. She is an expert at focusing on the things that keep everyone healthy and sane – especially in a world that now seems to be filled with insanity.
Kindness to Others – A Perspective on the Addiction Crisis in Lethbridge
Alvin Mills ,
Thursday, December 9, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
There are many opinions on what is best practice when it comes to dealing with the serious addiction crises that is prevalent in today’s society and certainly Lethbridge is no exception. However, most people agree that the “Four Pillars” approach, harm reduction, prevention, treatment and enforcement, generally gives best outcomes. Many reasons can be attributed to addiction, but homelessness and personal trauma are very often the main causes. The speaker will describe his Residential School trauma, his addiction struggle and eventual recovery.
Feeling the squeeze: Provincial cuts, Municipal impacts
Jacqueline Peterson , PhD
Thursday, December 2, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
Municipal services are critical for our quality of life. However, the decisions facing local governments are heavily shaped by provincial policy. The province doesn’t just distribute grants to municipalities to help fund vital infrastructure, but they also set the rules and terms by which municipalities themselves can generate revenue. Over the past few years, many traditional sources of municipal revenue have been “squeezed” by the province - with big impacts on local services, jobs, and infrastructure.
Are you a senior who is feeling lonely? Would you like someone to keep in touch?
Connie-Marie Riedlhuber , Keep in Touch Senior’s Coordinator with Volunteer Lethbridge
Thursday, November 25, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
For many elderly folks, a call from a friend or an acquaintance once or twice a week can make a big difference in how they feel. Knowing that someone cares and is there to share stories and laugh with is comforting and meaningful in so many ways. The Volunteer Lethbridge Keep in Touch program connects people in our community with each other through a weekly telephone support system linking seniors to a friendly person with whom to chat and access resource information they may need.
An Exodus of Young People: Is this Alberta’s Future?
David J Finch , Senior Fellow at the Institute for Community Prosperity
Thursday, November 18, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
Today, a community’s prosperity is linked to its ability to attract, retain, develop and mobilize talent. The future prosperity of Alberta is undoubtedly centered on people. The risk of young people leaving our province is real and extraordinarily complex. What drives young adults to “purchase” a city? What are young Canadians’ perceptions of Alberta? What does Alberta need to do to once again make Alberta a magnet for young adults? In this discussion, Dr.
Insights on Ecological Effects of Coal Development in the Eastern Slopes
Lorne Fitch , Professional Biologist
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
Five retired provincial Fish and Wildlife biologists provided a submission to the Coal Policy Committee earlier this year (Insights on Coal Development from Five Retired Fish and Wildlife Biologists). The submission was grounded in our experience as provincial biologists and in ecological arguments. It was based on our collective experience, observations, monitoring and research on open-pit coal mining in the Eastern Slopes over nearly a 50-year timespan as well as relevant research references on the ecological effects of coal mining on the aquatic environment, fish and wildlife populations and native plant communities.
Can Solar Energy Breathe new life into Abandoned Oil Well Sites?
Keith Hirsche ,
Thursday, November 4, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
Alberta has 170,000 plus inactive and abandoned oil wells and over 3000 orphan wells that have been abandoned by failed companies. It all adds up to a liability in excess of $30 billion against a total security deposit of less than $250 million. There is also a growing tax liability. In a survey, the Rural Municipalities Association of Alberta (RMA) found $245 million in unpaid property taxes owed by oil and gas companies in February 2021, a 200 percent increase from 2019.
Alberta's 2021 Municipal Elections: Did Partisan Politics Influence the Results?
Barry Morishita ,
Thursday, October 28, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
In addition to the municipal and Senate candidate elections, two referendum questions were added by the Alberta Government to the 2021 Municipal Elections: (1) Should section 36(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982 – Parliament and the government of Canada’s commitment to the principle of making equalization payments – be removed from the constitution? (2) Do you want Alberta to adopt year-round Daylight-Saving Time, which is summer hours, eliminating the need to change our clocks twice a year?
Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security and Aquaponics
Michael Lavorato ,
Thursday, October 21, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
Food security and sustainable agriculture are top of mind given the challenges of climate change. The speaker will talk about a new aquaponics project happening in southern Alberta to tackle food security and climate change. He will discuss the challenges with food security in southern Alberta and why sustainable agriculture is important, and provide an overview of aquaponics and how it is a sustainable growing method. And finally, he will discuss the collaboration of the aquaponics project with schools and community stakeholders, and how it will enhance food security in schools and promote environmental leadership.
Student Affordability and Feed or Famine Food Drive
Amy Mendenhall , Vice President Student Affairs
Thursday, October 14, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
The past two years have been exceptionally challenging for all Alberta Post-Secondary students, and the Student body at the University of Lethbridge has been no exception. Budget cuts by the Alberta government, with more anticipated, increasing tuition and education costs, housing issues, racism, Covid-19, online learning and transitioning back to on campus learning and employment uncertainty are but a few of the challenges experienced by Students. In addition to these issues, Affordability and Food Scarcity challenges are an ever-present reality for far too many post-secondary Students.
Government’s plan for rural medicine: Do Not Resuscitate?
Sam Myhr , Rural Medicine President for the Alberta Medical Association
Thursday, October 7, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
Sustaining medical services in smaller communities is challenging at the best of times. Doctors have been working without an agreement for almost two years, and the unstable relationship with our government has made it nearly impossible to recruit and retain physicians to rural areas. The gaps in services are widening provincially, and instead of addressing the worsening underlying issues, government and AHS have dismissed the numerous closures as pandemic or vacation related.
The 2021 Canadian Federal Election: Did the Results Justify Calling It?
Dr. Melanee Thomas , Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Calgary
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
The Liberal Party retained power in a close-run 2019 federal election where the Liberals won 157 seats and 33% of the popular vote, enough to form a minority government. The opposition 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 and separatist Bloc Quebecois parties both ended up holding the balance of power.
Municipal Elections 2021: What Will Determine the Outcome?
Maria Fitzpatrick ,
Thursday, September 23, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
Lethbridge’s 2021 Municipal Elections has the potential to be very interesting. For sure, the City will have a new Mayor and several fresh faces on Council. Many issues are up for debate and there are questions on the ballot: Is there a need for a third Bridge and should Lethbridge adopt a ward system? Additionally, the Province is asking Albertans for their opinion on equalization and daylight-saving time. The speaker will give an overview of these and other pressing issues such as homelessness and the overdose crisis.
Navigating the Fourth Wave of Covid-19 and Beyond
Dr. Jason Kindrachuk PhD , Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
Thursday, September 16, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a historic public health crisis that has had drastic and long-lasting effects on global health and the economy. This has also been the first pandemic where updates have been provided on a nearly instantaneous basis to both biomedical researchers, healthcare workers and the public. Over 20 plus months, research from across the globe has allowed us to understand SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, in details normally taking years to decades.
FEDERAL ELECTION FORUM WITH LETHBRIDGE CANDIDATES
Federal Election Candidates ,
Tuesday, September 14, 2021 6:00 PM
Facebook Livestream
Here is your opportunity to hear Lethbridge Federal Candidates provide their perspective and platforms in their bid to represent Lethbridge and area constituents as a Member of Parliament. This Forum will be live-streamed and moderated by the University of Lethbridge Students Union (ULSU). Join the session and hear the candidates’ views. Speaker: Moderator: Ryan Lindblad – ULSU Vice President External and Federal Candidates Forum information: SACPA is very pleased to collaborate with the University of Lethbridge Students Union in hosting the Live-stream format of the 2021 Federal Election Forum.
Is the Contract Dispute between AHS and Alberta Nurses strictly about Money?
Danielle Larivee , First Vice-President of UNA
Thursday, September 9, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
Alberta Health Services (AHS) (the Alberta Government) are demanding across-the-board pay cuts of 3 percent, plus additional monetary cuts that would raise the cost of the rollbacks to an average 5 percent in their negotiations with United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) members who have already endured six years of zero percent increases. All this arguably amounts to a relatively large reduction in nurses pay under the guise that Alberta nurses are being paid more than their provincial counter-parts.
Is the Contract Dispute between AHS and Alberta Nurses strictly about Money?
Danielle Larivee , First Vice-President of UNA
Thursday, September 9, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
Alberta Health Services (AHS) (the Alberta Government) are demanding across-the-board pay cuts of 3 percent, plus additional monetary cuts that would raise the cost of the rollbacks to an average 5 percent in their negotiations with United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) members who have already endured six years of zero percent increases. All this arguably amounts to a relatively large reduction in nurses pay under the guise that Alberta nurses are being paid more than their provincial counter-parts.
Annual General Meeting
Members of the SACPA Board ,
Tuesday, June 29, 2021 10:00 AM
Zoom
Approval of Agenda and appointment of Secretary Adoption and discussion of Minutes – June 22, 2020 Annual Reports: Chairperson Finance Committee & Treasurer’s Report and Budget for 2021-2022 Program Committee SACPA on Campus Program Committee Policy and Bylaw Committee Administrative Manager Personnel Committee and Nomination Committee Appointment of Auditors Open discussion on new ideas and how long SACPA ought to operate our present YouTube live streaming events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An Educator’s Perspective on Alberta’s Proposed Draft Curriculum
Ken Rogers and Kelly Frewin ,
Thursday, June 24, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
Educators know all curricula need timely revision and many are concerned about the most recent draft K-6 curriculum proposed by the government of Alberta. The wheels began turning over a decade ago for a comprehensive K-12 curriculum review and rewrite, beginning with the “Inspiring Education” framework of 2009 under PC Premier Stelmach and Education Minister Hancock, followed by a 2013 Ministerial Order under PC Premier Redford and Education Minister Johnson. Prior to these directives, curriculum in Alberta was updated for individual subject areas at various times.
The Deadly Effects of Residential Schools in Canada: How is that Remediable?
Dr. Terri-Lynn Fox and Elder Keith Chief Moon ,
Monday, June 21, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
At least 150,000 Indigenous youths were forced into Indian Residential Schools (IRS) between the 1870s and 1990s. They were run by Canadian/Provincial governments and religious authorities. The aim was to strip the young of their language/culture and force them to adopt to the colonizer’s way of life. In other words, cultural genocide, but with the recent discovery of 215 indigenous children at a Kamloops IRS in unmarked graves, with many more to be found all over Canada, it can be argued that it’s more than cultural genocide.
“Immigration Matters” Why Canada supports immigration?
Najib Mangal , Manager of Community Connections and Employment programs at Immigrant Services of Lethbridge Family Services
Thursday, June 17, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
In October 2020, the Federal Government announced its 2021-2022 Immigration Level Plan. The government is hoping to bring a targeted 1.2 million immigrants into the country to help the Canadian economy recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and drive future growth. Canada is often referred to as a land of immigrants because of the millions of newcomers who have settled there since the first colonies were built by the English and the French on Indigenous territories.
Is Harm Reduction and Empathy the Main Pillars when Battling Drug Dependency?
Dr. Esther Tailfeathers , Physician
Monday, June 14, 2021 12:00 PM
Youtube
While painkilling medicine has been around for a very long time, Fentanyl is a powerful addictive opioid painkiller, the use of which has caused an increasing public health threat in Canada and elsewhere. Fentanyl was initially approved in 1960 and used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, especially cancer pain. However, recent years have seen a growing use of fentanyl and its analogs that are widely synthesized in laboratories and adulterated with illicit supplies of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills, contributing to addiction and the exponential growth in the number of drug-related overdose deaths.
Alberta allows for Public Participation in Resource Development, but what are the Parameters and who are deemed Stakeholders?
Shaun Fluker , Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Calgary
Thursday, June 10, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
Public participation is widely considered to be an essential component of any legitimate exercise of state power over resource development and environmental decision-making. A clear illustration of what can happen when public participation is excluded from the decision-making process is the public uproar concerning the abrupt rescission by the Alberta government of the 1976 Coal Policy in May 2020. The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is Alberta’s regulator of energy development throughout the full lifecycle of an oil, gas, or coal project - from initial application to final closure and reclamation.
“Alberta’s War Room” and the “Steve Allan Inquiry”: Worth the Money or Millions Wasted?
Markham Hislop ,
Thursday, June 3, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
After Jason Kenney became Premier of Alberta on April 30, 2019, he followed through on his campaign promise and set in motion the “energy war room” or the Canadian Energy Centre CEC) as it was named when launched in Dec 2019. The purpose of the $30 million per year CEC was to fight back campaigns against Alberta’s Oil Sands etc. that, according to some sources, were funded by foreign interest money supporting several Environmental Non-government Organizations (ENGOs) Tar Sands Campaign.
Are severe Funding Cuts to U of L and Lethbridge College likely to have both Short and Long-Term Consequences for the Lethbridge Economy?
Cyndi Vos , CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, May 27, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
Over the past two years, tenths of millions of public education dollars have been cut from Lethbridge’s two post-secondary institutions budgets, resulting initially in hundreds of directly lost jobs and as well, hefty increases in tuition for students. Arguably, there are also many indirect economic and knowledge losses to consider in the longer term. The speaker will make clear that the myriad of issues related to these severe government cuts (more are promised in 2022) are not only about short-term economics, but also connected to the importance of great quality and affordable post-secondary education that will keep Lethbridge an attractive community for individuals, families and businesses to be located.
What does an Independent Case Study of the Alberta Energy Regulator’s Coal Mining Regulations tell us?
Mandy L. Olsgard , M.Sc., P. Bio. Principal, Sr. Toxicologist/ Risk Assessor
Thursday, May 20, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
The Grassy Mountain Open-Pit Coal Mine proposed by Benga Mining Ltd., (Riversdale) in the Crowsnest Pass has raised questions and concerns about the regulatory process in Alberta, such as the transparency, independent decision-making, and enforcement capacity of the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). What is AER’s history and track record with regards to Coal Mining regulations in Alberta? This presentation will provide a summary of a case study of the regulatory process for coal mining in Alberta through the application phase to operational monitoring and finally closure and reclamation using examples from regulatory documents published by and submitted to the Alberta Energy Regulator for the Cheviot (Cardinal River and Luskar) Mine operated by Teck Resources Ltd in West Central Alberta.
How can Past and Present Injustices against Indigenous Peoples be Reconciled?
Don McIntyre , Professor of Indigenous Governance and Business Management
Thursday, May 13, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
In the post 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) era of reconciliation, many Canadians are wondering what reconciliation might mean to their community. Among other injustices, Residential Schools and the “Sixties Scoop” particularly, generated many negative impacts on Indigenous families and communities, which continue to challenge their well-being today. However, much of Canada’s early history and relationship with Indigenous peoples is still hidden, and that secrecy is likely a serious barrier to reconciliation in Canada.
The Need for More Voices in the Public Sphere for Albertans
Jacquie Fenske , Acting Leader of the Alberta Party
Thursday, May 6, 2021 1:00 PM
Youtube
Join Acting Leader Jacquie Fenske of the Alberta Party for a conversation about the need for a choice in Alberta politics. The speaker will discuss what doing politics differently really means, grassroots politics, and the state of the Alberta Party. Speaker: Jacquie Fenske – Acting Leader of the Alberta Party Jacquie Fenske is the Acting Leader of the Alberta Party. She previously served as a PC MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville, and as a Strathcona County Councilor.
Post Pandemic Recovery: What are the Main Issues Facing Alberta?
Nathan Neudorf , Alberta MLA for Lethbridge East Constituency
Thursday, April 29, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
Alberta is arguably in the midst of a generational economic shift as we face the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead to the post-pandemic recovery, what should Albertans expect from their Government with regards to the serious economic challenges we face as a province. Alberta’s government recently tabled Budget 2021 during this public health and economic crisis that has led to reduced revenue and increased costs. The speaker will argue that this budget is a responsible approach to spending, while creating more investment in priority areas like health care and job creation.
Public Consultation and Alberta Politics: What’s Going On?
Dr. Ian Urquhart , Conservation Director of Alberta Wilderness Association
Monday, April 26, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
The fate of liberal democratic governments hinges importantly on building and sustaining political support for their agenda. Public consultation is one tool governments may use to secure this support. Public consultation, a very broad concept, may be regarded generally as the effort political and government leaders make, to seek input or comments from non-governmental actors. Consultations may be more or less inclusive, more or less wide-ranging. They may solicit the opinions of the public generally or only of selected stakeholders (individuals or groups with a particularly important interest or concern in an issue).
The Wildrose Independence Party: What is their Vision for Alberta?
Paul Hinman , Interim leader of the Wildrose Independence Party
Thursday, April 22, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
With Alberta running an $18 billion deficit in its 2021-22 budget and more than $100 billion in accumulated debt, it appears obvious that fiscal changes are needed – spending cuts or revenue increases or both? The speaker will argue fundamental changes are needed and that his Wildrose Independence Party (WIP) plan to be a strong contender in Alberta’s next provincial election. Should they gain power, WIP would assert Alberta’s independence and redefine its relationship with Canada, create a “Constitution of Alberta” and affirm all individual freedoms and rights.
Current Challenges for Alberta’s and Canada’s Farmers
Mr. Lynn Jacobson , President, Alberta Federation of Agriculture
Thursday, April 15, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
Agriculture is an important sector of Canada’s economy supplying the much larger food production and processing industries. The Alberta Federation of Agriculture is Alberta’s largest producer funded general farm organization. It is an organization comprised of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural enterprises that wish to have a voice in shaping the future of farming operations. Unlike many other farm organizations, there are no check-offs. Nearly 85% of the money raised each year comes from membership and membership services.
Coal Dust, Wind and Human Health: What are the Risks of Open-Pit Coal Mining in Southwest Alberta?
Allan Garbutt. , PhD, MD
Thursday, April 8, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
Everyone living in Southern Alberta are familiar with our winds. Those residing in “Chinook Country” have heard Environment Canada’s frequent wind warnings, particularly between November to April. It would follow then, that Benga Mining Ltd (Riversdale) would, as part of their application, have completed comprehensive and accurate assessments of wind speed, dust particle size etc., as part of their Environmental Impact Assessment for their Grassy Mountain Open-Pit coal mining proposal.
Laug until it helps. If you can laugh at it, you can survive it!
Cheryl Ann Oberg , Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, Professional Speaker, Professional Therapeutic Clown
Thursday, April 1, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
The Science is in! What you always knew instinctively to be true, laughter and play have been proven to be beneficial to your health. Laughter and play activate your immune system and increases your energy for getting well and maintaining health! When we talk about stress, usually we focus on our tight muscles, aching heads and sleeplessness. Yet, the speaker advocates that what we really should be concerned about, is our breathing.
The People’s Party of Canada: What is their Vision for Canada – and Alberta?
Maxime Bernier , People’s Party of Canada Leader
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 10:00 AM
Youtube
Freedom, Responsibility, Fairness and Respect are the principles that guide and inform the policies of the People’s Party of Canada (PPC). The speaker will contend that we must bring together common sense, populism, classical conservatism, and libertarianism to create solutions adapted for the challenges of the 21st century. The mission of PPC is to offer Canadians a real principled alternative to the current establishment parties, which arguably rely on pandering and vote-buying schemes to further their interests and those of lobbyists rather than those of the people.