Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

It can be argued that one of Lethbridge’s greatest assets is its diverse and dynamic population, which continues to grow at a steady pace and now sits at over 100.000 with more than 25 percent of the adult population age 35 or less. Over the past several years, Lethbridge’s population has grown by an average of nearly two per cent per year. That’s around 150 new arrivals each month including immigrants and refugees. Lethbridge continues to demonstrate a stable and balanced labour market where employers have access to most of the newcomers. Lethbridge’s labour market also benefits from numerous students graduating from University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College and area high schools each year, which in turn enables graduates to possibly stay in this area and pursue a wide range of employment opportunities. As is the case in any community, a percentage of its residents, for various reasons, are not able to fully embrace these opportunities. The speaker will outline some of the issues involved and shed lig

It can be argued that one of Lethbridge’s greatest assets is its diverse and dynamic population, which continues to grow at a steady pace and now sits at over 100.000 with more than 25 percent of the adult population age 35 or less. Over the past several years, Lethbridge’s population has grown by an average of nearly two per cent per year. That’s around 150 new arrivals each month including immigrants and refugees. Lethbridge continues to demonstrate a stable and balanced labour market where employers have access to most of the newcomers. Lethbridge’s labour market also benefits from numerous students graduating from University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College and area high schools each year, which in turn enables graduates to possibly stay in this area and pursue a wide range of employment opportunities. As is the case in any community, a percentage of its residents, for various reasons, are not able to fully embrace these opportunities. The speaker will outline some of the issues involved and shed lig

Canada’s justice system is working poorly for Indigenous peoples. Not-guilty verdicts arrived at recently in two separate murder cases involving First Nations victims, Tina Fontaine and Colten Boushie, have arguably yet again exposed Canada’s justice system as failing Indigenous peoples. Indigenous people have been murdered or gone missing for a long time without due diligence from law enforcement and only now are we starting to expose these patterns of neglect in a meaningful way. Still, if you are an Indigenous person in Canada today, chances are, you will have difficulty receiving justice. The speaker will explain Canada’s jury selection system and argue that it needs a serious overhaul. She will also contend that unless we come to terms with the staggering amount of racism that still exists in our institutions, and in our society as a whole towards Indigenous peoples in Canada, not much will change. Speaker: Ingrid Hess Ingrid Hess is a lawyer from Lethbridge who has been practicing fo

Canada’s justice system is working poorly for Indigenous peoples. Not-guilty verdicts arrived at recently in two separate murder cases involving First Nations victims, Tina Fontaine and Colten Boushie, have arguably yet again exposed Canada’s justice system as failing Indigenous peoples. Indigenous people have been murdered or gone missing for a long time without due diligence from law enforcement and only now are we starting to expose these patterns of neglect in a meaningful way. Still, if you are an Indigenous person in Canada today, chances are, you will have difficulty receiving justice. The speaker will explain Canada’s jury selection system and argue that it needs a serious overhaul. She will also contend that unless we come to terms with the staggering amount of racism that still exists in our institutions, and in our society as a whole towards Indigenous peoples in Canada, not much will change. Speaker: Ingrid Hess Ingrid Hess is a lawyer from Lethbridge who has been practicing fo

Although much of the world’s scientific research have been done by women, science is arguably still dominated by men, even though a sizable number of women enter the science and engineering fields. Their work however, is seldom recognized in a meaningful way and numerous women leave the profession before they become well established. Why is this still happening in 2018? Women do not enter or do not thrive in careers in science and engineering, not just because babies get in the way (although they do), but because women often are made and seen to be unimportant. It is generally a fact that women are paid less to do the same work, asked to do less valued jobs even if they are well qualified, seen as unpleasant if they voice their opinion at meetings, and talked over when they do speak up. Systemic barriers are slow to change, but what will it take before any measurable improvements are achieved for women in science? The speaker will contend that female scientists still face a tough road ahead, but that if w

Although much of the world’s scientific research have been done by women, science is arguably still dominated by men, even though a sizable number of women enter the science and engineering fields. Their work however, is seldom recognized in a meaningful way and numerous women leave the profession before they become well established. Why is this still happening in 2018? Women do not enter or do not thrive in careers in science and engineering, not just because babies get in the way (although they do), but because women often are made and seen to be unimportant. It is generally a fact that women are paid less to do the same work, asked to do less valued jobs even if they are well qualified, seen as unpleasant if they voice their opinion at meetings, and talked over when they do speak up. Systemic barriers are slow to change, but what will it take before any measurable improvements are achieved for women in science? The speaker will contend that female scientists still face a tough road ahead, but that if w

The Canada Summer Jobs Program now states that In order to receive federal Canada job grants, employers must attest that both the job and the organization’s core mandate respect Canada’s individual human rights, including the values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as other rights. These include reproductive rights and the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, colour, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. This formulation raises worries: If the Canadian government requires organizations to attest in such way, does it thereby require them to make a declaration that goes against their deeply felt beliefs in order to obtain funding for activities meant to help the community? If it does, then that seems to go directly against some of the very values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that it cites in the attestation: the protection of religious rights an

The Canada Summer Jobs Program now states that In order to receive federal Canada job grants, employers must attest that both the job and the organization’s core mandate respect Canada’s individual human rights, including the values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as other rights. These include reproductive rights and the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, colour, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. This formulation raises worries: If the Canadian government requires organizations to attest in such way, does it thereby require them to make a declaration that goes against their deeply felt beliefs in order to obtain funding for activities meant to help the community? If it does, then that seems to go directly against some of the very values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that it cites in the attestation: the protection of religious rights an

In April 2017, Alberta announced Phase 1 of the Early Learning and Child Care Centres (ELCC) pilot program capping fees at 22 quality child care centres at $25 per day per child. ELCC Centre’s offers flexible child care for parents who work part-time or shifts that are outside typical day care hours or offers care in accessible settings such as co-location with other public buildings. These centres will provide support for children with diverse needs and implement an early learning child care curriculum. Following a Federal ELCC funding commitment, Alberta’s program was expanded to 78 more Centres in December 2018. A rigorous evaluation process has already begun for the Phase 1 ELCC Centres. The results from the evaluation will allow governments to determine continued funding and/or possible expansion of the program. The Minister will speak about the benefits of affordable, quality and accessible child care and how the pilot ELCC centres are making life better for families. Speaker: Hon. Danielle Lari

In April 2017, Alberta announced Phase 1 of the Early Learning and Child Care Centres (ELCC) pilot program capping fees at 22 quality child care centres at $25 per day per child. ELCC Centre’s offers flexible child care for parents who work part-time or shifts that are outside typical day care hours or offers care in accessible settings such as co-location with other public buildings. These centres will provide support for children with diverse needs and implement an early learning child care curriculum. Following a Federal ELCC funding commitment, Alberta’s program was expanded to 78 more Centres in December 2018. A rigorous evaluation process has already begun for the Phase 1 ELCC Centres. The results from the evaluation will allow governments to determine continued funding and/or possible expansion of the program. The Minister will speak about the benefits of affordable, quality and accessible child care and how the pilot ELCC centres are making life better for families. Speaker: Hon. Danielle Lari

For all the wealth they potentially possess, Alberta’s vast petroleum reserves have arguably been badly mismanaged since the early 1990s both in terms of collecting proper royalties and environmental sustainability. Even some of the industry’s biggest promoters have conceded that the laborious extraction of oil from sand and clay has left the province’s economic fortunes in an unreliable economic situation, not to mention the resulting ecological degradation that bitumen mining causes. The speaker will argue that the revolving door between cabinet tables and the corporate board rooms, since Ralph Klein became Premier of Alberta, effectively allowed the oil industry to dictate public policy and thereby undermine the democratic process. He will also speculate on whether or not Alberta’s fortunes can improve with Premier Rachel Notley’s NDP Government promoting pipelines and implementing a tax on carbon as a way of taking action on climate change and environmental issues. Speaker: Dr. Kevin

For all the wealth they potentially possess, Alberta’s vast petroleum reserves have arguably been badly mismanaged since the early 1990s both in terms of collecting proper royalties and environmental sustainability. Even some of the industry’s biggest promoters have conceded that the laborious extraction of oil from sand and clay has left the province’s economic fortunes in an unreliable economic situation, not to mention the resulting ecological degradation that bitumen mining causes. The speaker will argue that the revolving door between cabinet tables and the corporate board rooms, since Ralph Klein became Premier of Alberta, effectively allowed the oil industry to dictate public policy and thereby undermine the democratic process. He will also speculate on whether or not Alberta’s fortunes can improve with Premier Rachel Notley’s NDP Government promoting pipelines and implementing a tax on carbon as a way of taking action on climate change and environmental issues. Speaker: Dr. Kevin

A historic treaty to bring back bison (buffalo) was signed in 2014 in Montana by First Nations and tribes on both sides of the Canada-United States border. The Northern Tribes Buffalo Treaty — the first of its kind in 150 years — is meant to work to establish inter-tribal alliances for the restoration of bison on reserves or co-managed lands within the U.S. and Canada. Bison may bring about better ecological balance by allowing plants, animals and birds that disappeared with the demise of the bison in the mid to late 1800s. The first wild bison to roam Banff National Park in more than a century was reintroduces last year and will eventually graze the eastern slopes of that park. The speaker will address the many issues related to reintroduction of bison to this area. He will also explain the cultural importance that bison plays in the lives of First Nations Peoples. Speaker: Dr. Leroy Little Bear Renowned as an international scholar, speaker and leader, Dr. Leroy Little Bear is a pioneer in the field of In

A historic treaty to bring back bison (buffalo) was signed in 2014 in Montana by First Nations and tribes on both sides of the Canada-United States border. The Northern Tribes Buffalo Treaty — the first of its kind in 150 years — is meant to work to establish inter-tribal alliances for the restoration of bison on reserves or co-managed lands within the U.S. and Canada. Bison may bring about better ecological balance by allowing plants, animals and birds that disappeared with the demise of the bison in the mid to late 1800s. The first wild bison to roam Banff National Park in more than a century was reintroduces last year and will eventually graze the eastern slopes of that park. The speaker will address the many issues related to reintroduction of bison to this area. He will also explain the cultural importance that bison plays in the lives of First Nations Peoples. Speaker: Dr. Leroy Little Bear Renowned as an international scholar, speaker and leader, Dr. Leroy Little Bear is a pioneer in the field of In

Maintaining healthy landscapes has benefits that extend well beyond the boundaries of a given property. These ecological services include things like water filtration and storage, healthy wildlife populations, and aesthetic values which support tourism and the preservation of our heritage. The economic value of these ecological services is enormous and once compromised they are often irreplaceable. In southwest Alberta a significant portion of the lands that provide these important ecological services are private lands. As our population grows, so does the demand for these services. And while demand continues to grow, the intact land base that provides these services is shrinking. Based on historic rates, “business as usual” will see much of the private land in our foothills developed over the next 50 to 100 years. This is occurring through a continual process of subdivision, road and residential development, and industrial activity. The result will be further loss of iconic vistas, fresh water, wildlife, an

Maintaining healthy landscapes has benefits that extend well beyond the boundaries of a given property. These ecological services include things like water filtration and storage, healthy wildlife populations, and aesthetic values which support tourism and the preservation of our heritage. The economic value of these ecological services is enormous and once compromised they are often irreplaceable. In southwest Alberta a significant portion of the lands that provide these important ecological services are private lands. As our population grows, so does the demand for these services. And while demand continues to grow, the intact land base that provides these services is shrinking. Based on historic rates, “business as usual” will see much of the private land in our foothills developed over the next 50 to 100 years. This is occurring through a continual process of subdivision, road and residential development, and industrial activity. The result will be further loss of iconic vistas, fresh water, wildlife, an

Pollinators are insects and animals that carry pollen from one plant to another. These include honey bees, wild bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, ants, birds and more. In recent years, most people have become aware that a large portion of the foods we eat — fruits, nuts, vegetables, and herbs — depend on pollinators to reproduce. Pollinators also increase the yield of our crops, improve the quality of our produce and are an essential puzzle piece in keeping our growing population fed. We’ve also been hearing over the last few decades about threats to pollinators, with special attention on the plight of the honey bee. Should we be worried about bees? If so, about what, exactly? And is there anything we can do about it? The speaker will open our eyes to the breadth of diversity of bees, and contend that they are worthy of our consideration besides the economic benefit we humans derive from them. Moreover, she will describe what it would take to make Lethbridge a bee paradise. Speaker: Chelsea Sh

Pollinators are insects and animals that carry pollen from one plant to another. These include honey bees, wild bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, ants, birds and more. In recent years, most people have become aware that a large portion of the foods we eat — fruits, nuts, vegetables, and herbs — depend on pollinators to reproduce. Pollinators also increase the yield of our crops, improve the quality of our produce and are an essential puzzle piece in keeping our growing population fed. We’ve also been hearing over the last few decades about threats to pollinators, with special attention on the plight of the honey bee. Should we be worried about bees? If so, about what, exactly? And is there anything we can do about it? The speaker will open our eyes to the breadth of diversity of bees, and contend that they are worthy of our consideration besides the economic benefit we humans derive from them. Moreover, she will describe what it would take to make Lethbridge a bee paradise. Speaker: Chelsea Sh

A top priority of Canada’s Liberal government has been – after a long period of stagnation – to reassess Canada’s federal funding of university-based research. Dr. Claudia Malacrida was a key member of a red ribbon Ministerial panel struck to investigate the current state of research in Canada. In her talk, she will provide insights into why research matters not only to universities and researchers, but to students, the community, and local, national and global economies. Speaker: Dr. Claudia Malacrida Claudia Malacrida is Associate Vice President Research at the University of Lethbridge. She served as the Chair of the Sociology Department from 2011 to 2015 and is emeritus Board of Governors Research Chair in Sociology. Dr. Malacrida is internationally recognized as a leading scholar in the fields of disability studies and the sociology of the body. She is the author of five books on disability/body issues and has published many articles, chapters and papers on a wide range of related topics. She is a s

A top priority of Canada’s Liberal government has been – after a long period of stagnation – to reassess Canada’s federal funding of university-based research. Dr. Claudia Malacrida was a key member of a red ribbon Ministerial panel struck to investigate the current state of research in Canada. In her talk, she will provide insights into why research matters not only to universities and researchers, but to students, the community, and local, national and global economies. Speaker: Dr. Claudia Malacrida Claudia Malacrida is Associate Vice President Research at the University of Lethbridge. She served as the Chair of the Sociology Department from 2011 to 2015 and is emeritus Board of Governors Research Chair in Sociology. Dr. Malacrida is internationally recognized as a leading scholar in the fields of disability studies and the sociology of the body. She is the author of five books on disability/body issues and has published many articles, chapters and papers on a wide range of related topics. She is a s