Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

The City of Lethbridge Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, is a plan that identifies required capital projects and provides a planning schedule and financing plan. The City of Lethbridge is currently in the process of planning for its next CIP (2018-2027) and has identified there is only $5.5 million available for community projects. The Performing Arts Centre Advocacy Group (PACAG) is working to ensure the Performing Arts Centre remains on the next CIP. Since Lethbridge’s beginnings there has been a need to build a suitable performance venue for both performers and audiences alike. The 488-seat Genevieve E. Yates Memorial Centre, while not a theatre but an auditorium, was built in 1966 when the population was 37,000. It is the only major community performance venue in Lethbridge. The Sterndale Bennett Theatre is a 180-seat black box theatre. The University of Lethbridge has two theatres and a recital hall which are used primarily for student productions. Lethbridge currently has less than 1000 traditional

Have you ever wondered what some of the big issues in southwestern Alberta are? With its annual Vital Signs report, the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta presents important issues, topics, and themes in six key impact areas. The Community Foundation uses Vital Signs to build local knowledge, set strategic priorities, inform granting, and connect donors with causes close to their hearts. One of the issues identified in this year’s report is the high rate of interpersonal violence in Alberta, the highest in the country, and the resulting demand on local women’s emergency shelters, which are increasingly forced to turn away women and children in distress due to a lack of space. Other issues include the impact of Alberta’s economic downturn on local food banks across our region, the cost of sport in Alberta, and the low percentage of high school completion rates. The speaker will address these and other issues identified in the 2016 Vital Signs report. Vital Signs is an initiative of t

Have you ever wondered what some of the big issues in southwestern Alberta are? With its annual Vital Signs report, the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta presents important issues, topics, and themes in six key impact areas. The Community Foundation uses Vital Signs to build local knowledge, set strategic priorities, inform granting, and connect donors with causes close to their hearts. One of the issues identified in this year’s report is the high rate of interpersonal violence in Alberta, the highest in the country, and the resulting demand on local women’s emergency shelters, which are increasingly forced to turn away women and children in distress due to a lack of space. Other issues include the impact of Alberta’s economic downturn on local food banks across our region, the cost of sport in Alberta, and the low percentage of high school completion rates. The speaker will address these and other issues identified in the 2016 Vital Signs report. Vital Signs is an initiative of t

Many factors played into the 1968 decision to build U of L’s new campus in what is now West Lethbridge. University administration, faculty, students and the City of Lethbridge all agreed the west-side location was well suited and autonomous from their temporary Junior College campus home. The Provincial Government however, did not agree and instead proposed a City referendum to determine where the university campus should be build. Student activists in particular fought that idea and took to the streets protesting in front of Lethbridge’s MLA. Police got involved and arrested two students, (without charging them) but the battle lines had been drawn and two days later another demonstration occurred following U of L’s first (1968) convocation ceremony in Southminster Church. With the pressure on, the Provincial Government finally relented and ratified the plans to build the new campus on the west-side. Arguable, it is the vision of these early university leaders that caused west Lethbridge to grow and flouri

Many factors played into the 1968 decision to build U of L’s new campus in what is now West Lethbridge. University administration, faculty, students and the City of Lethbridge all agreed the west-side location was well suited and autonomous from their temporary Junior College campus home. The Provincial Government however, did not agree and instead proposed a City referendum to determine where the university campus should be build. Student activists in particular fought that idea and took to the streets protesting in front of Lethbridge’s MLA. Police got involved and arrested two students, (without charging them) but the battle lines had been drawn and two days later another demonstration occurred following U of L’s first (1968) convocation ceremony in Southminster Church. With the pressure on, the Provincial Government finally relented and ratified the plans to build the new campus on the west-side. Arguable, it is the vision of these early university leaders that caused west Lethbridge to grow and flouri

Christmas is a big deal. In the religious pluralism of multicultural Canada, it is the dominant winter holiday. There are tensions between secular and religious aspects of Christmas, as well as debates about the merits of the more inclusive greeting, “Happy Holidays,” rather than “Merry Christmas,” but Buddhist festivities are not poised to replace Christmas in seasonal plays, pageants and concerts. In fact, there is no culture war raging between Buddhism and Christianity. Buddhism is quite tolerant of festivals and cultural practices from other religious traditions. Despite overlapping values of generosity and compassion, there are Buddhist teachings that are certainly wary of the rampant consumerism that many associate with Christmas. Critiques of the commercialization of the holiday are not new, but Buddhist critiques revolve more around the links between suffering, desire, and attachment rather than concerns about the loss of Christian specific teachings. In this talk, the speaker will share some Buddh

Christmas is a big deal. In the religious pluralism of multicultural Canada, it is the dominant winter holiday. There are tensions between secular and religious aspects of Christmas, as well as debates about the merits of the more inclusive greeting, “Happy Holidays,” rather than “Merry Christmas,” but Buddhist festivities are not poised to replace Christmas in seasonal plays, pageants and concerts. In fact, there is no culture war raging between Buddhism and Christianity. Buddhism is quite tolerant of festivals and cultural practices from other religious traditions. Despite overlapping values of generosity and compassion, there are Buddhist teachings that are certainly wary of the rampant consumerism that many associate with Christmas. Critiques of the commercialization of the holiday are not new, but Buddhist critiques revolve more around the links between suffering, desire, and attachment rather than concerns about the loss of Christian specific teachings. In this talk, the speaker will share some Buddh

Lethbridge is nearing 100,000 residents which offers us a unique moment to reflect on how we grow, protect the environment, celebrate our past and plan for the next 10, 20 and even 30 years. 100k+ conversations is a way of starting thoughtful discussions that will help us understanding the growing needs of our diverse community. We're growing up and it's time to talk about our future. 100K+ Conversations feed into the on-going review and update of the City’s Master Plan (the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan / Municipal Development Plan or ICSP/MDP). The ICSP/MDP is the City’s highest-level Statutory Plan, and establishes a community vision for the next 40 years. Apart from being an engagement strategy for the next ICSP/MDP, 100K+ conversations is a tool to link together other on-going planning projects (e.g. Master Plans, Area Structure Plans) and community milestones (e.g., facility openings) and events together into a larger conversation about growth and the future of our City. The speakers will

Lethbridge is nearing 100,000 residents which offers us a unique moment to reflect on how we grow, protect the environment, celebrate our past and plan for the next 10, 20 and even 30 years. 100k+ conversations is a way of starting thoughtful discussions that will help us understanding the growing needs of our diverse community. We're growing up and it's time to talk about our future. 100K+ Conversations feed into the on-going review and update of the City’s Master Plan (the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan / Municipal Development Plan or ICSP/MDP). The ICSP/MDP is the City’s highest-level Statutory Plan, and establishes a community vision for the next 40 years. Apart from being an engagement strategy for the next ICSP/MDP, 100K+ conversations is a tool to link together other on-going planning projects (e.g. Master Plans, Area Structure Plans) and community milestones (e.g., facility openings) and events together into a larger conversation about growth and the future of our City. The speakers will

Governments are taking on assorted policies to reduce carbon emissions including regulations, green subsidies and carbon taxes. Assuming the desirability of reducing GHG emissions, what is Canada's appropriate policy response? Are governments spending sufficient effort to find least cost effective methods? Dr. Jack Mintz will challenge the current policy framework including that used in Alberta. Speaker:     Dr. Jack Mintz Dr. Jack M. Mintz is the President’s Fellow of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary as of July 1, 2015 after serving as the Palmer Chair and Director since 2008. He also serves on the boards of Imperial Oil Limited, Morneau Shepell and is chair and Vice-President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. As of September 1 2015, he has been appointed as the National Policy Advisor for the accounting firm EY. Dr. Mintz previously held the positions of Professor of Business Economics at the Rotman School of Business from 1989-2007 and Depa

Governments are taking on assorted policies to reduce carbon emissions including regulations, green subsidies and carbon taxes. Assuming the desirability of reducing GHG emissions, what is Canada's appropriate policy response? Are governments spending sufficient effort to find least cost effective methods? Dr. Jack Mintz will challenge the current policy framework including that used in Alberta. Speaker:     Dr. Jack Mintz Dr. Jack M. Mintz is the President’s Fellow of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary as of July 1, 2015 after serving as the Palmer Chair and Director since 2008. He also serves on the boards of Imperial Oil Limited, Morneau Shepell and is chair and Vice-President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. As of September 1 2015, he has been appointed as the National Policy Advisor for the accounting firm EY. Dr. Mintz previously held the positions of Professor of Business Economics at the Rotman School of Business from 1989-2007 and Depa

Lethbridge produces more waste than almost any other city in Canada. Since 2010, we have seen a decline in the amount of waste that each person in Lethbridge generates. However, our waste generation remains well above provincial and national averages. In 2014, while the average Albertan created 997 kg of waste and the average Canadian produced 706 kg, Lethbridge residents wasted 1150 kg per person. Where does our waste come from and what are the solutions? How can we waste less? The speaker will outline ways to reduce current waste amounts and relate to initiatives and opportunities for tackling this trashy problem. Speaker:     Kathleen Sheppard Kathleen Sheppard joined Environment Lethbridge as Executive Director in November of 2015. Originally from Pincher Creek, Kathleen has more than 25 years of experience working for non-profit organizations in British Columbia and Alberta. Prior to coming to Environment Lethbridge, she was the Executive Director for Social Planning Cowichan, located in Duncan,

Lethbridge produces more waste than almost any other city in Canada. Since 2010, we have seen a decline in the amount of waste that each person in Lethbridge generates. However, our waste generation remains well above provincial and national averages. In 2014, while the average Albertan created 997 kg of waste and the average Canadian produced 706 kg, Lethbridge residents wasted 1150 kg per person. Where does our waste come from and what are the solutions? How can we waste less? The speaker will outline ways to reduce current waste amounts and relate to initiatives and opportunities for tackling this trashy problem. Speaker:     Kathleen Sheppard Kathleen Sheppard joined Environment Lethbridge as Executive Director in November of 2015. Originally from Pincher Creek, Kathleen has more than 25 years of experience working for non-profit organizations in British Columbia and Alberta. Prior to coming to Environment Lethbridge, she was the Executive Director for Social Planning Cowichan, located in Duncan,

The Oldman Watershed Council is producing a film that will become a signature communication piece for southwest Alberta. The core message is "We are all downstream." It will not be a typical educational film. Rather, it will create a space for people to have an experience and draw their own conclusions through presentation of the story. The goal of the film is to communicate clearly where water comes from, where it goes and ultimately what happens in between. This is important in a watershed with great stakeholder diversity. About 10-15 minutes in length, the film, when ready, will be shown to audiences throughout the watershed - and beyond - with the intent to educate, inspire and contribute to a stronger sense of community. It will portray southern Alberta's diversity and entrepreneurship via watershed use. Following the growth of the region from the mid-1700s through to 2060, it will use historical photos, interactive maps, and spectacular footage of the people, places and landscapes. Short video presenta

Is the judiciary sexist? Should Robin Camp be removed from the bench? Is contrition enough? These are some of the questions that have been raised in response to Justice Robin Camp’s comments and his acquittal of the accused in the 2014 R. v. Wagar sexual assault case. Unfortunately, Robin Camp’s commentary is not an isolated incident nor is it unique in sexual assault cases in Canada. Instead, it underscores what has been characterized as a much broader crisis in confidence in the criminal justice process for survivors of sexual violence. Sexual violence is one of the most under reported forms of violence for a number of complex reasons. Commentators have identified Robin Camp’s conduct as something that could put an even more chilling effect on reporting and access to justice for those who have been assaulted. Without understanding the contextual and intersectional factors at play in this case, including presumptions about the sexual availability of Indigenous women, substance use, poverty and homeles

Is the judiciary sexist? Should Robin Camp be removed from the bench? Is contrition enough? These are some of the questions that have been raised in response to Justice Robin Camp’s comments and his acquittal of the accused in the 2014 R. v. Wagar sexual assault case. Unfortunately, Robin Camp’s commentary is not an isolated incident nor is it unique in sexual assault cases in Canada. Instead, it underscores what has been characterized as a much broader crisis in confidence in the criminal justice process for survivors of sexual violence. Sexual violence is one of the most under reported forms of violence for a number of complex reasons. Commentators have identified Robin Camp’s conduct as something that could put an even more chilling effect on reporting and access to justice for those who have been assaulted. Without understanding the contextual and intersectional factors at play in this case, including presumptions about the sexual availability of Indigenous women, substance use, poverty and homeles

On May 1, 2016, a wildfire began southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta. On May 3, it swept through the community, destroying approximately 2,400 homes and buildings and forcing the largest wildfire evacuation in Alberta’s history. It continued to spread across northern Alberta into Saskatchewan, consuming forested areas and impacting Athabasca oil sands operations. The fire spread across approximately 590,000 hectares before it was finally declared to be under control on July 5, 2016. It is the costliest disaster in Canadian history with billions of dollars in direct and indirect damage. $300 million have been raised through individual/corporate donations from across Canada and beyond, including contributions by provincial and federal governments. Some of the money raised is administered by the Canadian Red Cross who so far has distributed more than $100 million directly to the nearly 90,000 evacuees impacted by the fire. Most Fort McMurray residents returned home in early June only to find their homes in vario

On May 1, 2016, a wildfire began southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta. On May 3, it swept through the community, destroying approximately 2,400 homes and buildings and forcing the largest wildfire evacuation in Alberta’s history. It continued to spread across northern Alberta into Saskatchewan, consuming forested areas and impacting Athabasca oil sands operations. The fire spread across approximately 590,000 hectares before it was finally declared to be under control on July 5, 2016. It is the costliest disaster in Canadian history with billions of dollars in direct and indirect damage. $300 million have been raised through individual/corporate donations from across Canada and beyond, including contributions by provincial and federal governments. Some of the money raised is administered by the Canadian Red Cross who so far has distributed more than $100 million directly to the nearly 90,000 evacuees impacted by the fire. Most Fort McMurray residents returned home in early June only to find their homes in vario

The September 26, 2016 presidential debate between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump drew 84 million U.S. television viewers, a record for such an event and numbers rarely seen on TV in the age of digital streaming and social media. Any true understanding of this election requires an appreciation of the one huge political fault line, arguable nationalists vs. globalists, which is driving America into a period of serious political tremors, certain to jolt the political Richter scale. Donald Trump is one of the most unlikely main party presidential candidates ever and he brings with him plenty of controversy, including questionably conduct towards women and minorities. Clinton as well is challenged with regards to her past, including controversial emails while serving as Secretary of State in 2012. Clinton, age 68 and Trump, age 70 are also among the oldest candidates ever. With a much higher percentage than usual of undecided voters, it could be a close election on Tuesday, Nov 8. The speak

The September 26, 2016 presidential debate between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump drew 84 million U.S. television viewers, a record for such an event and numbers rarely seen on TV in the age of digital streaming and social media. Any true understanding of this election requires an appreciation of the one huge political fault line, arguable nationalists vs. globalists, which is driving America into a period of serious political tremors, certain to jolt the political Richter scale. Donald Trump is one of the most unlikely main party presidential candidates ever and he brings with him plenty of controversy, including questionably conduct towards women and minorities. Clinton as well is challenged with regards to her past, including controversial emails while serving as Secretary of State in 2012. Clinton, age 68 and Trump, age 70 are also among the oldest candidates ever. With a much higher percentage than usual of undecided voters, it could be a close election on Tuesday, Nov 8. The speak