Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

On March 16, 2009, the Alberta Government announced an ambitious plan to end homelessness in this province, the first to make such declaration in Canada. This plan saw a shift from relying on emergency shelters to manage the problem and instead use Housing First principles to create not only housing stability but diversion from future homelessness. From a financial perspective, simply managing homelessness was projected to cost the Alberta Government more than six billion dollars over 10 years. This figure does not include the indirect costs of homelessness that tax payers absorb through the health, corrections and justice systems which conservatively is estimated at 100,000 dollars per homeless person per year. This is a far cry from the projected 3.16 Billion dollars that the implementation of the plan to end homelessness will cost over the same 10 year period. From a human stand point, healthier Canadians mean healthier homes and children which means a brighter future for Canada. The speaker will argue th

The Canadian Government recently passed Bill C-36, the “Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act” in response to a decision by the Supreme Court of Canada that found many parts of the existing law concerning prostitution in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and therefore unconstitutional. At first glance, the Government seems to have accomplished exactly what they intended with this controversial new law regarding prostitution, but many will argue the new legislation is less about policy and more about politics. Furthermore, some experts believe the bill will in fact worsen the situation for sex workers. It is believed Bill C-36 will also be challenged in the courts and that the new law will end up back before the Supreme Court. The speaker will weigh in on the legal aspects of the new legislation and speculate on its durability. Speaker

The Canadian Government recently passed Bill C-36, the “Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act” in response to a decision by the Supreme Court of Canada that found many parts of the existing law concerning prostitution in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and therefore unconstitutional. At first glance, the Government seems to have accomplished exactly what they intended with this controversial new law regarding prostitution, but many will argue the new legislation is less about policy and more about politics. Furthermore, some experts believe the bill will in fact worsen the situation for sex workers. It is believed Bill C-36 will also be challenged in the courts and that the new law will end up back before the Supreme Court. The speaker will weigh in on the legal aspects of the new legislation and speculate on its durability. Speaker

In December 2014 Danielle Smith and eight members of her caucus announced that they were crossing the floor to join the Progressive Conservatives and Premier Jim Prentice. The announcement elicited a great deal of vitriolic responses from the public and reignited calls for floor crossing to be banned or at least for floor crossers to require a by-election to sit as a member of another party. The speaker will argue that floor crossing is a necessary part of the parliamentary process and must not be limited but that the floor crossers from the Wildrose Party, especially leader Danielle Smith, need a strong lesson in another piece of parliamentary democracy: a loyal opposition. The history, and value, of opposition will be reviewed and the speaker will argue that Smith’s democratic breech was in dismissing the value of opposition in a parliamentary democracy, not in crossing the floor. Speaker: Lisa Lambert Lisa Lambert served as SACPA’s Administrative Manager from 2009-2014 while she conducted her doct

In December 2014 Danielle Smith and eight members of her caucus announced that they were crossing the floor to join the Progressive Conservatives and Premier Jim Prentice. The announcement elicited a great deal of vitriolic responses from the public and reignited calls for floor crossing to be banned or at least for floor crossers to require a by-election to sit as a member of another party. The speaker will argue that floor crossing is a necessary part of the parliamentary process and must not be limited but that the floor crossers from the Wildrose Party, especially leader Danielle Smith, need a strong lesson in another piece of parliamentary democracy: a loyal opposition. The history, and value, of opposition will be reviewed and the speaker will argue that Smith’s democratic breech was in dismissing the value of opposition in a parliamentary democracy, not in crossing the floor. Speaker: Lisa Lambert Lisa Lambert served as SACPA’s Administrative Manager from 2009-2014 while she conducted her doct

Russia’s annexation of Crimea has called into question the future of Arctic cooperation. After years of working together on pollution prevention, search and rescue, shipping and fisheries management, people are asking: Can we trust Russia to behave differently in the North than it is behaving in the South? Michael Byers has just returned from a term as a Visiting Professor at the University of Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia. His presentation will address the issue of Arctic sovereignty, peace and security in a time of geopolitical tension and rapidly advancing climate change. Speaker: Michael Byers A graduate of Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Michael Byers holds the Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law at the University of British Columbia. He has been a Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford University, a Professor of Law at Duke

Russia’s annexation of Crimea has called into question the future of Arctic cooperation. After years of working together on pollution prevention, search and rescue, shipping and fisheries management, people are asking: Can we trust Russia to behave differently in the North than it is behaving in the South? Michael Byers has just returned from a term as a Visiting Professor at the University of Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia. His presentation will address the issue of Arctic sovereignty, peace and security in a time of geopolitical tension and rapidly advancing climate change. Speaker: Michael Byers A graduate of Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Michael Byers holds the Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law at the University of British Columbia. He has been a Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford University, a Professor of Law at Duke

Those two simple greetings are the subject of much controversy and cause headaches for many at this time of the year. It is difficult enough dealing with the pressures of “getting ready” before relatives and friends arrive in late December, or going over one’s budget spending for presents and the host of other related holiday expenses. But these anxieties are compounded by not knowing how to greet each other at this time of year. Every year stories abound from around the country where someone takes exception to “Merry Christmas” or, more often, to “Happy Holidays”. Store employees are frequently instructed by well-meaning management to greet patrons with a generic and inoffensive “Happy Holidays,” only to end up offending those who were expecting a “Merry Christmas”. It does seem odd that the mood of joy, which is a cornerstone of hope at Christmas, can be undermined by a few words, often simply uttered off the cuff, and with the intention of making the recipient feel good. Why, indeed, does someone else’s gr

Those two simple greetings are the subject of much controversy and cause headaches for many at this time of the year. It is difficult enough dealing with the pressures of “getting ready” before relatives and friends arrive in late December, or going over one’s budget spending for presents and the host of other related holiday expenses. But these anxieties are compounded by not knowing how to greet each other at this time of year. Every year stories abound from around the country where someone takes exception to “Merry Christmas” or, more often, to “Happy Holidays”. Store employees are frequently instructed by well-meaning management to greet patrons with a generic and inoffensive “Happy Holidays,” only to end up offending those who were expecting a “Merry Christmas”. It does seem odd that the mood of joy, which is a cornerstone of hope at Christmas, can be undermined by a few words, often simply uttered off the cuff, and with the intention of making the recipient feel good. Why, indeed, does someone else’s gr

A spirit-lifting journey into some of the planet’s best wilderness locations. His passion for remote travel will be revealed as only Brian can do, with his buoyant method of storytelling. Using humour and personal anecdotes and his own live-narrated video segments, he’ll take you into gin-clear ocean depths with unbelievable creatures, to deserts and rich tropical forests, and to places where wildlife numbers leave one overwhelmed and amazed. To conclude, he'll return to our own Canadian backyard, reconfirming the value of our wild spaces. This presentation is designed to inspire and enthuse, offering hope for a better tomorrow. Speaker: Brian Keating Brian is an Honourary Conservation Advisor, Calgary Zoo Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology, U of Calgary. Brian previously held the position "Head of Conservation Outreach" at the Zoo, which enabled him to raise money and then spend it on environmental projects around the world. He’s been leading groups on nature based travel for three decades,

A spirit-lifting journey into some of the planet’s best wilderness locations. His passion for remote travel will be revealed as only Brian can do, with his buoyant method of storytelling. Using humour and personal anecdotes and his own live-narrated video segments, he’ll take you into gin-clear ocean depths with unbelievable creatures, to deserts and rich tropical forests, and to places where wildlife numbers leave one overwhelmed and amazed. To conclude, he'll return to our own Canadian backyard, reconfirming the value of our wild spaces. This presentation is designed to inspire and enthuse, offering hope for a better tomorrow. Speaker: Brian Keating Brian is an Honourary Conservation Advisor, Calgary Zoo Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology, U of Calgary. Brian previously held the position "Head of Conservation Outreach" at the Zoo, which enabled him to raise money and then spend it on environmental projects around the world. He’s been leading groups on nature based travel for three decades,

Recently, a gunman attacked Canada's Parliament shortly after he fatally wounded a soldier at the nearby war memorial. The suspect was eventually killed inside Parliament before harming anyone else. Was he a terrorist or was he just mentally ill and desperate? Should Canada use this attack on Parliament as a pretext for stripping away civil liberties and increasing surveillance on the Canadian people or does history tell us that the worst laws are often made in the heat of the moment? The governing Conservatives have made no secret of their plan to install new anti-terror powers, giving the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) more powers to track, investigate and detain would-be homegrown terrorists. The speaker will give some background on what gives rise to these so-called “terrorist” threats and discuss whether, and to what extent, Western governments, including our own, are exploiting this "clash of civilizations" to increase their powers for less laudable purposes. Speaker Dr. Paul

Recently, a gunman attacked Canada's Parliament shortly after he fatally wounded a soldier at the nearby war memorial. The suspect was eventually killed inside Parliament before harming anyone else. Was he a terrorist or was he just mentally ill and desperate? Should Canada use this attack on Parliament as a pretext for stripping away civil liberties and increasing surveillance on the Canadian people or does history tell us that the worst laws are often made in the heat of the moment? The governing Conservatives have made no secret of their plan to install new anti-terror powers, giving the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) more powers to track, investigate and detain would-be homegrown terrorists. The speaker will give some background on what gives rise to these so-called “terrorist” threats and discuss whether, and to what extent, Western governments, including our own, are exploiting this "clash of civilizations" to increase their powers for less laudable purposes. Speaker Dr. Paul

In recent months we have watched the “Islamic State”, (ISIS) sweep through Syria and Iraq, terrifying much of the population and enraging people everywhere by beheading several journalists while vowing to bring their war to North America. Reportedly, many Canadian citizens have joined the ISIS forces in fighting a war that arguably is financed mainly by vast revenues from oil that is exported to the industrialized world. The speaker will explore where ISIS fits into the Islamic groups in the Arab World. He will explain where ISIS originated from, and what they stand for. He will help us look into the future for some clues about what we can expect in the months and years ahead and help us assess whether ISIS is the new reality we all must face, or a passing phenomenon. Speaker: Imam and Professor Syed Soharwardy Prof. Soharwardy was born to a highly respected religious family in Karachi, Pakistan. His father was a famous Islamic scholar and Imam in Karachi. Prof. Soharwardy is one of the direct desce

In recent months we have watched the “Islamic State”, (ISIS) sweep through Syria and Iraq, terrifying much of the population and enraging people everywhere by beheading several journalists while vowing to bring their war to North America. Reportedly, many Canadian citizens have joined the ISIS forces in fighting a war that arguably is financed mainly by vast revenues from oil that is exported to the industrialized world. The speaker will explore where ISIS fits into the Islamic groups in the Arab World. He will explain where ISIS originated from, and what they stand for. He will help us look into the future for some clues about what we can expect in the months and years ahead and help us assess whether ISIS is the new reality we all must face, or a passing phenomenon. Speaker: Imam and Professor Syed Soharwardy Prof. Soharwardy was born to a highly respected religious family in Karachi, Pakistan. His father was a famous Islamic scholar and Imam in Karachi. Prof. Soharwardy is one of the direct desce

The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) launched the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign in March 2006, in response to the emerging crisis faced by African grandmothers as they struggled to care for millions of children orphaned by AIDS. The Campaign aims to raise awareness, build solidarity and mobilize financial support in Canada for Africa’s grandmothers. The Campaign has since evolved into a dynamic and responsive national movement, and currently boasts more than 240 grandmothers groups across Canada. Many of the groups have organized into regional networks in order to support each other’s development and fundraising. We now know – and the evidence is clearer than ever – that the fastest and most effective way to collaborate effectively is through working with small, committed community-based organizations as they are the frontline experts, but can we turn the tide against AIDS in Africa soon? The speaker will discuss the challenges the African Grandmothers are up against and how with your support, they ar

The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) launched the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign in March 2006, in response to the emerging crisis faced by African grandmothers as they struggled to care for millions of children orphaned by AIDS. The Campaign aims to raise awareness, build solidarity and mobilize financial support in Canada for Africa’s grandmothers. The Campaign has since evolved into a dynamic and responsive national movement, and currently boasts more than 240 grandmothers groups across Canada. Many of the groups have organized into regional networks in order to support each other’s development and fundraising. We now know – and the evidence is clearer than ever – that the fastest and most effective way to collaborate effectively is through working with small, committed community-based organizations as they are the frontline experts, but can we turn the tide against AIDS in Africa soon? The speaker will discuss the challenges the African Grandmothers are up against and how with your support, they ar

Alberta’s NDP Party: New Leader, Enhanced Perspective? The new leader of Alberta’s NDP party, Rachel Notley, received 70 per cent of the votes cast on the first ballot, easily defeating two other candidates in the recent NDP leadership race. In her victory speech, Notley promised a viable alternative to the Progressive Conservative, Liberal and Wildrose parties in the next election. The speaker will argue that arrogance, entitlement and the narrow minded vision of days gone by is not the “Alberta Advantage”. "Let's leave the parties of the past behind," she says "This time, let's not forget history. Let's not repeat history. Let's make history." Speaker: Rachel Notley, MLA and Leader of Alberta’s NDP Party Rachel Notley was elected as the leader of the Alberta New Democrats on October 18, 2014. Since 2008, Rachel has served as the MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona, and is known as a strong, effective voice in the Legislature. She was re-elected in 2012, with the highest share of the vote of any MLA in t

For the past several decades, conservative forces in the US and Canada have worked to finance and organize Christian fundamentalist sects, the Catholic Church and other organizations to become potentially destabilizing of progressive democratic principles and practices. Powerful interlocking political and corporate forces are seemingly teaming up against women and the disadvantaged in many Southern and Western states and in parts of Canada. These forces have negative effects on women's ability to control and maintain bodily integrity and health, especially among low income women who often are disproportionately affected by restrictions on abortion services. What ought to happen regarding access to these services? The speakers will shed light on the pertinent issues and argue that it’s urgent to coordinate and democratically empower individuals, organizations, communities and all levels of Government to produce changes in attitudes, norms, behaviour and policies that will enable women, using their own free

For the past several decades, conservative forces in the US and Canada have worked to finance and organize Christian fundamentalist sects, the Catholic Church and other organizations to become potentially destabilizing of progressive democratic principles and practices. Powerful interlocking political and corporate forces are seemingly teaming up against women and the disadvantaged in many Southern and Western states and in parts of Canada. These forces have negative effects on women's ability to control and maintain bodily integrity and health, especially among low income women who often are disproportionately affected by restrictions on abortion services. What ought to happen regarding access to these services? The speakers will shed light on the pertinent issues and argue that it’s urgent to coordinate and democratically empower individuals, organizations, communities and all levels of Government to produce changes in attitudes, norms, behaviour and policies that will enable women, using their own free