Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Many recent events have brought the issues of Canadian military veterans to public attention. There is concern about suicide and they often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some come home with missing limbs, many are not sure where to fit in, and what their future holds. Most people has little idea what veterans have experienced before they return to civilian life. The speaker works for an organization, CANPRAXIS, which offers programs to Canada’s veterans. He will explore the reasons for depression, the stigma of weakness, and a variety of other issues, including recent cuts to services, which veterans face upon discharge whether through retirement or injury. He will help us understand what they need from the federal Government and from us as a society. Speaker: Steve Critchley Steve Critchley is a practicing mediator with international experience. He has taught mediation programs overseas in the UK, Italy, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Dubai. During the Bosnian war, Steve witn

Many recent events have brought the issues of Canadian military veterans to public attention. There is concern about suicide and they often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some come home with missing limbs, many are not sure where to fit in, and what their future holds. Most people has little idea what veterans have experienced before they return to civilian life. The speaker works for an organization, CANPRAXIS, which offers programs to Canada’s veterans. He will explore the reasons for depression, the stigma of weakness, and a variety of other issues, including recent cuts to services, which veterans face upon discharge whether through retirement or injury. He will help us understand what they need from the federal Government and from us as a society. Speaker: Steve Critchley Steve Critchley is a practicing mediator with international experience. He has taught mediation programs overseas in the UK, Italy, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Dubai. During the Bosnian war, Steve witn

(Special Session in partnership with the Lethbridge Public Library) Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Venue: Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery, Main Branch, 810 – 5th Ave. South Free admission, everyone welcome Many First Nations people are reacting with disappointment to the Federal Government’s proposed education legislation for First Nations that was released recently. Under the draft legislation, band councils would be allowed to operate schools directly, as some already do, but also to purchase services from provincial or regional school boards or from the private sector. First Nations could also form education authorities that would oversee one or more schools in a region, but the Federal Government would set and enforce standards for schools on reserves. As well, the minister would retain power to take over schools or school authorities if issues arise. The panel will discuss the timeline of implementation and why it is being proposed. What

(Special Session in partnership with the Lethbridge Public Library) Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Venue: Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery, Main Branch, 810 – 5th Ave. South Free admission, everyone welcome Many First Nations people are reacting with disappointment to the Federal Government’s proposed education legislation for First Nations that was released recently. Under the draft legislation, band councils would be allowed to operate schools directly, as some already do, but also to purchase services from provincial or regional school boards or from the private sector. First Nations could also form education authorities that would oversee one or more schools in a region, but the Federal Government would set and enforce standards for schools on reserves. As well, the minister would retain power to take over schools or school authorities if issues arise. The panel will discuss the timeline of implementation and why it is being proposed. What

In broad terms, diversity is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another. It means respect for and appreciation of differences in ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, education, and religion. Equality is about creating a fairer society, where everyone can participate and has the same opportunities to fulfil their potential. By eliminating prejudice and discrimination, societies are generally healthier and happier. Acceptance involves understanding and togetherness; it celebrates differences and allows people of different places and lifestyles to live together and help each other. Accepting someone means that you let them completely into your heart regardless of their lifestyle or way of thinking. Tolerance involves separateness and ignorance; it requires that two sides endure each other’s presence, even though neither one enjoys it. One side is right and the other one is wrong, but there is nothing that you can do about it. You d

In broad terms, diversity is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another. It means respect for and appreciation of differences in ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, education, and religion. Equality is about creating a fairer society, where everyone can participate and has the same opportunities to fulfil their potential. By eliminating prejudice and discrimination, societies are generally healthier and happier. Acceptance involves understanding and togetherness; it celebrates differences and allows people of different places and lifestyles to live together and help each other. Accepting someone means that you let them completely into your heart regardless of their lifestyle or way of thinking. Tolerance involves separateness and ignorance; it requires that two sides endure each other’s presence, even though neither one enjoys it. One side is right and the other one is wrong, but there is nothing that you can do about it. You d

With Iran on the verge of deploying nuclear weapons, the Al-Qaeda global militant Islamist organization becoming more active throughout the region, the ongoing armed conflict in Syria between forces loyal to the Syrian Ba’ath Party government and those seeking to oust it and the ever changing political and security situation in Egypt, the world stands at a critical moment in Middle East affairs. The speaker will discuss the impact of these challenges for the peace process in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and the international geopolitical landscape. He will describe the numerous effects on human security, environment, energy, business, and the evolving geostrategic situation. When it comes to understanding the range of both benefits and risks, few has more knowledge to furnish comprehensive observations and honest assessments than our speaker. Speaker: Gershon Baskin Ph.D. Dr. Baskin was the initiator and the person responsible for the secret back channel between Israel and the Hamas that success

With Iran on the verge of deploying nuclear weapons, the Al-Qaeda global militant Islamist organization becoming more active throughout the region, the ongoing armed conflict in Syria between forces loyal to the Syrian Ba’ath Party government and those seeking to oust it and the ever changing political and security situation in Egypt, the world stands at a critical moment in Middle East affairs. The speaker will discuss the impact of these challenges for the peace process in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and the international geopolitical landscape. He will describe the numerous effects on human security, environment, energy, business, and the evolving geostrategic situation. When it comes to understanding the range of both benefits and risks, few has more knowledge to furnish comprehensive observations and honest assessments than our speaker. Speaker: Gershon Baskin Ph.D. Dr. Baskin was the initiator and the person responsible for the secret back channel between Israel and the Hamas that success

Arden Shibley just returned from the Sochi Winter Olympic Games after spending more than two weeks experiencing Russia’s first attempt at hosting such winter games. In words and pictures, he will speak about and depict the nature of Sochi as a city, and the effects the Olympics had on it. He will also discuss if terrorist threats affected the mood and movement of athletes, tourists and locals alike. Did controversial homophobic laws in Russia affect the games and people? How well prepared was Sochi for the Olympics? Was media coverage restricted in any way? What were the generally best and worst experiences for visitors and competitors at the games? With the speaker’s camera and keen observance, we get an inside look at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Speaker: Arden Shibley Arden Shibley is a second year New Media student at the University of Lethbridge. He also owns a local business as a professional photographer. Originally from Calgary, Arden moved to graphic design and photography following a n

Recent events has brought issues of treaties, reserves, land claims, and the Indian Act to the forefront of political discourse in Canada. The speaker has written extensively on aboriginal history, culture and politics and has a keen understanding of the relationship between Aboriginal Peoples and the Government of Canada. As part of the U of L Native Awareness Week, the speaker will explain the many issues involved regarding the Indian Act. He will also discuss whether a very different relationship between Aboriginal Peoples and the Government of Canada is necessary in order to effect real change and lasting co-operation. Speaker: Paul Chartrand LL.M. Paul Chartrand is now providing consulting and advisory services on Aboriginal issues following a university career specializing in law and policy relating to indigenous peoples. He is from the Metis community of St Laurent Manitoba. He has held academic appointments in universities in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA, including that of

Recent events has brought issues of treaties, reserves, land claims, and the Indian Act to the forefront of political discourse in Canada. The speaker has written extensively on aboriginal history, culture and politics and has a keen understanding of the relationship between Aboriginal Peoples and the Government of Canada. As part of the U of L Native Awareness Week, the speaker will explain the many issues involved regarding the Indian Act. He will also discuss whether a very different relationship between Aboriginal Peoples and the Government of Canada is necessary in order to effect real change and lasting co-operation. Speaker: Paul Chartrand LL.M. Paul Chartrand is now providing consulting and advisory services on Aboriginal issues following a university career specializing in law and policy relating to indigenous peoples. He is from the Metis community of St Laurent Manitoba. He has held academic appointments in universities in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA, including that of

Arden Shibley just returned from the Sochi Winter Olympic Games after spending more than two weeks experiencing Russia’s first attempt at hosting such winter games. In words and pictures, he will speak about and depict the nature of Sochi as a city, and the effects the Olympics had on it. He will also discuss if terrorist threats affected the mood and movement of athletes, tourists and locals alike. Did controversial homophobic laws in Russia affect the games and people? How well prepared was Sochi for the Olympics? Was media coverage restricted in any way? What were the generally best and worst experiences for visitors and competitors at the games? With the speaker’s camera and keen observance, we get an inside look at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Speaker: Arden Shibley Arden Shibley is a second year New Media student at the University of Lethbridge. He also owns a local business as a professional photographer. Originally from Calgary, Arden moved to graphic design and photography following a n

For the past several months, two “hot button” topics are often leading the headlines in our local media. The proposed move by the province to centralize 911 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Dispatch Centres and the planned application by Goldenkey Oil Inc. to drill exploratory wells within municipal boundaries in West Lethbridge are issues that have garnered attention in our community. SACPA will be hosting Greg Weadick, MLA for Lethbridge West, as he addresses the Government of Alberta’s plans for Lethbridge, including EMS dispatch consolidation and the impact that potential future resource development may have on residential areas. Additionally, Mr. Weadick will discuss current issues within the Legislature including public sector pensions, collective bargaining rights, and how he plans to represent his vision for the future of Lethbridge in the upcoming Spring 2014 session. Speaker: Greg Weadick, MLA for Lethbridge West Greg Weadick was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative As

For the past several months, two “hot button” topics are often leading the headlines in our local media. The proposed move by the province to centralize 911 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Dispatch Centres and the planned application by Goldenkey Oil Inc. to drill exploratory wells within municipal boundaries in West Lethbridge are issues that have garnered attention in our community. SACPA will be hosting Greg Weadick, MLA for Lethbridge West, as he addresses the Government of Alberta’s plans for Lethbridge, including EMS dispatch consolidation and the impact that potential future resource development may have on residential areas. Additionally, Mr. Weadick will discuss current issues within the Legislature including public sector pensions, collective bargaining rights, and how he plans to represent his vision for the future of Lethbridge in the upcoming Spring 2014 session. Speaker: Greg Weadick, MLA for Lethbridge West Greg Weadick was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative As

Pesticides have played a great role in the green revolution by improving food production around the world and helping reduce disease transmission by insect vectors. Since Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring was published, there has been greater awareness of the fate and transport of pesticides in the environment, and studies on their potential impacts on both human and animal health have led to bans of several chemicals such as organochlorines and DDT. As new pesticides and technologies become available to growers, as climate change is impacting agriculture and as public concerns are rising, how will science contribute to better and smarter crop protection? Speaker: Dr. Claudia Sheedy Dr. Sheedy obtained her undergraduate degree at Université Laval in Quebec City, her M.Sc. at the University of Guelph and her Ph.D. at the University of Guelph in collaboration with the Institute for Biological Sciences of the National Research Council in Ottawa. Dr. Sheedy’s research interests consist mainly of trace re

Pesticides have played a great role in the green revolution by improving food production around the world and helping reduce disease transmission by insect vectors. Since Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring was published, there has been greater awareness of the fate and transport of pesticides in the environment, and studies on their potential impacts on both human and animal health have led to bans of several chemicals such as organochlorines and DDT. As new pesticides and technologies become available to growers, as climate change is impacting agriculture and as public concerns are rising, how will science contribute to better and smarter crop protection? Speaker: Dr. Claudia Sheedy Dr. Sheedy obtained her undergraduate degree at Université Laval in Quebec City, her M.Sc. at the University of Guelph and her Ph.D. at the University of Guelph in collaboration with the Institute for Biological Sciences of the National Research Council in Ottawa. Dr. Sheedy’s research interests consist mainly of trace re

Freedom of Speech: What does it Mean to You? The fifth annual Student Speaker Challenge kicked off on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 with a total of eight students competing in this year’s event addressing the question: “Freedom of Speech: What Does it Mean to You? SACPA, LPIRG and the U of L Student Union are collaborating to supply financial and promotional support for the Student Speaker Challenge in addition to the encouragement University of Lethbridge provides. A panel of judges will determine who wins the competition, with a prize of $1000 going to the overall winner. Second place will receive $500 and $250 prizes will be awarded to the two students not advancing past the semifinals. All eight competitors will receive U of L Bookstore certificates worth $35. The Student Speaker Challenge final session will be held in the Markin Hall Atrium on Thursday, Feb 13 from 7 – 8:30 pm. The two Finalists competing for the $1000 first prize are Courtney Rieger and Abby Morning Bull. The two finalists will each spea

The official opposition Wildrose Party has, since April 2012, observed Alberta’s provincial government experience many controversies, including oil sands management, resource development, the delivery of health care and Premier Allison Redford’s style of governing. The speaker will discuss some of the urgent issues facing the province of Alberta in 2014 and sketch some alternatives to the direction in which the Progressive Conservative party has chosen to govern. In particular he will speak to examples of red tape and bureaucracy that is presently apparent, while explaining how MLA’s will be better able to serve the interests of their constituents under a Wildrose Government. Speaker: Gary Bikman, MLA for Cardston Taber Warner Gary Bikman was elected April 23, 2012 and is presently the Official Opposition critic for Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour. He serves on the standing committees on “Resource Stewardship” and also on “Legislative Offices”. Gary was born and raised in Lethbridge and as a young

Freedom of Speech: What does it Mean to You? The fifth annual Student Speaker Challenge kicked off on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 with a total of eight students competing in this year’s event addressing the question: “Freedom of Speech: What Does it Mean to You? SACPA, LPIRG and the U of L Student Union are collaborating to supply financial and promotional support for the Student Speaker Challenge in addition to the encouragement University of Lethbridge provides. A panel of judges will determine who wins the competition, with a prize of $1000 going to the overall winner. Second place will receive $500 and $250 prizes will be awarded to the two students not advancing past the semifinals. All eight competitors will receive U of L Bookstore certificates worth $35. The Student Speaker Challenge final session will be held in the Markin Hall Atrium on Thursday, Feb 13 from 7 – 8:30 pm. The two Finalists competing for the $1000 first prize are Courtney Rieger and Abby Morning Bull. The two finalists will each spea

The official opposition Wildrose Party has, since April 2012, observed Alberta’s provincial government experience many controversies, including oil sands management, resource development, the delivery of health care and Premier Allison Redford’s style of governing. The speaker will discuss some of the urgent issues facing the province of Alberta in 2014 and sketch some alternatives to the direction in which the Progressive Conservative party has chosen to govern. In particular he will speak to examples of red tape and bureaucracy that is presently apparent, while explaining how MLA’s will be better able to serve the interests of their constituents under a Wildrose Government. Speaker: Gary Bikman, MLA for Cardston Taber Warner Gary Bikman was elected April 23, 2012 and is presently the Official Opposition critic for Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour. He serves on the standing committees on “Resource Stewardship” and also on “Legislative Offices”. Gary was born and raised in Lethbridge and as a young