Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Science fiction and science are deeply intertwined. From the space race to nanotechnology scientists are following the predictions of science fiction. This talk will discuss how science fiction has predicted and influenced science and technology. Prof. Jason Donev from the University of Calgary will provide a whirlwind tour of science fiction in books, movies and television and how our world is different as a result. The talk will also explore how Star Trek, H.G. Wells, Michael Crichton, and even CSI influence how we look at science, technology and scientists. Speaker: Jason Donev Dr. Jason Donev is a professor in the department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Calgary. He studies how people learn science and teaches about energy issues, especially nuclear power. A long time geek he has enjoyed seeing the interplay between science fact and science fiction. Dr. Donev is also the official mad scientist for the Canadian science fiction and fantasy publishing house, Tyche Books.

The Board of Directors of Lethbridge and District Exhibition approved a development plan for Exhibition Park that represents 3 years of comprehensive examination, including a financial review, facility condition audit of all buildings, needs and market assessments, and a multiple accounts evaluation framework study to arrive at the preferred site for redevelopment. Along with conceptual designs of a new Trade and Convention Centre and Agriplex, the redevelopment plan contains a thoroughly vetted business case that demonstrates long-term sustainability. The Lethbridge and District Exhibition has taken the Redevelopment Plan to Lethbridge City Council on March 25 and requested $25 million from the CIP. The provincial and federal governments are being asked to each contribute $25 million and the Exhibition and partners will contribute the other $15 million for a total price tag of $90 million. Will the redevelopment be worth the contribution from Lethbridge taxpayers? What value does the Exhibition bring t

The Board of Directors of Lethbridge and District Exhibition approved a development plan for Exhibition Park that represents 3 years of comprehensive examination, including a financial review, facility condition audit of all buildings, needs and market assessments, and a multiple accounts evaluation framework study to arrive at the preferred site for redevelopment. Along with conceptual designs of a new Trade and Convention Centre and Agriplex, the redevelopment plan contains a thoroughly vetted business case that demonstrates long-term sustainability. The Lethbridge and District Exhibition has taken the Redevelopment Plan to Lethbridge City Council on March 25 and requested $25 million from the CIP. The provincial and federal governments are being asked to each contribute $25 million and the Exhibition and partners will contribute the other $15 million for a total price tag of $90 million. Will the redevelopment be worth the contribution from Lethbridge taxpayers? What value does the Exhibition bring t

The face of news is changing. It is estimated that 46% of people get their news online at least three times a week and almost every news entity has turned to virtual media to keep up with the demand. Online news revenue now generates more than print newspaper revenue and over 50% of people have learned about breaking news through social media rather than official news sources. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+ and other social media platforms make sharing and accessing the news easier than ever while mobile phones and devices mean that we can be constantly “tuned in” and connected. What implications do these technologies and new ways of exchanging information have for the future of journalism? The ongoing transition from print to digital and the rise of the amateur “citizen journalist” are events that have been assessed quite critically. Now that any one of us can act in an immediate journalistic role, questions arise around legitimacy and accountability. Almost 50% of people reported that they received a

The face of news is changing. It is estimated that 46% of people get their news online at least three times a week and almost every news entity has turned to virtual media to keep up with the demand. Online news revenue now generates more than print newspaper revenue and over 50% of people have learned about breaking news through social media rather than official news sources. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+ and other social media platforms make sharing and accessing the news easier than ever while mobile phones and devices mean that we can be constantly “tuned in” and connected. What implications do these technologies and new ways of exchanging information have for the future of journalism? The ongoing transition from print to digital and the rise of the amateur “citizen journalist” are events that have been assessed quite critically. Now that any one of us can act in an immediate journalistic role, questions arise around legitimacy and accountability. Almost 50% of people reported that they received a

In February, Pope Benedict surprised the Church and the world with his resignation. Now the Church has met and named Pope Francis as the new Pope. This is a significant window of opportunity for the Church. Does it signal a move to a more liberal and progressive Church? Will we notice any change at all on key issues -- such as controversial social issues, women in the priesthood, and a host of other questions? The speaker is a keen observer of the Roman Catholic Church. She will assess the factions and movements that have let to this pope's election. She will try to peer into the future, as to where the Church is now heading. Speaker: Rev'd Canon Erin Phillips Erin Phillips is the chaplain for Ecumenical Campus Ministry at the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College and the incumbent priest at the Anglican Church of the Ascension in the Coaldale Chaplain for eighteen years, Erin has also taught courses in Religious Studies, History and Sociology at the university since 1992. After doing a

In February, Pope Benedict surprised the Church and the world with his resignation. Now the Church has met and named Pope Francis as the new Pope. This is a significant window of opportunity for the Church. Does it signal a move to a more liberal and progressive Church? Will we notice any change at all on key issues -- such as controversial social issues, women in the priesthood, and a host of other questions? The speaker is a keen observer of the Roman Catholic Church. She will assess the factions and movements that have let to this pope's election. She will try to peer into the future, as to where the Church is now heading. Speaker: Rev'd Canon Erin Phillips Erin Phillips is the chaplain for Ecumenical Campus Ministry at the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College and the incumbent priest at the Anglican Church of the Ascension in the Coaldale Chaplain for eighteen years, Erin has also taught courses in Religious Studies, History and Sociology at the university since 1992. After doing a

Though only 30km wide and 24% of the area of the Oldman watershed, the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains provides 90% of the water - they are our headwaters - the source of water that feeds our streams, lakes and groundwater. The intensity of use in the headwaters has increased and this trend is expected to continue. The community is concerned about the cumulative impact of recreation, logging, oil and gas, grazing and other land uses. Concerns relate to water quality, fragmented fish and wildlife habitat and changes in water flow. The Oldman Watershed Council has set a goal to “manage and protect the integrity of headwaters and source waters” and is currently creating an action plan to achieve it. This goal is 1 of 8 goals in a collaborative, community led Integrated Watershed Management Planning process. To engage residents in protecting the headwaters, the Oldman Watershed Council and Water Matters have organized a series of 18 “Source to Tap” community meetings to discuss issues in the headwater

Though only 30km wide and 24% of the area of the Oldman watershed, the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains provides 90% of the water - they are our headwaters - the source of water that feeds our streams, lakes and groundwater. The intensity of use in the headwaters has increased and this trend is expected to continue. The community is concerned about the cumulative impact of recreation, logging, oil and gas, grazing and other land uses. Concerns relate to water quality, fragmented fish and wildlife habitat and changes in water flow. The Oldman Watershed Council has set a goal to “manage and protect the integrity of headwaters and source waters” and is currently creating an action plan to achieve it. This goal is 1 of 8 goals in a collaborative, community led Integrated Watershed Management Planning process. To engage residents in protecting the headwaters, the Oldman Watershed Council and Water Matters have organized a series of 18 “Source to Tap” community meetings to discuss issues in the headwater

Alberta is blessed with abundant and lucrative natural resources. The province is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in quality of life and wellbeing. Is it not time to ensure that all Albertans share in the province’s wealth? Albertans from across the income spectrum benefit from efforts to reduce disparity. Disparity erodes social and economic wellbeing for everyone across the income spectrum. Prominent national and international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Conference Board of Canada agree that pronounced inequality has a negative impact on the economy. Recent research has made clear that reduced income inequality improves the efficiency and duration of economic growth. Other research clearly shows that inequality is correlated with numerous social challenges and negatively affects the quality of life of all Albertans.

Alberta is blessed with abundant and lucrative natural resources. The province is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in quality of life and wellbeing. Is it not time to ensure that all Albertans share in the province’s wealth? Albertans from across the income spectrum benefit from efforts to reduce disparity. Disparity erodes social and economic wellbeing for everyone across the income spectrum. Prominent national and international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Conference Board of Canada agree that pronounced inequality has a negative impact on the economy. Recent research has made clear that reduced income inequality improves the efficiency and duration of economic growth. Other research clearly shows that inequality is correlated with numerous social challenges and negatively affects the quality of life of all Albertans.

The Idle No More movement began late in 2012 after the Harper Government passed their massive omnibus budget Bill C-45. Four women, Nina Wilson, Sheelah Mclean, Sylvia McAdam and Jessica Gordon all shared a vision in which people can help protect Mother Earth, her lands, waters and people. The women began discussing the possible impacts that some of the legislation would carry if people remained idle. To them, it became evident that women MUST do something about the apparent colonial, unilateral and paternalistic legislation being pushed through Canada’s parliamentary system. They began by calling a rally to inform the public that Bill C-45 intended to give the minister of Indian Affairs unprecedented power and they also informed the public on other legislation that may affect and ignore the treaties made with the crown, thereby impacting water, land and people in harmful ways. The women then helped other communities to coordinate efforts to hold similar rallies with the same goal in mind. These rallies to

The Idle No More movement began late in 2012 after the Harper Government passed their massive omnibus budget Bill C-45. Four women, Nina Wilson, Sheelah Mclean, Sylvia McAdam and Jessica Gordon all shared a vision in which people can help protect Mother Earth, her lands, waters and people. The women began discussing the possible impacts that some of the legislation would carry if people remained idle. To them, it became evident that women MUST do something about the apparent colonial, unilateral and paternalistic legislation being pushed through Canada’s parliamentary system. They began by calling a rally to inform the public that Bill C-45 intended to give the minister of Indian Affairs unprecedented power and they also informed the public on other legislation that may affect and ignore the treaties made with the crown, thereby impacting water, land and people in harmful ways. The women then helped other communities to coordinate efforts to hold similar rallies with the same goal in mind. These rallies to

Part 1 of the Audio of this speech is available courtesy of an audience member here: http://snd.sc/XHjXez NOTICE OF SPECIAL SESSION Wednesday, Feb 27, 2013 7pm PE 261 University of Lethbridge The Idle No More movement has brought issues of treaties, reserves, land claims, and the Indian Act to the forefront of political discourse in Canada. Perhaps best known for his book First Nations? Second Thoughts the speaker has written extensively on aboriginal history and politics with an eye to making major changes in the relationship between aboriginal people and the Government of Canada. Chief among his changes would be the right to private property on reserves and a change in the tax structure of reserves such that there would be no representation without taxation. The changes that the speaker argues for are controversial but have some precedent in recent negotiated treaties like the Nisga’a Treaty. He will argue that an overhaul of the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and the Government of Canada

Part 1 of the Audio of this speech is available courtesy of an audience member here: http://snd.sc/XHjXez NOTICE OF SPECIAL SESSION Wednesday, Feb 27, 2013 7pm PE 261 University of Lethbridge The Idle No More movement has brought issues of treaties, reserves, land claims, and the Indian Act to the forefront of political discourse in Canada. Perhaps best known for his book First Nations? Second Thoughts the speaker has written extensively on aboriginal history and politics with an eye to making major changes in the relationship between aboriginal people and the Government of Canada. Chief among his changes would be the right to private property on reserves and a change in the tax structure of reserves such that there would be no representation without taxation. The changes that the speaker argues for are controversial but have some precedent in recent negotiated treaties like the Nisga’a Treaty. He will argue that an overhaul of the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and the Government of Canada

Premier Alison Redford has given Albertans to understand that there will be some belt tightening and cuts in the next Provincial budget expected later this winter. We can expect a large deficit, but no tax or royalty increases are being contemplated. Is this the only way to deal with the anticipated shortfall? How well is the provincial economy being managed by our Government? Are there other ways the economy and resources of Alberta could be managed? The speaker will explore these issues from a different perspective. He will offer a contrasting view on how the tremendous wealth of Alberta can work for all Albertans. Speaker: Brian Mason, leader of Alberta’s New Democrats Brian Mason was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood in a 2000 by-election. He was re-elected in the provincial general election of March 12, 2001, and was subsequently appointed House Leader of the New Democrat caucus and critic responsible for human resources, finance and agricult

Premier Alison Redford has given Albertans to understand that there will be some belt tightening and cuts in the next Provincial budget expected later this winter. We can expect a large deficit, but no tax or royalty increases are being contemplated. Is this the only way to deal with the anticipated shortfall? How well is the provincial economy being managed by our Government? Are there other ways the economy and resources of Alberta could be managed? The speaker will explore these issues from a different perspective. He will offer a contrasting view on how the tremendous wealth of Alberta can work for all Albertans. Speaker: Brian Mason, leader of Alberta’s New Democrats Brian Mason was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood in a 2000 by-election. He was re-elected in the provincial general election of March 12, 2001, and was subsequently appointed House Leader of the New Democrat caucus and critic responsible for human resources, finance and agricult

SPECIAL SESSION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 19 at NOON at Country Kitchen Catering A government-appointed commission's latest ideas were put forth recently following a series of public hearings in the fall. A new Lethbridge riding would cover the city and county of Lethbridge, including Coaldale, Coalhurst, Picture Butte and Nobleford, while Cardston would join an expanded Foothills constituency. Raymond, Magrath and Stirling, as well as Milk River, would join Medicine Hat Medicine Hat MP LaVar Payne has filed a protest to the changes, citing concerns about potentially losing Brooks from his riding to become part of Bow River, which also would include Taber and Vauxhall. As well, the Blood Reserve would move to the Medicine Hat constituency, while the Piikani Nation would be part of the redefined Foothills riding along with communities north along Highway 2. The exact process for objections and changes has yet to be announced, but a final decision on the new boundaries will be made in September and become effective f

SPECIAL SESSION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 19 at NOON at Country Kitchen Catering A government-appointed commission's latest ideas were put forth recently following a series of public hearings in the fall. A new Lethbridge riding would cover the city and county of Lethbridge, including Coaldale, Coalhurst, Picture Butte and Nobleford, while Cardston would join an expanded Foothills constituency. Raymond, Magrath and Stirling, as well as Milk River, would join Medicine Hat Medicine Hat MP LaVar Payne has filed a protest to the changes, citing concerns about potentially losing Brooks from his riding to become part of Bow River, which also would include Taber and Vauxhall. As well, the Blood Reserve would move to the Medicine Hat constituency, while the Piikani Nation would be part of the redefined Foothills riding along with communities north along Highway 2. The exact process for objections and changes has yet to be announced, but a final decision on the new boundaries will be made in September and become effective f

Voter turnout has dropped in almost every advanced industrial country but Alberta’s voter turnout has dropped even more precipitously. According to the speaker, the reduced voter turnout is a symptom of a larger problem: people have become disengaged from government, and they have to be reconnected. What is to be done about such disconnection? The speaker will argue that a provincial constitution would give people control over their government and reconnect citizens with government. It would provide Albertans with a document to inspire our future and reflect our past. Mr. Sindlinger is trying to build a coalition of individuals throughout Alberta to build a citizen’s constitution for the province. Speaker: Tom Sindlinger Tom Sindlinger is a Canadian Economist with a focus on the marketing of natural resources and transportation, and governance. He is a former elected member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly and has successfully completed 18 international projects in 12 countries for both privat