Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

This talk will consider women’s status in Canada, beginning with a brief history of the Women’s Rights Movement in Canada. There will be a focus on the Western Canadian provinces and their early embracing of women’s advancement. This will be followed by a discussion of the present status of women in Canada, including such important aspects as the persistent presence of violence against women, the under-representation of women in politics, and issues surrounding childcare. Finally, in light of our history and present situation, future directions to achieve women’s full equality will be discussed. The talk will close with a discussion about the strong potential educating youth about issues of gender inequality has for creating a promising future for all Canadians. Speaker: Auburn Phillips Auburn Phillips recently completed her MA in Women and Gender Studies at the University of Lethbridge. She conducted research with adolescent girls, examining the relevance and importance of women-specific high s

This talk will consider women’s status in Canada, beginning with a brief history of the Women’s Rights Movement in Canada. There will be a focus on the Western Canadian provinces and their early embracing of women’s advancement. This will be followed by a discussion of the present status of women in Canada, including such important aspects as the persistent presence of violence against women, the under-representation of women in politics, and issues surrounding childcare. Finally, in light of our history and present situation, future directions to achieve women’s full equality will be discussed. The talk will close with a discussion about the strong potential educating youth about issues of gender inequality has for creating a promising future for all Canadians. Speaker: Auburn Phillips Auburn Phillips recently completed her MA in Women and Gender Studies at the University of Lethbridge. She conducted research with adolescent girls, examining the relevance and importance of women-specific high s

In everyday terms, parasites make their living off other unsuspecting organisms. Traditionally researchers, veterinarians and medical doctors have focused on the disease aspects of parasitism. These aspects are certainly not trivial and are deserving of the attention (e.g., malaria). In the last decade, it has been observed that there are much more subtle and far reaching effects of parasitism that have real consequences. There are numerous examples of parasites taking control of their hosts and making them do very strange things. Two very surprising examples will illustrate this phenomenon. Speakers: Doug Colwell Doug Colwell is a Principal Research Scientist at the Lethbridge Research Centre. He has a B.Sc. from the University of Lethbridge, a M.Sc. from the University of Alberta and a Ph.D. from the University of Guelph. Colwell is an adjunct Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Lethbridge and in the Department of Production Animal Health at the University of Ca

In everyday terms, parasites make their living off other unsuspecting organisms. Traditionally researchers, veterinarians and medical doctors have focused on the disease aspects of parasitism. These aspects are certainly not trivial and are deserving of the attention (e.g., malaria). In the last decade, it has been observed that there are much more subtle and far reaching effects of parasitism that have real consequences. There are numerous examples of parasites taking control of their hosts and making them do very strange things. Two very surprising examples will illustrate this phenomenon. Speakers: Doug Colwell Doug Colwell is a Principal Research Scientist at the Lethbridge Research Centre. He has a B.Sc. from the University of Lethbridge, a M.Sc. from the University of Alberta and a Ph.D. from the University of Guelph. Colwell is an adjunct Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Lethbridge and in the Department of Production Animal Health at the University of Ca

Canada is one of the few countries in the world with no legal restrictions on abortion, although regulations and accessibility vary according to provinces. In 1969, Pierre Trudeau’s government had brought in liberalized abortion laws, but in 1988 that law was struck down (in Regina versus Morgentaler) by the Supreme Court, and no government since then has brought forward a new law. Pro-choice advocates argue that the matter should be a private one between woman and doctor. Critics claim that for every 100 live births, over 30 abortions occur and that this is far too many. While the federal conservative government claims it does not intent to re-open the abortion debate, for many, including some MP’s, that debate is already raging. Our two speakers will each express their views on this ongoing controversy. Speaker: Maaike Rosendal and Bryson Brown Maaike Rosendal, originally from the Netherlands, has been an advocate for the pro-life position since she enrolled at the University of Lethbridge. As on

Canada is one of the few countries in the world with no legal restrictions on abortion, although regulations and accessibility vary according to provinces. In 1969, Pierre Trudeau’s government had brought in liberalized abortion laws, but in 1988 that law was struck down (in Regina versus Morgentaler) by the Supreme Court, and no government since then has brought forward a new law. Pro-choice advocates argue that the matter should be a private one between woman and doctor. Critics claim that for every 100 live births, over 30 abortions occur and that this is far too many. While the federal conservative government claims it does not intent to re-open the abortion debate, for many, including some MP’s, that debate is already raging. Our two speakers will each express their views on this ongoing controversy. Speaker: Maaike Rosendal and Bryson Brown Maaike Rosendal, originally from the Netherlands, has been an advocate for the pro-life position since she enrolled at the University of Lethbridge. As on

Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada first announced its intention of creating an Office of Religious Freedom during the federal election campaign of May 2011. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird subsequently reiterated this goal in a speech at the United Nations, where he cited the initiative as consistent with “core Canadian values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.” As a result, Canada vowed to protect these principles in the international community “whether it was popular, convenient, or expedient.” The decision to open an Office of Religious Freedom, however, raises a number of important questions related to both religion and Canada’s foreign relations. As a secular state, should Canada be pursuing religious objectives in its foreign policy? Is it realistic to think that Canada can have an impact on the treatment of religious groups in other states? Is the Office committed to multi-faith perspectives or simply Judeo-Christian views? The Office of Religiou

Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada first announced its intention of creating an Office of Religious Freedom during the federal election campaign of May 2011. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird subsequently reiterated this goal in a speech at the United Nations, where he cited the initiative as consistent with “core Canadian values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.” As a result, Canada vowed to protect these principles in the international community “whether it was popular, convenient, or expedient.” The decision to open an Office of Religious Freedom, however, raises a number of important questions related to both religion and Canada’s foreign relations. As a secular state, should Canada be pursuing religious objectives in its foreign policy? Is it realistic to think that Canada can have an impact on the treatment of religious groups in other states? Is the Office committed to multi-faith perspectives or simply Judeo-Christian views? The Office of Religiou

Last years massive grass fire came within a whisker of causing life-threatening and property damaging conditions in west Lethbridge. Only a fine effort by emergency response teams and some luck prevented a serious dissaster. Lethbridge and area has an emergency response plan specific to local concerns and is also included in a provincial/national plan dealing with larger emergencies. However, for these plans to be successful, public cooperation with officials are paramount and communication through the media, including social media, is also very important. The speaker will outline some details of the general plan, what worked and what didn’t in last November’s grass fire and relate how the public can best react during emergencies, be that fire, harardous material escape, floods, power outage, severe weather etc. Speaker: Brian Cornforth, Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Planning Brian Cornforth has been in this position with the City of Lethbridge since June 2002. Previously he hel

Last years massive grass fire came within a whisker of causing life-threatening and property damaging conditions in west Lethbridge. Only a fine effort by emergency response teams and some luck prevented a serious dissaster. Lethbridge and area has an emergency response plan specific to local concerns and is also included in a provincial/national plan dealing with larger emergencies. However, for these plans to be successful, public cooperation with officials are paramount and communication through the media, including social media, is also very important. The speaker will outline some details of the general plan, what worked and what didn’t in last November’s grass fire and relate how the public can best react during emergencies, be that fire, harardous material escape, floods, power outage, severe weather etc. Speaker: Brian Cornforth, Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Planning Brian Cornforth has been in this position with the City of Lethbridge since June 2002. Previously he hel

The scientific consensus is in: man-made global warming is real and the major cause of various extreme weather events around the world. Rich countries will suffer losses worth billions and poor countries 95 percent of the deaths from worsening extreme weather and rising seas – unless urgent action is taken immediately on global warming. So says the conservative Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its November 18, 2011 Special Report approved by 194 of the world's 196 nations. To avoid irrevers-ible, catastrophic climate change, we have only five years left to act, says the conserva-tive International Energy Agency in its November 8, 2011 World Energy Outlook report. The speakers will present up-to-date video, graphics, and narrative to walk the audience through the reality and science of climate change, the denial industry, carbon dioxide reduction targets and government performance, and where we go from here. The good news: we know what needs to be done and we have the tools to do it. The presenta

The scientific consensus is in: man-made global warming is real and the major cause of various extreme weather events around the world. Rich countries will suffer losses worth billions and poor countries 95 percent of the deaths from worsening extreme weather and rising seas – unless urgent action is taken immediately on global warming. So says the conservative Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its November 18, 2011 Special Report approved by 194 of the world's 196 nations. To avoid irrevers-ible, catastrophic climate change, we have only five years left to act, says the conserva-tive International Energy Agency in its November 8, 2011 World Energy Outlook report. The speakers will present up-to-date video, graphics, and narrative to walk the audience through the reality and science of climate change, the denial industry, carbon dioxide reduction targets and government performance, and where we go from here. The good news: we know what needs to be done and we have the tools to do it. The presenta

Seeking better working conditions, representatives of all Alberta’s trade unions met, along with members of the recently (1909) formed United Farmers of Alberta (UFA), at a founding convention of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) in Lethbridge on July 14-15, 1912. The convention was chaired by Donald McNabb, a Lethbridge coal miner who had served a brief term as Alberta’s first independent labour MLA (supporting the governing Liberals). The AFL blossomed early and in 1926, they had several MLA’s elected resulting in many improvements to Alberta labour laws and the Workman’s Compensation Act, making Alberta a leader of such laws in Canada for several decades. Attacks on the Alberta labour movement since the latter part of the 1970’s and particularly through the Ralph Klein years during the 1990’s have arguably made life difficult for unions. The speaker will speculate on how unions can survive in a labour market where collective bargaining is under threat in Alberta and generally throughout North America

Seeking better working conditions, representatives of all Alberta’s trade unions met, along with members of the recently (1909) formed United Farmers of Alberta (UFA), at a founding convention of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) in Lethbridge on July 14-15, 1912. The convention was chaired by Donald McNabb, a Lethbridge coal miner who had served a brief term as Alberta’s first independent labour MLA (supporting the governing Liberals). The AFL blossomed early and in 1926, they had several MLA’s elected resulting in many improvements to Alberta labour laws and the Workman’s Compensation Act, making Alberta a leader of such laws in Canada for several decades. Attacks on the Alberta labour movement since the latter part of the 1970’s and particularly through the Ralph Klein years during the 1990’s have arguably made life difficult for unions. The speaker will speculate on how unions can survive in a labour market where collective bargaining is under threat in Alberta and generally throughout North America

When the Lethbridge School District Board of Trustees approved the 2011/12 updated budget, it reflected the final student enrolment as of September 30, 2011 and the additional funding provided for by Alberta Education this past October when Premier Alison Redford restored $107 million to school boards province wide, approximately 60% of the amount that was reduced in the government’s spring budget. Arguably, funding for public services in Alberta has been somewhat dependent on the boom and bust cycles of the oil and gas industry over the past many years. School boards would prefer predictable funding, but often find themselves having to cut staff, resulting in increased class sizes, when provincial resource revenues are lagging. The speaker will communicate how budgetary restraints have been applied and speculate on remedies that could stabilize future education funding in Alberta. As well, he will touch upon some general initiatives and challenges in the Lethbridge School District, such as an initiative to

When the Lethbridge School District Board of Trustees approved the 2011/12 updated budget, it reflected the final student enrolment as of September 30, 2011 and the additional funding provided for by Alberta Education this past October when Premier Alison Redford restored $107 million to school boards province wide, approximately 60% of the amount that was reduced in the government’s spring budget. Arguably, funding for public services in Alberta has been somewhat dependent on the boom and bust cycles of the oil and gas industry over the past many years. School boards would prefer predictable funding, but often find themselves having to cut staff, resulting in increased class sizes, when provincial resource revenues are lagging. The speaker will communicate how budgetary restraints have been applied and speculate on remedies that could stabilize future education funding in Alberta. As well, he will touch upon some general initiatives and challenges in the Lethbridge School District, such as an initiative to

With a provincial election imminent, the leader of the official provincial opposition will suggest and discuss the changes we arguably need in Alberta if we are to meet the challenges facing us on many fronts. From health care, education and social services to balancing economic development with growing concerns about the environment and clean water security, the speaker will offer solutions. Speaker: Dr. Raj Sherman, Leader of Alberta’s Official Opposition Dr. Raj Sherman was elected to his first term as a Member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Meadowlark on March 3, 2008. He served as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Health and Wellness from March 2, 2008, to November 22, 2010. In September 2011 he became Leader of the Alberta Liberal Party and the Official Opposition. Dr. Sherman completed his medical studies at the University of Alberta, and after obtaining his MD from the Faculty of Medicine, he specialized in family and emergency medicine. During his medical caree

What started twenty plus years ago as a regional eco-gastronomic movement in northern Italy has grown to become a world wide peaceful revolution for change with over 100,000 members in 160 countries. To quote founder Carlo Petrini: “Human greed has destroyed our soil fertility, water, biodiversity. The Earth is not an infinite resource. We need to strengthen the true drivers of sustainable farming, small and medium sized farmers.” Petrini argues that the key to changing the way we produce food is through “glocal” action – linking up local initiatives using technology to create a global force, the “multi-nationals for tomorrow.” Slow Food Southern Alberta is committed to educate people about traditional and wholesome means of food production. Slow Food connects producers and co-producers; educates consumers, including children, through tasting workshops and community gardens; and help to protect biodiversity by providing better knowledge of and control over what we eat and how it is produced. Speaker:

What started twenty plus years ago as a regional eco-gastronomic movement in northern Italy has grown to become a world wide peaceful revolution for change with over 100,000 members in 160 countries. To quote founder Carlo Petrini: “Human greed has destroyed our soil fertility, water, biodiversity. The Earth is not an infinite resource. We need to strengthen the true drivers of sustainable farming, small and medium sized farmers.” Petrini argues that the key to changing the way we produce food is through “glocal” action – linking up local initiatives using technology to create a global force, the “multi-nationals for tomorrow.” Slow Food Southern Alberta is committed to educate people about traditional and wholesome means of food production. Slow Food connects producers and co-producers; educates consumers, including children, through tasting workshops and community gardens; and help to protect biodiversity by providing better knowledge of and control over what we eat and how it is produced. Speaker:

The speaker will offer a glimpse behind the curtains, into the world of your investments as well as public money entrusted to governments, pension funds and institutions. We will hear how millions of dollars can be diverted from your pockets and your governments, into the hands of others and how self regulation can lead to decriminalization. Do investment regulators work for the public, or against? What about the police? Your Government? The speaker will look at conditions that come together to allow perfect financial crimes to occur with you as the unknowing victim. Are you as safe in Canada as you are told? Is there an intentional focus on criminal enforcement for the poor and the middle class, while deliberately ignoring crimes of the rich? What if your governments were aiding the criminally rich and privileged, by focusing 99.9% of crime effort on the rest? Are there any provisions in the recent Omnibus Crime Bill dealing with financial and White Collar crime? Speaker: Larry Elford, retired CF