Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

With recent financial support from the Rural Alberta Development Fund, the International Wind Energy Academy (IWEA) at Lethbridge College has a goal of “Community Capacity Building for Wind Energy Development.” The IWEA is engaging southern Albertans to take advantage of the emerging economic opportunities, including quality jobs, associated with the development and operation of large and small wind energy projects. Are subsidies necessary for wind energy to succeed? Is wind and renewable energy receiving infrastructure support from governments similar to that of the non renewable energy sector? What are the relative arguments facing wind power in terms of bats, birds, noise and no breeze? These issues and others facing wind power will be put in perspective by the speaker, while he attempts to cut through the clutter of false information. Speaker:Kris Hodgson Kris Hodgson is a Wind Energy Community Liaison with the IWEA, which is advocating for building wind energy in southern Alberta and beyond through

As Alberta’s population continues to go up, the quality of life in many of its towns and cities is going down. Many municipalities struggle to build and maintain adequate roads and sidewalks and cope with the increased pressure that larger populations put on garbage collection, recycling, snow removal and policing; let alone ensure that our leisure and sports facilities remain up to par. Glenn Taylor says that the problem is not just a shortage of funds. He believes that the way in which core infrastructure and services are funded, as well as the diminished role that our locally elected officials play in the decision making process, are all part of the problem.. Mr. Taylor argues that Alberta needs to shorten the distance between the taxpayer and the spender. He wants municipalities to keep the education portion of our property tax, and the province to provide full funding for education from general revenue. He says that changes to the Municipal Government Act are needed so that Alberta municipalities have

As Alberta’s population continues to go up, the quality of life in many of its towns and cities is going down. Many municipalities struggle to build and maintain adequate roads and sidewalks and cope with the increased pressure that larger populations put on garbage collection, recycling, snow removal and policing; let alone ensure that our leisure and sports facilities remain up to par. Glenn Taylor says that the problem is not just a shortage of funds. He believes that the way in which core infrastructure and services are funded, as well as the diminished role that our locally elected officials play in the decision making process, are all part of the problem.. Mr. Taylor argues that Alberta needs to shorten the distance between the taxpayer and the spender. He wants municipalities to keep the education portion of our property tax, and the province to provide full funding for education from general revenue. He says that changes to the Municipal Government Act are needed so that Alberta municipalities have

Alberta’s government has made some major organizational changes related to research and development. Five new organizations have been formed which encompass the activities of many predecessors in the research and innovation community. The Alberta Research and Innovation Authority have replaced the Alberta Science and Research Authority and four “Alberta Innovates” corporations have been created within its auspices. The former Alberta Water Research Institute and the Alberta Energy Resource Institute have become Alberta Innovates, Energy and Environment Solutions. The speaker will provide an overview of the current “Alberta Innovates” system of corporations and their respective roles. He will also explain how Energy and Environment Solutions will integrate the former “Water for Life: Alberta’s Strategy for Sustainability” into this new organization. Important issues regarding water research, past investments and future directions will also be discussed. Speaker: David Hill, Executive Director, Wate

Alberta’s government has made some major organizational changes related to research and development. Five new organizations have been formed which encompass the activities of many predecessors in the research and innovation community. The Alberta Research and Innovation Authority have replaced the Alberta Science and Research Authority and four “Alberta Innovates” corporations have been created within its auspices. The former Alberta Water Research Institute and the Alberta Energy Resource Institute have become Alberta Innovates, Energy and Environment Solutions. The speaker will provide an overview of the current “Alberta Innovates” system of corporations and their respective roles. He will also explain how Energy and Environment Solutions will integrate the former “Water for Life: Alberta’s Strategy for Sustainability” into this new organization. Important issues regarding water research, past investments and future directions will also be discussed. Speaker: David Hill, Executive Director, Wate

Many people in Canada, including David Schindler, a respected environmental scientist at the University of Alberta, have for many years questioned the government sponsored environmental monitoring data of the oil sands as being inadequate. Last year, politicians and the general public in the United States began making critical remarks about “Canada’s dirty oil” threatening Canada’s reputation and possibly a portion of its export markets. This attention raised public concern to a new level resulting in both the federal and Alberta governments taking action. Several major initiatives, including work by the Royal Society of Canada, were started in the fall of 2010. These initiatives have now reached completion, and have presented governments with a wide array of analyses and recommendations for the management of the oil sands. The Alberta Environmental Monitoring Panel (AEMP) was appointed by Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner in January 2011 to develop a world class environmental monitoring, evaluation a

Many people in Canada, including David Schindler, a respected environmental scientist at the University of Alberta, have for many years questioned the government sponsored environmental monitoring data of the oil sands as being inadequate. Last year, politicians and the general public in the United States began making critical remarks about “Canada’s dirty oil” threatening Canada’s reputation and possibly a portion of its export markets. This attention raised public concern to a new level resulting in both the federal and Alberta governments taking action. Several major initiatives, including work by the Royal Society of Canada, were started in the fall of 2010. These initiatives have now reached completion, and have presented governments with a wide array of analyses and recommendations for the management of the oil sands. The Alberta Environmental Monitoring Panel (AEMP) was appointed by Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner in January 2011 to develop a world class environmental monitoring, evaluation a

Alberta is facing many problems as the next boom approaches. Besides environmental and infrastructure challenges, it can be argued that this boom will once again benefit the wealthy and the larger corporations while most other people in Alberta will gain little in terms of quality lifestyle. In the past, Alberta has witnessed many booms and busts, but still realized long-term growth in the size of the economy and a dramatic increase in wealth, particularly for well to do individuals and large multi-national corporations, who receive sizeable subsidies and pay little or, in some cases, no taxes. Quality of life indicators such as income security, personal disposable income, Food Bank non-dependency, housing affordability, leisure and family time, and educational attainment show that middle and low-income Albertans are struggling to keep the status quo and many are being left behind. Funding for health care, education and essential social services arguably suffer more at every bust cycle, begging the questio

Alberta is facing many problems as the next boom approaches. Besides environmental and infrastructure challenges, it can be argued that this boom will once again benefit the wealthy and the larger corporations while most other people in Alberta will gain little in terms of quality lifestyle. In the past, Alberta has witnessed many booms and busts, but still realized long-term growth in the size of the economy and a dramatic increase in wealth, particularly for well to do individuals and large multi-national corporations, who receive sizeable subsidies and pay little or, in some cases, no taxes. Quality of life indicators such as income security, personal disposable income, Food Bank non-dependency, housing affordability, leisure and family time, and educational attainment show that middle and low-income Albertans are struggling to keep the status quo and many are being left behind. Funding for health care, education and essential social services arguably suffer more at every bust cycle, begging the questio

Over the last few months the news has been filled with stories of stalemates and showdowns in the halls of the United States Congress. Sometimes it has seemed as though the country was on the brink of collapse. For Canadians, the specter of American politics can appear very confusing, even if it does dominate our media airwaves. As the United States prepare for the November 2012 elections, interested outsiders have many questions about American politics and the structure of an American government that often see party politics work against the common good of the country. The speaker is a political scientist and seasoned observer of American politics for many decades. He will consider the historical backdrop to today’s events in Congress and the Senate and why Americans find themselves in stalemate after stalemate. Is the US Constitution so difficult to amend that change is unlikely? What needs to happen before Americans get a government that can efficiently deal with the current impasse? And, more broadl

Over the last few months the news has been filled with stories of stalemates and showdowns in the halls of the United States Congress. Sometimes it has seemed as though the country was on the brink of collapse. For Canadians, the specter of American politics can appear very confusing, even if it does dominate our media airwaves. As the United States prepare for the November 2012 elections, interested outsiders have many questions about American politics and the structure of an American government that often see party politics work against the common good of the country. The speaker is a political scientist and seasoned observer of American politics for many decades. He will consider the historical backdrop to today’s events in Congress and the Senate and why Americans find themselves in stalemate after stalemate. Is the US Constitution so difficult to amend that change is unlikely? What needs to happen before Americans get a government that can efficiently deal with the current impasse? And, more broadl

A SACPA presentation in February introduced the issue of “hydraulic fracking” in the Lethbridge area. In particular, two oil companies have leased land on the Blood reserve and are exploring the use of hydraulic fracking to recover oil and gas from formations which underly Southern Alberta. The speaker will discuss, from an industry perspective, what unconventional oil and gas is and where it has been found. As well he will introduce the techniques used to develop it, including hydraulic fracturing (fraccing) and horizontal drilling. The speaker will discuss industry practices and some regulatory examples for use of water in fracs and protection of surface aquifers. Speaker: Steven Dunk, P.Eng. Steve is currently Manager, BC Operations with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers represents over 100 companies that explore for, develop and produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, oil sands, and elemental sulphur throughout Cana

A SACPA presentation in February introduced the issue of “hydraulic fracking” in the Lethbridge area. In particular, two oil companies have leased land on the Blood reserve and are exploring the use of hydraulic fracking to recover oil and gas from formations which underly Southern Alberta. The speaker will discuss, from an industry perspective, what unconventional oil and gas is and where it has been found. As well he will introduce the techniques used to develop it, including hydraulic fracturing (fraccing) and horizontal drilling. The speaker will discuss industry practices and some regulatory examples for use of water in fracs and protection of surface aquifers. Speaker: Steven Dunk, P.Eng. Steve is currently Manager, BC Operations with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers represents over 100 companies that explore for, develop and produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, oil sands, and elemental sulphur throughout Cana

According to section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada, it is illegal for people to practice polygamy. Under s. 293, not only is any form of polygamy illegal but any type of polygamous union that purports to result from a rite of polygamy is illegal. Despite this prohibition, there is a community of polygamists in British Columbia called Bountiful which, to date, the authorities in British Columbia have refrained from prosecuting. The apparent rationale for the non-prosecution of polygamy practiced by Bountiful members has been a belief that s. 293 would not withstand a challenge under the freedom of religion provision, section 2(a), of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Could it be argued that the anti-polygamy provision in the Code impinges on the freedom of religion for the residents of Bountiful? Are the harms associated with polygamy significant enough to justify a limitation on freedom of religion? Would s. 293 survive a Charter s. 2(a) challenge? Speakers: Pamela Dos Ramos, M.A. (Co

According to section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada, it is illegal for people to practice polygamy. Under s. 293, not only is any form of polygamy illegal but any type of polygamous union that purports to result from a rite of polygamy is illegal. Despite this prohibition, there is a community of polygamists in British Columbia called Bountiful which, to date, the authorities in British Columbia have refrained from prosecuting. The apparent rationale for the non-prosecution of polygamy practiced by Bountiful members has been a belief that s. 293 would not withstand a challenge under the freedom of religion provision, section 2(a), of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Could it be argued that the anti-polygamy provision in the Code impinges on the freedom of religion for the residents of Bountiful? Are the harms associated with polygamy significant enough to justify a limitation on freedom of religion? Would s. 293 survive a Charter s. 2(a) challenge? Speakers: Pamela Dos Ramos, M.A. (Co

Water Under Threat: CETA, Fracking and Water Markets Featuring Maude Barlow, Council of Canadians National Chairperson Wednesday, June 1 7:00 - 9:00 pm Yates Memorial Centre (1002 4 Ave S, Lethbridge) Free admission! Everyone is welcome. Presented by the Council of Canadians-Lethbridge Chapter and the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs Co-sponsored by: Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group, University of Lethbridge Students' Union, Lethbridge College Students' Association Water is vital to people’s health and livelihoods and yet our freshwater faces crises including contamination, shortages, and privatization. Canada’s water systems are under threat from a free-trade agreement being negotiated between Canada and the European Union called the Comprehensive Economic Free Trade Agreement (CETA). A recent report from CUPE and the Council of Canadians exposes how CETA would open public water systems across Canada to privatization. In Alberta, the provincial government has plans to introduce le

Water Under Threat: CETA, Fracking and Water Markets Featuring Maude Barlow, Council of Canadians National Chairperson Wednesday, June 1 7:00 - 9:00 pm Yates Memorial Centre (1002 4 Ave S, Lethbridge) Free admission! Everyone is welcome. Presented by the Council of Canadians-Lethbridge Chapter and the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs Co-sponsored by: Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group, University of Lethbridge Students' Union, Lethbridge College Students' Association Water is vital to people’s health and livelihoods and yet our freshwater faces crises including contamination, shortages, and privatization. Canada’s water systems are under threat from a free-trade agreement being negotiated between Canada and the European Union called the Comprehensive Economic Free Trade Agreement (CETA). A recent report from CUPE and the Council of Canadians exposes how CETA would open public water systems across Canada to privatization. In Alberta, the provincial government has plans to introduce le

An increasing number of Canadian households are embracing “locally-produced” food. A response to a complex of factors, it appears that local food may be on the verge of moving from a niche market to a market segment. Notwithstanding the growing popularity of local foods, a number of important questions remain unresolved. In this presentation the following questions will be addressed: 1.Just how “local” is locally-produced food? 2.Is the growing popularity of locally-produced food really a “turn toward quality”, or is it simply another example of branding and product differentiation? 3.What is the likely future of local food systems? Speaker: Tom Johnston Tom Johnston holds degrees from the universities of Guelph and Waterloo, and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Lethbridge. In addition to his interest in local food systems, Dr. Johnston’s ongoing research projects include an examination of the adoption of drought-proofing strategies by farmers and rural househol

An increasing number of Canadian households are embracing “locally-produced” food. A response to a complex of factors, it appears that local food may be on the verge of moving from a niche market to a market segment. Notwithstanding the growing popularity of local foods, a number of important questions remain unresolved. In this presentation the following questions will be addressed: 1.Just how “local” is locally-produced food? 2.Is the growing popularity of locally-produced food really a “turn toward quality”, or is it simply another example of branding and product differentiation? 3.What is the likely future of local food systems? Speaker: Tom Johnston Tom Johnston holds degrees from the universities of Guelph and Waterloo, and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Lethbridge. In addition to his interest in local food systems, Dr. Johnston’s ongoing research projects include an examination of the adoption of drought-proofing strategies by farmers and rural househol

Since 2007 the Allied Arts Council and the arts community of Lethbridge have collaborated on the Arts Re:Building Together initiative, which addresses concerns regarding the City’s arts facilities and proposed the concept of a “Cultural Corridor” for Lethbridge. In this campaign three buildings were identified as needing urgent care or replacement. First up was a renovation and expansion to the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, which was completed in September 2010; and in process now is a new Community Arts Centre to replace the Bowman Arts Centre, which is scheduled to break ground this spring. The final piece of the puzzle is a new Performing Arts Theatre, which would provide increased performing arts capacity in the City of Lethbridge. Is Lethbridge ready for a new Performing Arts Theatre? What social & economic benefits will a completed Cultural Corridor bring to our community? Why is Lethbridge in need of increased performing arts capacity? What background work and research have been done thus far?