Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party retained power in a close-run federal election. The Liberals won 157 seats and 33% of the popular vote, enough to retain power in a minority parliament. Opposition leader Andrew Scheer’s Conservative Party won more votes, but far fewer seats. This was the first time since 1979 that the winner of the most seats wasn’t also the winner of the most votes. The NDP did far better than the polls suggested at the beginning of the campaign, but worse than in 2015 and catastrophically worse than their record high in 2011. The Greens won 3 seats (a new high) but with a lower vote share than they won in 2008. The separatist Bloc Quebecois, who increased their seat count and their vote share considerable, might be pleased, but their vote didn’t seem driven by a desire for Quebec independence. After the election, the bad news continued, and talk of Western alienation emerged as a dominant theme of the last few weeks. So did anybody win? The speaker will unpack the results of the October

Budget 2019 reflects a commitment to responsible fiscal management and a promise to balance the budget in 4 years. It's focused on creating jobs and delivering public services and infrastructure to support private sector investment and a vibrant society. Alberta's many successive provincial deficits have created a serious financial situation and a debt burden that has reached $62.7 billion. Government spent almost $2 billion on interest (debt servicing) last year – more than what was spent on 17 out of 21 ministries. Economic growth is expected at 0.6% in 2019 reflecting market access challenges. The economy should pick up strength next year, but it will take time for the labour market to fully recover. Although growth prospects are solid, external risks are high for Alberta's trade-and-energy driven economy. Total revenue is forecast to remain flat at approx. $50 billion in 2019-20 and 2020-21, before increasing in 2021-22 and 2022-23. A fairly modest but realistic oil price outlook, along with market acces

Budget 2019 reflects a commitment to responsible fiscal management and a promise to balance the budget in 4 years. It's focused on creating jobs and delivering public services and infrastructure to support private sector investment and a vibrant society. Alberta's many successive provincial deficits have created a serious financial situation and a debt burden that has reached $62.7 billion. Government spent almost $2 billion on interest (debt servicing) last year – more than what was spent on 17 out of 21 ministries. Economic growth is expected at 0.6% in 2019 reflecting market access challenges. The economy should pick up strength next year, but it will take time for the labour market to fully recover. Although growth prospects are solid, external risks are high for Alberta's trade-and-energy driven economy. Total revenue is forecast to remain flat at approx. $50 billion in 2019-20 and 2020-21, before increasing in 2021-22 and 2022-23. A fairly modest but realistic oil price outlook, along with market acces

As the largest irrigation district by irrigated acres in Canada, St Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID) has licenses to divert water from the St. Mary, Waterton and Belly rivers. The total volume of SMRID’s allowable diversion is 722,000 ac/ft. or about 890 million cubic meters of water. On average however, the SMRID diverts only around 50 per cent of its total license. One of its licenses now allows for not only water for irrigation as originally conceived, but for other uses such as municipal, industrial, recreational and environmental. It must be noted though, the SMRID does not allow water to be used for well injection. Investment by the district and irrigators to improve the efficiency of transport and application of water to crops has facilitated reduced diversion volumes, while irrigated acreage has increased. Almost all of the reservoirs within the SMRID system have the benefit of opportunistic recreational use. Ridge, Sauder, Forty Mile and Stafford reservoirs are heavily used and some include pu

The video game industry generated appox. $135 billion US globally in 2018 and is forecasted to be worth $300 billion by 2025. The global market value of board games, alternatively known as tabletop games, was nearly 8 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 and is estimated to reach a value of $15 billion in 2025. The comic book industry is steadily worth around $1 billion yearly, but over the past decade, superhero movies, most of which are based on superhero comics, have been growing. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, owned by Disney, has grossed $17.5 billion since its 2008 launch, with such franchises as Thor and Captain America. And the DC Extended Universe has grossed $4.8 billion since its 2013 kickoff with “Man of Steel.” Originally started as the Celtic festival known as Samhain, where revelers would light bonfires and wear costumes and masks in the attempt to ward off evil spirits, Halloween has evolved throughout the years to an exciting time for children to dress up as their favorite characters and enjoy part

The video game industry generated appox. $135 billion US globally in 2018 and is forecasted to be worth $300 billion by 2025. The global market value of board games, alternatively known as tabletop games, was nearly 8 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 and is estimated to reach a value of $15 billion in 2025. The comic book industry is steadily worth around $1 billion yearly, but over the past decade, superhero movies, most of which are based on superhero comics, have been growing. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, owned by Disney, has grossed $17.5 billion since its 2008 launch, with such franchises as Thor and Captain America. And the DC Extended Universe has grossed $4.8 billion since its 2013 kickoff with “Man of Steel.” Originally started as the Celtic festival known as Samhain, where revelers would light bonfires and wear costumes and masks in the attempt to ward off evil spirits, Halloween has evolved throughout the years to an exciting time for children to dress up as their favorite characters and enjoy part

The new Canada Food Guide was recently released and includes an online suite of resources that better meets the needs of different users including the general public, policy makers, health professionals, healthcare centres, childcare centres, and schools. The Canada Food Guide has a long history of being used and is promoted by health professionals when supporting Canadians to eat well. The Food Guide can help influence the foods served and sold in Canada’s public institutions like workplaces, healthcare centres, recreation centres, and schools. The speaker will provide guidance on the issues surrounding nutritious foods and beverages that are the foundation for healthy eating and as well, foods and beverages that can have a negative impact on health when consumed on a regular basis. Food skills as a practical way to support healthy eating will also be discussed along with current evidence on topics such as sodium, saturated fat and sugars, supportive environments for healthy eating. Creating supportive envi

The new Canada Food Guide was recently released and includes an online suite of resources that better meets the needs of different users including the general public, policy makers, health professionals, healthcare centres, childcare centres, and schools. The Canada Food Guide has a long history of being used and is promoted by health professionals when supporting Canadians to eat well. The Food Guide can help influence the foods served and sold in Canada’s public institutions like workplaces, healthcare centres, recreation centres, and schools. The speaker will provide guidance on the issues surrounding nutritious foods and beverages that are the foundation for healthy eating and as well, foods and beverages that can have a negative impact on health when consumed on a regular basis. Food skills as a practical way to support healthy eating will also be discussed along with current evidence on topics such as sodium, saturated fat and sugars, supportive environments for healthy eating. Creating supportive envi

Now that Lethbridge is a city of more than 100,000 inhabitants, there are some perceived “big city” problems that go along with it. Actually, we have had many of them all along, but with a larger population they become more visible. With the Federal election looming in less than a week and a Provincial budget to be unveiled shortly after, the intergovernmental effects on Lethbridge could be substantial and will need unpacking. This year has proven to be a bright spot in the form of grand openings for major capital improvement projects, economic development and the progress being made on revitalizing the Downtown. Aside from the nation-wide substance abuse concerns and the progress being made with the Clean and Safe Strategy, there are a number of challenges and opportunities our Mayor and Council welcome each new week. Come and hear what’s at the top of our Mayor’s list this week. Speaker: Chris Spearman, Mayor of Lethbridge Along with 38 years of business experience, Chris Spearman devoted 18 years (19

Now that Lethbridge is a city of more than 100,000 inhabitants, there are some perceived “big city” problems that go along with it. Actually, we have had many of them all along, but with a larger population they become more visible. With the Federal election looming in less than a week and a Provincial budget to be unveiled shortly after, the intergovernmental effects on Lethbridge could be substantial and will need unpacking. This year has proven to be a bright spot in the form of grand openings for major capital improvement projects, economic development and the progress being made on revitalizing the Downtown. Aside from the nation-wide substance abuse concerns and the progress being made with the Clean and Safe Strategy, there are a number of challenges and opportunities our Mayor and Council welcome each new week. Come and hear what’s at the top of our Mayor’s list this week. Speaker: Chris Spearman, Mayor of Lethbridge Along with 38 years of business experience, Chris Spearman devoted 18 years (19

Many people think that successful work with poverty-stricken street people and people living with drug & alcohol addiction/mental health issues will result in a “normal” life for them. That is however, largely a myth. It’s also true people generally assume that successful work with and help for the impoverished and homeless, should be measured by how close clients get to society’s “norm”, meaning money, a house, a job, a family, living a stereotypical happy and “normal” life as a result of that help. The speaker will argue that at Streets Alive, success is measured in different ways. For some, 24 hours of sobriety is a success. For some, having a meal and appropriate clothing so they can survive another day is a success. What might seem like a small success to most people is often a huge success for them. And even a small success for our clients is a huge success for us. Every step is celebrated and encouraged. The work at Streets Alive does aid some clients to be able to get on their feet, get out on

Many people think that successful work with poverty-stricken street people and people living with drug & alcohol addiction/mental health issues will result in a “normal” life for them. That is however, largely a myth. It’s also true people generally assume that successful work with and help for the impoverished and homeless, should be measured by how close clients get to society’s “norm”, meaning money, a house, a job, a family, living a stereotypical happy and “normal” life as a result of that help. The speaker will argue that at Streets Alive, success is measured in different ways. For some, 24 hours of sobriety is a success. For some, having a meal and appropriate clothing so they can survive another day is a success. What might seem like a small success to most people is often a huge success for them. And even a small success for our clients is a huge success for us. Every step is celebrated and encouraged. The work at Streets Alive does aid some clients to be able to get on their feet, get out on

The deregulation of Alberta’s electricity system is now 19-years old, and in the last five years three successive Alberta governments have passed on an opportunity to mitigate the shortcomings of an Alberta “energy only market.” This has resulted in Albertans paying more for their energy utilities. Climate change and the climate change debate have significantly impacted retail utility costs in Alberta. The speaker will examine these impacts from a regulatory perspective, and how contemporaneous political influences have caused utility rates to rise for the average ratepayer. He will explain the pricing mechanism employed by the regulator and the industry that set Alberta’s utility rates. The speaker will also detail the deficiencies plaguing the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), and the National Energy Board (NEB). He will finish his talk with recommendations that the public can employ to improve our regulatory processes. Speaker: Joe Anglin Joe served four years wit

The deregulation of Alberta’s electricity system is now 19-years old, and in the last five years three successive Alberta governments have passed on an opportunity to mitigate the shortcomings of an Alberta “energy only market.” This has resulted in Albertans paying more for their energy utilities. Climate change and the climate change debate have significantly impacted retail utility costs in Alberta. The speaker will examine these impacts from a regulatory perspective, and how contemporaneous political influences have caused utility rates to rise for the average ratepayer. He will explain the pricing mechanism employed by the regulator and the industry that set Alberta’s utility rates. The speaker will also detail the deficiencies plaguing the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), and the National Energy Board (NEB). He will finish his talk with recommendations that the public can employ to improve our regulatory processes. Speaker: Joe Anglin Joe served four years wit

The ARCHES Indigenous Recovery Coach Program is a recovery-oriented, community-based and culturally informed recovery coach program, supporting adults undergoing opioid agonist therapy (OAT), also known as medically assisted therapy (MAT), for opioid addiction in Lethbridge. The program is intended to combine one-on-one community-based transition / navigator services with peer support services and culturally-focused healing. From a strength-based and person-centered approach, the Indigenous Recovery Coaches focus on working with participants to apply their newly acquired recovery skills in their living environment and help them resolve any issues or problems that can impact their recovery. Recovery Coaches will also try to support participants to stay engaged throughout their continuum of recovery, using techniques such as Motivational Interviewing and behavioural intervention practices. An Indigenous Recovery Coach functions similar to any other Recovery Coach, however, they approach this process from an I

The ARCHES Indigenous Recovery Coach Program is a recovery-oriented, community-based and culturally informed recovery coach program, supporting adults undergoing opioid agonist therapy (OAT), also known as medically assisted therapy (MAT), for opioid addiction in Lethbridge. The program is intended to combine one-on-one community-based transition / navigator services with peer support services and culturally-focused healing. From a strength-based and person-centered approach, the Indigenous Recovery Coaches focus on working with participants to apply their newly acquired recovery skills in their living environment and help them resolve any issues or problems that can impact their recovery. Recovery Coaches will also try to support participants to stay engaged throughout their continuum of recovery, using techniques such as Motivational Interviewing and behavioural intervention practices. An Indigenous Recovery Coach functions similar to any other Recovery Coach, however, they approach this process from an I

The majority of residents in Lethbridge believe in the importance of recycling and keeping waste out of the landfill. The City's Waste Diversion Policy has led to specific targets for reducing waste in both households and businesses with the goal of cutting the overall community waste in half by 2030. The Residential Waste Diversion Strategy is targeted to reduce the amount of waste residents send to the landfill with a 50% waste diversion rate by 2021 and a 65% waste diversion rate by 2030. These goals can be reached by implementing effective and proven programs that increase waste diversion such as Introduction of a Curbside Recycling Collection Program and a Curbside Organics Collection Program. The business sector also has a large part to play when it comes to reducing waste. Targets for waste diversion in the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sector include a 25% waste diversion by 2021 and a 45% waste diversion by 2030. The City of Lethbridge is committed to market recycled materials an

The majority of residents in Lethbridge believe in the importance of recycling and keeping waste out of the landfill. The City's Waste Diversion Policy has led to specific targets for reducing waste in both households and businesses with the goal of cutting the overall community waste in half by 2030. The Residential Waste Diversion Strategy is targeted to reduce the amount of waste residents send to the landfill with a 50% waste diversion rate by 2021 and a 65% waste diversion rate by 2030. These goals can be reached by implementing effective and proven programs that increase waste diversion such as Introduction of a Curbside Recycling Collection Program and a Curbside Organics Collection Program. The business sector also has a large part to play when it comes to reducing waste. Targets for waste diversion in the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sector include a 25% waste diversion by 2021 and a 45% waste diversion by 2030. The City of Lethbridge is committed to market recycled materials an

The agriculture sector in Lethbridge is supported by the surrounding region, which includes more than 900 farms generating farm receipts of $1.1 Billion per year, building on assets of $3.2 Billion. Primary crops in this region include canola, corn, potatoes, sugar beets and pulses in addition to significant livestock and dairy production. There are more than 120 established agri-food processing businesses in the Lethbridge region producing food and/or feed for local consumption and export. In the past 10 years this sector has seen significant investment and plans for future investment. In fact, the agriculture sector is the largest single sector of the Lethbrige economy representing 20% of total gross domestic product or GDP. Lethbridge has a long history of being an agricultural production, distribution and service centre. Lethbridge Research Centre (established in 1906) is the largest within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's national network of 19 centres and leads Canada's research in the development of

The agriculture sector in Lethbridge is supported by the surrounding region, which includes more than 900 farms generating farm receipts of $1.1 Billion per year, building on assets of $3.2 Billion. Primary crops in this region include canola, corn, potatoes, sugar beets and pulses in addition to significant livestock and dairy production. There are more than 120 established agri-food processing businesses in the Lethbridge region producing food and/or feed for local consumption and export. In the past 10 years this sector has seen significant investment and plans for future investment. In fact, the agriculture sector is the largest single sector of the Lethbrige economy representing 20% of total gross domestic product or GDP. Lethbridge has a long history of being an agricultural production, distribution and service centre. Lethbridge Research Centre (established in 1906) is the largest within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's national network of 19 centres and leads Canada's research in the development of