Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

As the Syrian conflict enters its seventh year, almost half a million Syrians have been killed in the fighting, more than a million injured and nearly half the country's prewar population of 25 million have been displaced from their homes. What became known as the “Arab Spring” in 2011, toppled presidents of Tunisian, Egypt, Libya, Yemen and is ongoing. Peaceful protests also erupted in Syria, but the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, responded to the protests by killing hundreds of demonstrators and imprisoning many more. In July 2011, defectors from the military announced the formation of the “Free Syrian Army”, a rebel group aiming to overthrow the government, and Syria began to slide into civil war. Since the Free Syrian Army formed, many new rebel groups have joined the fighting in Syria, including ISIL, Jabhat Fateh al Sham, Iran-backed Hezbollah, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) dominated by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). Arguable, foreign involvement has playe

As the Syrian conflict enters its seventh year, almost half a million Syrians have been killed in the fighting, more than a million injured and nearly half the country's prewar population of 25 million have been displaced from their homes. What became known as the “Arab Spring” in 2011, toppled presidents of Tunisian, Egypt, Libya, Yemen and is ongoing. Peaceful protests also erupted in Syria, but the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, responded to the protests by killing hundreds of demonstrators and imprisoning many more. In July 2011, defectors from the military announced the formation of the “Free Syrian Army”, a rebel group aiming to overthrow the government, and Syria began to slide into civil war. Since the Free Syrian Army formed, many new rebel groups have joined the fighting in Syria, including ISIL, Jabhat Fateh al Sham, Iran-backed Hezbollah, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) dominated by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). Arguable, foreign involvement has playe

Former MP and federal Conservative cabinet minister Jason Kenney became the new leader of Alberta's Progressive Conservative (PC) Party on March 18, 2017. Kenney ran on a platform to unite Alberta conservatives by dissolving the PC Party and creating a single right-wing party under a new constitution combining with the Wildrose Party of Alberta. Wildrose Leader Brian Jean has roughly the same goal as Kenney but may differ on how to get there. Jean envisions his party being the foundation of a united conservative movement. The Wildrose Party has even registered the name it alone can use to rebrand itself. The Conservative Party of Alberta. Several of the PC Party leadership candidates running against Kenney became disenchanted with the process during the race and withdrew. Recently, Alberta’s PC party president Katherine O'Neill resigned her post, further fueling apparent discontent within that party. The speaker will untangle the intricate web of the politics surrounding this possible right-wing merger in

Former MP and federal Conservative cabinet minister Jason Kenney became the new leader of Alberta's Progressive Conservative (PC) Party on March 18, 2017. Kenney ran on a platform to unite Alberta conservatives by dissolving the PC Party and creating a single right-wing party under a new constitution combining with the Wildrose Party of Alberta. Wildrose Leader Brian Jean has roughly the same goal as Kenney but may differ on how to get there. Jean envisions his party being the foundation of a united conservative movement. The Wildrose Party has even registered the name it alone can use to rebrand itself. The Conservative Party of Alberta. Several of the PC Party leadership candidates running against Kenney became disenchanted with the process during the race and withdrew. Recently, Alberta’s PC party president Katherine O'Neill resigned her post, further fueling apparent discontent within that party. The speaker will untangle the intricate web of the politics surrounding this possible right-wing merger in

Our city and communities continue to welcome newcomer youth from around the world. These young people embody unique barriers and strengths, and bring their experiences to the systems that operate in our community. To support the healthy development and active participation of newcomer youth, we must listen to the stories of youth’s experiences and hopes for their new lives and examine our work and actions as a community. Newcomer youth bring with them a variety of strengths including incredible resilience, unique skills and interests, as well as being emergent multilinguals. They often correspondingly face barriers and challenges including racism, limited education or employment opportunities, and working with service providers who are not sufficiently educated or responsive to newcomer youth’s needs. The speakers will highlight the lived experience of newcomer youth, and the action and development of community services which aims to meet their needs. Speakers: Douhouk Dabbas & Kristina Larkin

Our city and communities continue to welcome newcomer youth from around the world. These young people embody unique barriers and strengths, and bring their experiences to the systems that operate in our community. To support the healthy development and active participation of newcomer youth, we must listen to the stories of youth’s experiences and hopes for their new lives and examine our work and actions as a community. Newcomer youth bring with them a variety of strengths including incredible resilience, unique skills and interests, as well as being emergent multilinguals. They often correspondingly face barriers and challenges including racism, limited education or employment opportunities, and working with service providers who are not sufficiently educated or responsive to newcomer youth’s needs. The speakers will highlight the lived experience of newcomer youth, and the action and development of community services which aims to meet their needs. Speakers: Douhouk Dabbas & Kristina Larkin

In the ever-changing landscape of Canadian agriculture, efficiency is the new buzzword. If cattle feeding efficiency can be increased by about five per cent, Alberta livestock producers can save approx. $100 million a year, even if only one-third of them adopt those efficiency improvements. With about three billion people moving into the middle class in emerging economies like China and India, the demand for meat is likely to increase substantially over the next decades. Canada is one of five or six countries that have the ability to provide this food in a safe, affordable, nutritious, and environmentally sustainable manner. Canadian producers have always done quite well increasing efficiency in their production practices. From 1977 to 2007 for example, producing the same amount of beef required 70% of the animals, 81% of the feed, 88% of the water and 67% of the land. For those who want to count carbon, that resulted in a 16 per cent decrease in the carbon footprint of beef animals. Through genomics and “

In the ever-changing landscape of Canadian agriculture, efficiency is the new buzzword. If cattle feeding efficiency can be increased by about five per cent, Alberta livestock producers can save approx. $100 million a year, even if only one-third of them adopt those efficiency improvements. With about three billion people moving into the middle class in emerging economies like China and India, the demand for meat is likely to increase substantially over the next decades. Canada is one of five or six countries that have the ability to provide this food in a safe, affordable, nutritious, and environmentally sustainable manner. Canadian producers have always done quite well increasing efficiency in their production practices. From 1977 to 2007 for example, producing the same amount of beef required 70% of the animals, 81% of the feed, 88% of the water and 67% of the land. For those who want to count carbon, that resulted in a 16 per cent decrease in the carbon footprint of beef animals. Through genomics and “

The Alberta NDP government’s 2017 budget was presented on March 16 and projects a $10.3 billion deficit this year on revenue of $45 billion. While the budget will see Alberta go further into the red, despite its implementation of a carbon levy, it also promises hospital spending, new schools and other infrastructure along with more money for seniors and social services. Opposition leaders have loudly been calling for the government to curb pending, saying that the cost of a growing debt load will handicap future generations unfairly. However, Alberta's population is still growing despite the economic downturn caused by low oil/gas prices. Cutting services and deferring capital projects could hurt the economy short term and may jeopardize future prosperity. The budget sets aside $4.5 billion over four years for infrastructure project and $100 million to help First Nations reserves get reliable access to clean drinking water Education spending is on the rise and cutting school fees for parents to the tun

The Alberta NDP government’s 2017 budget was presented on March 16 and projects a $10.3 billion deficit this year on revenue of $45 billion. While the budget will see Alberta go further into the red, despite its implementation of a carbon levy, it also promises hospital spending, new schools and other infrastructure along with more money for seniors and social services. Opposition leaders have loudly been calling for the government to curb pending, saying that the cost of a growing debt load will handicap future generations unfairly. However, Alberta's population is still growing despite the economic downturn caused by low oil/gas prices. Cutting services and deferring capital projects could hurt the economy short term and may jeopardize future prosperity. The budget sets aside $4.5 billion over four years for infrastructure project and $100 million to help First Nations reserves get reliable access to clean drinking water Education spending is on the rise and cutting school fees for parents to the tun

Bill 6, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act: How’s it Working? On December 10, 2015, the Government of Alberta passed Bill 6, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act. Bill 6, much of it implemented on Jan 1, 2016, has generated considerable controversy in the Province.  Bill 6 repeals the exemptions for farm and ranch workers that are found in a range of legislation. Generally speaking, Bill 6 affects four aspects of the employment relationship: general working conditions, the right to organize, worker safety, and WCB coverage for non-family workers by repealing earlier exemptions. As a result of the controversy generated by Bill 6, the Government of Alberta amended Bill 6 to allow owners, family members and neighbours to work on farms and ranches without being subject to all of the rules and restrictions as other workers. Specifically, the parts of Bill 6 pertaining to OHS regulations and workers compensation were amended to exclude paid farm and ranch owners and their fam

Bill 6, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act: How’s it Working? On December 10, 2015, the Government of Alberta passed Bill 6, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act. Bill 6, much of it implemented on Jan 1, 2016, has generated considerable controversy in the Province.  Bill 6 repeals the exemptions for farm and ranch workers that are found in a range of legislation. Generally speaking, Bill 6 affects four aspects of the employment relationship: general working conditions, the right to organize, worker safety, and WCB coverage for non-family workers by repealing earlier exemptions. As a result of the controversy generated by Bill 6, the Government of Alberta amended Bill 6 to allow owners, family members and neighbours to work on farms and ranches without being subject to all of the rules and restrictions as other workers. Specifically, the parts of Bill 6 pertaining to OHS regulations and workers compensation were amended to exclude paid farm and ranch owners and their fam

In many cultures, worldwide, more than two genders are recognized. In such places, individuals exist that are perceived as being neither men, nor women. Instead, such individuals are recognized as “third” genders. The speaker works in two such cultures. Since 2003, he has conducted research in the south Pacific island nation of Samoa, where feminine same-sex attracted males are recognized as a third gender, known locally as fa’afafine. Since 2015, he has worked in the Istmo region of Oaxaca, Mexico, where feminine same-sex attracted males are recognized as a third gender, known locally by the indigenous Zapotec as muxes. The speaker will describe his research in both these cultures that illuminate the role third gender males play within the family. Speaker: Dr. Paul Vasey Dr. Vasey is a Professor and a Board of Governors Research Chair at the University of Lethbridge. His research has been funded by all three of the Canadian tri-council agencies (NSERC, SSHRC & CIHR) in addition to local, prov

In many cultures, worldwide, more than two genders are recognized. In such places, individuals exist that are perceived as being neither men, nor women. Instead, such individuals are recognized as “third” genders. The speaker works in two such cultures. Since 2003, he has conducted research in the south Pacific island nation of Samoa, where feminine same-sex attracted males are recognized as a third gender, known locally as fa’afafine. Since 2015, he has worked in the Istmo region of Oaxaca, Mexico, where feminine same-sex attracted males are recognized as a third gender, known locally by the indigenous Zapotec as muxes. The speaker will describe his research in both these cultures that illuminate the role third gender males play within the family. Speaker: Dr. Paul Vasey Dr. Vasey is a Professor and a Board of Governors Research Chair at the University of Lethbridge. His research has been funded by all three of the Canadian tri-council agencies (NSERC, SSHRC & CIHR) in addition to local, prov

Canada’s economy and energy independence relies heavily on the fossil fuels we extract within our own national borders. However, our global environmental reputation has allegedly taken a hit over the past few decades as CO2 emissions per capita have the singular focus for environmentalists. As a result, we have been labeled everything from “corrupt petro state” to “colossal fossil” for our perceived inaction on climate change. Now, the governments of Canada and Alberta have opted for carbon taxation in order to fight climate change embarrassment. They believe that Canada should lead by example, forcing Canadian industries and consumers to adopt a “green future” without a clear plan for what that entails, let alone how it will affect the environment or our economy. Former provincial and federal official Larry Martin will examine how ideology may have buried science in the current policy, where we went wrong, and who stands to win and lose from this arguably misguided approach. Speaker:     F. Larry Mart

Canada’s economy and energy independence relies heavily on the fossil fuels we extract within our own national borders. However, our global environmental reputation has allegedly taken a hit over the past few decades as CO2 emissions per capita have the singular focus for environmentalists. As a result, we have been labeled everything from “corrupt petro state” to “colossal fossil” for our perceived inaction on climate change. Now, the governments of Canada and Alberta have opted for carbon taxation in order to fight climate change embarrassment. They believe that Canada should lead by example, forcing Canadian industries and consumers to adopt a “green future” without a clear plan for what that entails, let alone how it will affect the environment or our economy. Former provincial and federal official Larry Martin will examine how ideology may have buried science in the current policy, where we went wrong, and who stands to win and lose from this arguably misguided approach. Speaker:     F. Larry Mart

Virtual reality (VR) typically refers to computer technologies that use software to generate the realistic images, sounds and other sensations that replicate a real environment, and simulate a user's physical presence in this environment. VR can be defined as a realistic and immersive simulation of a three-dimensional environment, created using interactive software and hardware, and experienced or controlled by movement of the body or as an immersive, interactive experience generated by a computer. Virtual reality will arguably be the future of gaming and that is a concern for some people. But there’s no denying the incredible opportunities businesses will have to adopt the technology in several industries including healthcare, advertising, journalism and more. However, a generational gap seems to be forming between older and younger folks over what this new medium will do. Concerns have already been discussed in the past about rock and roll music, comic books, movies, video games, and virtual reality syst

Virtual reality (VR) typically refers to computer technologies that use software to generate the realistic images, sounds and other sensations that replicate a real environment, and simulate a user's physical presence in this environment. VR can be defined as a realistic and immersive simulation of a three-dimensional environment, created using interactive software and hardware, and experienced or controlled by movement of the body or as an immersive, interactive experience generated by a computer. Virtual reality will arguably be the future of gaming and that is a concern for some people. But there’s no denying the incredible opportunities businesses will have to adopt the technology in several industries including healthcare, advertising, journalism and more. However, a generational gap seems to be forming between older and younger folks over what this new medium will do. Concerns have already been discussed in the past about rock and roll music, comic books, movies, video games, and virtual reality syst

The first International Women’s Day (IWD) was observed on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. More than one million women and men showed their support of women by participating in public events. In 1977, following the long-standing movements for women to participate equally in society, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed a day for women’s rights and international peace. Following the United Nations’ lead, Canada chose March 8 as IWD and it has grown to become a global day of recognition, celebration and action. In many countries it is an official holiday. In Canada, more than 40 events will be held this year. Last year, organizations and individuals around the world supported the Pledge for Parity campaign and committed to help women and girls achieve their ambitions; challenge conscious and unconscious bias, particularly against indigenous people and people of colour; call for gender-balanced leadership; value women and men's contributions equally; and create inclusive cu

The first International Women’s Day (IWD) was observed on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. More than one million women and men showed their support of women by participating in public events. In 1977, following the long-standing movements for women to participate equally in society, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed a day for women’s rights and international peace. Following the United Nations’ lead, Canada chose March 8 as IWD and it has grown to become a global day of recognition, celebration and action. In many countries it is an official holiday. In Canada, more than 40 events will be held this year. Last year, organizations and individuals around the world supported the Pledge for Parity campaign and committed to help women and girls achieve their ambitions; challenge conscious and unconscious bias, particularly against indigenous people and people of colour; call for gender-balanced leadership; value women and men's contributions equally; and create inclusive cu