Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Lethbridge is nearing 100,000 residents which offers us a unique moment to reflect on how we grow, protect the environment, celebrate our past and plan for the next 10, 20 and even 30 years. 100k+ conversations is a way of starting thoughtful discussions that will help us understanding the growing needs of our diverse community. We're growing up and it's time to talk about our future. 100K+ Conversations feed into the on-going review and update of the City’s Master Plan (the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan / Municipal Development Plan or ICSP/MDP). The ICSP/MDP is the City’s highest-level Statutory Plan, and establishes a community vision for the next 40 years. Apart from being an engagement strategy for the next ICSP/MDP, 100K+ conversations is a tool to link together other on-going planning projects (e.g. Master Plans, Area Structure Plans) and community milestones (e.g., facility openings) and events together into a larger conversation about growth and the future of our City. The speakers will

Lethbridge is nearing 100,000 residents which offers us a unique moment to reflect on how we grow, protect the environment, celebrate our past and plan for the next 10, 20 and even 30 years. 100k+ conversations is a way of starting thoughtful discussions that will help us understanding the growing needs of our diverse community. We're growing up and it's time to talk about our future. 100K+ Conversations feed into the on-going review and update of the City’s Master Plan (the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan / Municipal Development Plan or ICSP/MDP). The ICSP/MDP is the City’s highest-level Statutory Plan, and establishes a community vision for the next 40 years. Apart from being an engagement strategy for the next ICSP/MDP, 100K+ conversations is a tool to link together other on-going planning projects (e.g. Master Plans, Area Structure Plans) and community milestones (e.g., facility openings) and events together into a larger conversation about growth and the future of our City. The speakers will

Governments are taking on assorted policies to reduce carbon emissions including regulations, green subsidies and carbon taxes. Assuming the desirability of reducing GHG emissions, what is Canada's appropriate policy response? Are governments spending sufficient effort to find least cost effective methods? Dr. Jack Mintz will challenge the current policy framework including that used in Alberta. Speaker:     Dr. Jack Mintz Dr. Jack M. Mintz is the President’s Fellow of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary as of July 1, 2015 after serving as the Palmer Chair and Director since 2008. He also serves on the boards of Imperial Oil Limited, Morneau Shepell and is chair and Vice-President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. As of September 1 2015, he has been appointed as the National Policy Advisor for the accounting firm EY. Dr. Mintz previously held the positions of Professor of Business Economics at the Rotman School of Business from 1989-2007 and Depa

Governments are taking on assorted policies to reduce carbon emissions including regulations, green subsidies and carbon taxes. Assuming the desirability of reducing GHG emissions, what is Canada's appropriate policy response? Are governments spending sufficient effort to find least cost effective methods? Dr. Jack Mintz will challenge the current policy framework including that used in Alberta. Speaker:     Dr. Jack Mintz Dr. Jack M. Mintz is the President’s Fellow of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary as of July 1, 2015 after serving as the Palmer Chair and Director since 2008. He also serves on the boards of Imperial Oil Limited, Morneau Shepell and is chair and Vice-President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. As of September 1 2015, he has been appointed as the National Policy Advisor for the accounting firm EY. Dr. Mintz previously held the positions of Professor of Business Economics at the Rotman School of Business from 1989-2007 and Depa

Lethbridge produces more waste than almost any other city in Canada. Since 2010, we have seen a decline in the amount of waste that each person in Lethbridge generates. However, our waste generation remains well above provincial and national averages. In 2014, while the average Albertan created 997 kg of waste and the average Canadian produced 706 kg, Lethbridge residents wasted 1150 kg per person. Where does our waste come from and what are the solutions? How can we waste less? The speaker will outline ways to reduce current waste amounts and relate to initiatives and opportunities for tackling this trashy problem. Speaker:     Kathleen Sheppard Kathleen Sheppard joined Environment Lethbridge as Executive Director in November of 2015. Originally from Pincher Creek, Kathleen has more than 25 years of experience working for non-profit organizations in British Columbia and Alberta. Prior to coming to Environment Lethbridge, she was the Executive Director for Social Planning Cowichan, located in Duncan,

Lethbridge produces more waste than almost any other city in Canada. Since 2010, we have seen a decline in the amount of waste that each person in Lethbridge generates. However, our waste generation remains well above provincial and national averages. In 2014, while the average Albertan created 997 kg of waste and the average Canadian produced 706 kg, Lethbridge residents wasted 1150 kg per person. Where does our waste come from and what are the solutions? How can we waste less? The speaker will outline ways to reduce current waste amounts and relate to initiatives and opportunities for tackling this trashy problem. Speaker:     Kathleen Sheppard Kathleen Sheppard joined Environment Lethbridge as Executive Director in November of 2015. Originally from Pincher Creek, Kathleen has more than 25 years of experience working for non-profit organizations in British Columbia and Alberta. Prior to coming to Environment Lethbridge, she was the Executive Director for Social Planning Cowichan, located in Duncan,

The Oldman Watershed Council is producing a film that will become a signature communication piece for southwest Alberta. The core message is "We are all downstream." It will not be a typical educational film. Rather, it will create a space for people to have an experience and draw their own conclusions through presentation of the story. The goal of the film is to communicate clearly where water comes from, where it goes and ultimately what happens in between. This is important in a watershed with great stakeholder diversity. About 10-15 minutes in length, the film, when ready, will be shown to audiences throughout the watershed - and beyond - with the intent to educate, inspire and contribute to a stronger sense of community. It will portray southern Alberta's diversity and entrepreneurship via watershed use. Following the growth of the region from the mid-1700s through to 2060, it will use historical photos, interactive maps, and spectacular footage of the people, places and landscapes. Short video presenta

Is the judiciary sexist? Should Robin Camp be removed from the bench? Is contrition enough? These are some of the questions that have been raised in response to Justice Robin Camp’s comments and his acquittal of the accused in the 2014 R. v. Wagar sexual assault case. Unfortunately, Robin Camp’s commentary is not an isolated incident nor is it unique in sexual assault cases in Canada. Instead, it underscores what has been characterized as a much broader crisis in confidence in the criminal justice process for survivors of sexual violence. Sexual violence is one of the most under reported forms of violence for a number of complex reasons. Commentators have identified Robin Camp’s conduct as something that could put an even more chilling effect on reporting and access to justice for those who have been assaulted. Without understanding the contextual and intersectional factors at play in this case, including presumptions about the sexual availability of Indigenous women, substance use, poverty and homeles

Is the judiciary sexist? Should Robin Camp be removed from the bench? Is contrition enough? These are some of the questions that have been raised in response to Justice Robin Camp’s comments and his acquittal of the accused in the 2014 R. v. Wagar sexual assault case. Unfortunately, Robin Camp’s commentary is not an isolated incident nor is it unique in sexual assault cases in Canada. Instead, it underscores what has been characterized as a much broader crisis in confidence in the criminal justice process for survivors of sexual violence. Sexual violence is one of the most under reported forms of violence for a number of complex reasons. Commentators have identified Robin Camp’s conduct as something that could put an even more chilling effect on reporting and access to justice for those who have been assaulted. Without understanding the contextual and intersectional factors at play in this case, including presumptions about the sexual availability of Indigenous women, substance use, poverty and homeles

On May 1, 2016, a wildfire began southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta. On May 3, it swept through the community, destroying approximately 2,400 homes and buildings and forcing the largest wildfire evacuation in Alberta’s history. It continued to spread across northern Alberta into Saskatchewan, consuming forested areas and impacting Athabasca oil sands operations. The fire spread across approximately 590,000 hectares before it was finally declared to be under control on July 5, 2016. It is the costliest disaster in Canadian history with billions of dollars in direct and indirect damage. $300 million have been raised through individual/corporate donations from across Canada and beyond, including contributions by provincial and federal governments. Some of the money raised is administered by the Canadian Red Cross who so far has distributed more than $100 million directly to the nearly 90,000 evacuees impacted by the fire. Most Fort McMurray residents returned home in early June only to find their homes in vario

On May 1, 2016, a wildfire began southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta. On May 3, it swept through the community, destroying approximately 2,400 homes and buildings and forcing the largest wildfire evacuation in Alberta’s history. It continued to spread across northern Alberta into Saskatchewan, consuming forested areas and impacting Athabasca oil sands operations. The fire spread across approximately 590,000 hectares before it was finally declared to be under control on July 5, 2016. It is the costliest disaster in Canadian history with billions of dollars in direct and indirect damage. $300 million have been raised through individual/corporate donations from across Canada and beyond, including contributions by provincial and federal governments. Some of the money raised is administered by the Canadian Red Cross who so far has distributed more than $100 million directly to the nearly 90,000 evacuees impacted by the fire. Most Fort McMurray residents returned home in early June only to find their homes in vario

The September 26, 2016 presidential debate between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump drew 84 million U.S. television viewers, a record for such an event and numbers rarely seen on TV in the age of digital streaming and social media. Any true understanding of this election requires an appreciation of the one huge political fault line, arguable nationalists vs. globalists, which is driving America into a period of serious political tremors, certain to jolt the political Richter scale. Donald Trump is one of the most unlikely main party presidential candidates ever and he brings with him plenty of controversy, including questionably conduct towards women and minorities. Clinton as well is challenged with regards to her past, including controversial emails while serving as Secretary of State in 2012. Clinton, age 68 and Trump, age 70 are also among the oldest candidates ever. With a much higher percentage than usual of undecided voters, it could be a close election on Tuesday, Nov 8. The speak

The September 26, 2016 presidential debate between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump drew 84 million U.S. television viewers, a record for such an event and numbers rarely seen on TV in the age of digital streaming and social media. Any true understanding of this election requires an appreciation of the one huge political fault line, arguable nationalists vs. globalists, which is driving America into a period of serious political tremors, certain to jolt the political Richter scale. Donald Trump is one of the most unlikely main party presidential candidates ever and he brings with him plenty of controversy, including questionably conduct towards women and minorities. Clinton as well is challenged with regards to her past, including controversial emails while serving as Secretary of State in 2012. Clinton, age 68 and Trump, age 70 are also among the oldest candidates ever. With a much higher percentage than usual of undecided voters, it could be a close election on Tuesday, Nov 8. The speak

A serious criminal act in Lethbridge recently brought to the surface a long simmering discourse of racialized tensions in Lethbridge. When such situations are perpetrated by a person of colour, their whole culture and race are blamed. When a similar situation is perpetrated by a white person, it is seen as an individual act where culture is not held accountable. Seeing each other as individuals is a perspective that is only afforded to the dominant group. Why is it so difficult to discuss and challenge racism in dominant groups? What does it mean to be an ally to people of colour? The speaker will give perspective to what brings on racism and intolerance toward First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) culture. Attention will also be given to help understand what racism is and ways to alleviate it. Speaker:     Dr. Jo-Anne Fiske Jo-Anne Fiske joined the University of Lethbridge in May, 2004 as a professor and coordinator of Women's Studies. She served as Dean of Graduate Studies from 2006 to 2010 and a

A serious criminal act in Lethbridge recently brought to the surface a long simmering discourse of racialized tensions in Lethbridge. When such situations are perpetrated by a person of colour, their whole culture and race are blamed. When a similar situation is perpetrated by a white person, it is seen as an individual act where culture is not held accountable. Seeing each other as individuals is a perspective that is only afforded to the dominant group. Why is it so difficult to discuss and challenge racism in dominant groups? What does it mean to be an ally to people of colour? The speaker will give perspective to what brings on racism and intolerance toward First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) culture. Attention will also be given to help understand what racism is and ways to alleviate it. Speaker:     Dr. Jo-Anne Fiske Jo-Anne Fiske joined the University of Lethbridge in May, 2004 as a professor and coordinator of Women's Studies. She served as Dean of Graduate Studies from 2006 to 2010 and a

Parks Canada is investing in a new Visitors Centre in Waterton Lakes National Park. A Visitors Centre is a primary service offered in national parks and the current Waterton Lakes Visitors Centre, in its present location, can no longer support the over 400,000 annual visitors adequately. A decision to relocate the Visitors Centre to the often congested “downtown” area of Waterton village has been made despite much local opposition. Parks Canada argues that they engaged a range of stakeholders and leaseholders before the decision was made, including Improvement District #4, the Waterton Lakes Leaseholders Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Waterton Park Community Association and individual cottage and commercial leaseholders. Parks Canada manages national parks on behalf of all Canadians and supposedly welcome input from the community and visitors alike. They have heard a wide range of comments on the Visitors Centre, its purpose and its location and say they are committed to working collaboratively

Parks Canada is investing in a new Visitors Centre in Waterton Lakes National Park. A Visitors Centre is a primary service offered in national parks and the current Waterton Lakes Visitors Centre, in its present location, can no longer support the over 400,000 annual visitors adequately. A decision to relocate the Visitors Centre to the often congested “downtown” area of Waterton village has been made despite much local opposition. Parks Canada argues that they engaged a range of stakeholders and leaseholders before the decision was made, including Improvement District #4, the Waterton Lakes Leaseholders Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Waterton Park Community Association and individual cottage and commercial leaseholders. Parks Canada manages national parks on behalf of all Canadians and supposedly welcome input from the community and visitors alike. They have heard a wide range of comments on the Visitors Centre, its purpose and its location and say they are committed to working collaboratively

It could cost tax payers billions of dollars to clean up the 100,000 plus abandoned oil and gas wells throughout Alberta. However, if used as geothermal energy, many of these wells can be an asset instead of a liability. Abandoned wells can cost $300,000 each to reclaim. Converting those same wells to operate as geothermal greenhouses may be much cheaper and more cost effective. The Living Energy Project at the Leduc #1 Energy Discover Centre is converting an abandoned oil well to capture geothermal energy. This energy will be used to heat the building and an 8000 square-foot greenhouse. Provided that Government gives the green light, this could be the first time in Canada’s history that a disused well will be used as a tool for agricultural production, which in turn could help increase local food security and make it possible for farmers to profit. The potential for Canadian geothermal greenhouses are extensive. Clean local heating and electric energy for smaller and remote communities are also possibilit

It could cost tax payers billions of dollars to clean up the 100,000 plus abandoned oil and gas wells throughout Alberta. However, if used as geothermal energy, many of these wells can be an asset instead of a liability. Abandoned wells can cost $300,000 each to reclaim. Converting those same wells to operate as geothermal greenhouses may be much cheaper and more cost effective. The Living Energy Project at the Leduc #1 Energy Discover Centre is converting an abandoned oil well to capture geothermal energy. This energy will be used to heat the building and an 8000 square-foot greenhouse. Provided that Government gives the green light, this could be the first time in Canada’s history that a disused well will be used as a tool for agricultural production, which in turn could help increase local food security and make it possible for farmers to profit. The potential for Canadian geothermal greenhouses are extensive. Clean local heating and electric energy for smaller and remote communities are also possibilit

Aquaponics is a syntergistic growing technique in which both fish and plants are grown together in the same system. The word aquaponics comes from the combination of aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil in nutrient rich water). The speaker will argue that aquaponics solves many of the problems and environmental issues associated with aquaculture and hydroponics while retaining the benefits of both. Today's modern aquaculture systems are great at growing lots of fish in a small area, but produce lots of fish waste that must be dealt with. Hydroponics offers many benefits including the fact that it is more efficient than soil farming in both density, growth rate and can be done almost anywhere. But hydroponic systems use man-made chemicals as feed and must dump the nutrient solution periodically when salts or pathogens build up which is a waste management and pollution issue. The microorganisms in an aquaponic system turn the "waste" in aquaculture into a valuable input fo