Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

On June 1, 2015, Alberta’s Bill 10 became law. The content of this bill has twofold implications for policy within school districts. The first impact is that Gay Straight Alliances (GSA’s) must be allowed in any school where students request to have them. The second is that “gender identity” and “gender expression” are now included in Alberta’s Bill of Rights. In December, 2015, those rights were also added to Alberta’s Human Rights Act through Bill 7. In the fall of 2015, Alberta’s Minister of Education released Guidelines for Best Practices: Creating Learning Environments that Respect Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression for all publicly funded schools and gave each Alberta school board until March 31, 2016 to come up with their own policy to accommodate the provincial guidelines. However, the question has been asked: Why not draft the same LGBTQ policy for all school boards? The speaker will elaborate on that question and explain more details of Bill 7 and 10. Speaker: Mar

Societal responsibility is an ethical framework which suggests that an entity, be it individual, corporate or governmental, has an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large. Societal responsibility is arguable a duty every individual has to perform so as to maintain a balance between the economy and our ecosystem. A trade-off may exist between economic development, in the material sense, and the welfare of the society though this is increasingly being challenged because of pollution and climate change issues. To what degree should societal responsibility include sustainable development? Should it pertain mainly to corporations and governments, or to everyone whose action may impact the environment and society? Should this responsibility be passive, by avoiding socially harmful acts and or active, by performing activities that directly help advance societal goals? The speakers were finalists in the recent 2016 U of L Student Speaker Challenge and they will give their perspective on societal respo

Societal responsibility is an ethical framework which suggests that an entity, be it individual, corporate or governmental, has an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large. Societal responsibility is arguable a duty every individual has to perform so as to maintain a balance between the economy and our ecosystem. A trade-off may exist between economic development, in the material sense, and the welfare of the society though this is increasingly being challenged because of pollution and climate change issues. To what degree should societal responsibility include sustainable development? Should it pertain mainly to corporations and governments, or to everyone whose action may impact the environment and society? Should this responsibility be passive, by avoiding socially harmful acts and or active, by performing activities that directly help advance societal goals? The speakers were finalists in the recent 2016 U of L Student Speaker Challenge and they will give their perspective on societal respo

Canada's spanking laws may be heading for an overhaul as part of the government's promise to adopt all of the recommendations stemming from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. One of the 94 "calls to action" after the six-year inquiry into widespread abuse at residential schools for indigenous children is to repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code. The Canadian Law, under section 43 of the Criminal Code, offers Canadian parents and caregivers a defence to use reasonable force to discipline a child. However, as section 43 recognizes, this is controversial and not in fact, of the rights and best interest of the children in our country. The United Nations committee on the rights of the child addressed Canada on September 19, 2012 during their ten-year goal review; “What we are telling you is, to raise the bar and rise to the challenge, because Canada is one of the top five economies in the world.” Multiple researchers and a longitude of studies support that physical discipline has short and long term negat

Canada's spanking laws may be heading for an overhaul as part of the government's promise to adopt all of the recommendations stemming from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. One of the 94 "calls to action" after the six-year inquiry into widespread abuse at residential schools for indigenous children is to repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code. The Canadian Law, under section 43 of the Criminal Code, offers Canadian parents and caregivers a defence to use reasonable force to discipline a child. However, as section 43 recognizes, this is controversial and not in fact, of the rights and best interest of the children in our country. The United Nations committee on the rights of the child addressed Canada on September 19, 2012 during their ten-year goal review; “What we are telling you is, to raise the bar and rise to the challenge, because Canada is one of the top five economies in the world.” Multiple researchers and a longitude of studies support that physical discipline has short and long term negat

“Where is Home” is a documentary film focused on homelessness and the complex social issues facing the city of Lethbridge, Alberta and many other communities across Canada. The film presents unique perspectives from numerous individuals, including members of the homeless population, municipal government, law enforcement, service providers, doctors, mental health professionals, as well as members of the local business community and the general public. Through these perspectives, the film presents a thoughtful, respectful look at history, the reality of the current situation, and hope for what can be done to make things better for everyone in the future. The speakers will show clips of the film and comment on real life situations facing the homeless people in Lethbridge Speaker: Dan Berdusco and Mark Brave Rock Dan Berdusco is a local entrepreneur and filmmaker, founder of LethbridgeLink.com Inc. and the SouthernAlberta.com Network.  As a creative professional for over 15 years, Dan has produced hundreds o

“Where is Home” is a documentary film focused on homelessness and the complex social issues facing the city of Lethbridge, Alberta and many other communities across Canada. The film presents unique perspectives from numerous individuals, including members of the homeless population, municipal government, law enforcement, service providers, doctors, mental health professionals, as well as members of the local business community and the general public. Through these perspectives, the film presents a thoughtful, respectful look at history, the reality of the current situation, and hope for what can be done to make things better for everyone in the future. The speakers will show clips of the film and comment on real life situations facing the homeless people in Lethbridge Speaker: Dan Berdusco and Mark Brave Rock Dan Berdusco is a local entrepreneur and filmmaker, founder of LethbridgeLink.com Inc. and the SouthernAlberta.com Network.  As a creative professional for over 15 years, Dan has produced hundreds o

In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) ruled that people with "grievous and irremediable medical conditions" have the right to ask a doctor to help them die. The court gave the Federal Government one year to develop new laws and guidelines. Recently, a panel appointed by the previous Conservative Government released a report with recommendations on how to implement physician-assisted death in Canada. The present Liberal Government has yet to act on the SCC directive and were recently given a four month extendtion of the deadline. The speaker will argue that the SCC decision will set a dangerous precedent and that Parliament must first use the notwithstanding clause to continue to equally protect every Canadian. Then Parliament and Provincial governments must commit to: Improving access to end-of-life care, creating awareness to change social attitudes towards the lives of people with disabilities and the reality of elder abuse, and focusing on effective suicide prevention strategies to provide t

In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) ruled that people with "grievous and irremediable medical conditions" have the right to ask a doctor to help them die. The court gave the Federal Government one year to develop new laws and guidelines. Recently, a panel appointed by the previous Conservative Government released a report with recommendations on how to implement physician-assisted death in Canada. The present Liberal Government has yet to act on the SCC directive and were recently given a four month extendtion of the deadline. The speaker will argue that the SCC decision will set a dangerous precedent and that Parliament must first use the notwithstanding clause to continue to equally protect every Canadian. Then Parliament and Provincial governments must commit to: Improving access to end-of-life care, creating awareness to change social attitudes towards the lives of people with disabilities and the reality of elder abuse, and focusing on effective suicide prevention strategies to provide t

Leading-edge researchers forecast wind, solar and water power will become our primary energy sources. CanGEA, the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association, suggests geothermal energy can be a mainstay in our future energy grid. Ground-based heat pumps, often called geothermal energy exchange, are used to heat and cool many Canadian homes. Deep geothermal energy produces electricity and provides heat derived several thousand metres below the Earth's surface. Canada has no commercial geothermal power plants, despite CanGEA Reports stating we have abundant potential and expertise. Canadian energy companies are operating geothermal power plants elsewhere around the world. A recent study of Canada’s geothermal potential suggests there is great capacity for geothermal energy production in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Under the right conditions, geothermal energy is generally cheaper than all other forms of electricity generation over the entire life span of a power plant, according to a 2009 report f

Leading-edge researchers forecast wind, solar and water power will become our primary energy sources. CanGEA, the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association, suggests geothermal energy can be a mainstay in our future energy grid. Ground-based heat pumps, often called geothermal energy exchange, are used to heat and cool many Canadian homes. Deep geothermal energy produces electricity and provides heat derived several thousand metres below the Earth's surface. Canada has no commercial geothermal power plants, despite CanGEA Reports stating we have abundant potential and expertise. Canadian energy companies are operating geothermal power plants elsewhere around the world. A recent study of Canada’s geothermal potential suggests there is great capacity for geothermal energy production in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Under the right conditions, geothermal energy is generally cheaper than all other forms of electricity generation over the entire life span of a power plant, according to a 2009 report f

The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) is an initiative under the World Council of Church’s Ecumenical Campaign to end the illegal occupation of Palestine in the Middle East. Its mission is to accompany churches and others in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory in their non-violent actions and concerted advocacy efforts to end the occupation and support a just peace between Israel and Palestine. Participants monitor and report violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, support acts of non-violent resistance alongside local Palestinians of all faiths and Israeli peace activists, offer protection through non-violent presence, engage in public policy advocacy and in general, stand in solidarity with the churches and all those struggling against the occupation. Speaker: Debbie Hubbard Growing up i

The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) is an initiative under the World Council of Church’s Ecumenical Campaign to end the illegal occupation of Palestine in the Middle East. Its mission is to accompany churches and others in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory in their non-violent actions and concerted advocacy efforts to end the occupation and support a just peace between Israel and Palestine. Participants monitor and report violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, support acts of non-violent resistance alongside local Palestinians of all faiths and Israeli peace activists, offer protection through non-violent presence, engage in public policy advocacy and in general, stand in solidarity with the churches and all those struggling against the occupation. Speaker: Debbie Hubbard Growing up i

Recent statistics indicate the suicide rate in Alberta has increased dramatically concurrent with mounting job losses across the province. The most recent data indicate that 30 per cent more Albertans took their lives in 2015 compared to 2014.   Some attribute this grim statistic to the downturn in oil prices and the economy, but what really lies behind these suicide statistics?  What are the causes of depression, and why does Alberta have such a high suicide rate?  The speakers will explore what some of the early warning signs of depression are and what preventative measures can be taken. As well, they will explain how family and community can help victims of depression. Speakers: Mackenzie Becker and Adam Greaves Mackenzie Becker is a graduate student at the University of Lethbridge completing a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology (with a

Recent statistics indicate the suicide rate in Alberta has increased dramatically concurrent with mounting job losses across the province. The most recent data indicate that 30 per cent more Albertans took their lives in 2015 compared to 2014.   Some attribute this grim statistic to the downturn in oil prices and the economy, but what really lies behind these suicide statistics?  What are the causes of depression, and why does Alberta have such a high suicide rate?  The speakers will explore what some of the early warning signs of depression are and what preventative measures can be taken. As well, they will explain how family and community can help victims of depression. Speakers: Mackenzie Becker and Adam Greaves Mackenzie Becker is a graduate student at the University of Lethbridge completing a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology (with a

Benga Mining Ltd has applied to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and Canada Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) for approval to develop a 4 million tonne per year metallurgical coal mine at Grassy Mountain, 8 km north of Blairmore, Alberta. The site of the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project is a historical open pit mine that operated from the late 1940’s to the early 1960’s. It will be the first coal mine in the Crowsnest Pass in 50 years and arguable bring much needed economic and social stimulus to the area over an anticipated 20 some years. The project, if approved, will produce high quality coking coal for the overseas steel manufacturing market. The Grassy Mountain Coal Project, like any resource development project, raises social, economic and environmental concerns. Many of these issues are addressed in the project application and supporting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document. The proposed project application and supporting EIA is currently undergoing both provincial and federal re

Benga Mining Ltd has applied to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and Canada Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) for approval to develop a 4 million tonne per year metallurgical coal mine at Grassy Mountain, 8 km north of Blairmore, Alberta. The site of the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project is a historical open pit mine that operated from the late 1940’s to the early 1960’s. It will be the first coal mine in the Crowsnest Pass in 50 years and arguable bring much needed economic and social stimulus to the area over an anticipated 20 some years. The project, if approved, will produce high quality coking coal for the overseas steel manufacturing market. The Grassy Mountain Coal Project, like any resource development project, raises social, economic and environmental concerns. Many of these issues are addressed in the project application and supporting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document. The proposed project application and supporting EIA is currently undergoing both provincial and federal re

Violence against women and children is an issue in most countries, provinces, cities and indeed anywhere. It certainly exists in Lethbridge, yet the resources to help those affected can’t keep up with demand. Last year 535 women and children used the 24 emergency beds at Lethbridge and District YWCA Harbour House, but over 1200 were turned away as all beds were full. It’s the fourth highest shelter turn away rate in the entire province after Calgary, Edmonton and Sherwood Park and 2015 will surpass those grim statistics. Higher demand for shelter space may stem partly from increased awareness and more people reaching out for help, but nevertheless, more second-stage emergency housing is needed in Lethbridge, where women and children can move to and obtain counselling once leaving a violent relationship. The increasing level of violence against women and children in Alberta is unacceptable and require long-term societal solutions in addition to short-term fixes. Aboriginal women and children are particularly

Violence against women and children is an issue in most countries, provinces, cities and indeed anywhere. It certainly exists in Lethbridge, yet the resources to help those affected can’t keep up with demand. Last year 535 women and children used the 24 emergency beds at Lethbridge and District YWCA Harbour House, but over 1200 were turned away as all beds were full. It’s the fourth highest shelter turn away rate in the entire province after Calgary, Edmonton and Sherwood Park and 2015 will surpass those grim statistics. Higher demand for shelter space may stem partly from increased awareness and more people reaching out for help, but nevertheless, more second-stage emergency housing is needed in Lethbridge, where women and children can move to and obtain counselling once leaving a violent relationship. The increasing level of violence against women and children in Alberta is unacceptable and require long-term societal solutions in addition to short-term fixes. Aboriginal women and children are particularly

Getting Off the Electric Grid: Is the Sun All We Need? Solar Power Systems have been getting a lot more attention in the last few years. While most of the attention has been focussed on “Grid Interactive” systems, there is a growing desire to go “Off Grid”. Is being totally solar powered possible or feasible? Why go “Off Grid”? What are the pros and cons to living “Off Grid”? What makes up a good “Off Grid” system? Different philosophies in going “Off Grid” will determine the type of “Off Grid” system. What are the paybacks, or are there any? What is it like living “Off Grid”? What are the challenges? Electrical codes, safety codes, Government regulations, human resources and weather all affect the design and installation of both the “On” and “Off Grid” installations. What challenges do these represent? Energy efficiency and lifestyle play a large part in the design and size of the system. Is a lifestyle change required? Is going “Off Grid” for me? Speaker: Erhard Hermann, CME