Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Those two simple greetings are the subject of much controversy and cause headaches for many at this time of the year. It is difficult enough dealing with the pressures of “getting ready” before relatives and friends arrive in late December, or going over one’s budget spending for presents and the host of other related holiday expenses. But these anxieties are compounded by not knowing how to greet each other at this time of year. Every year stories abound from around the country where someone takes exception to “Merry Christmas” or, more often, to “Happy Holidays”. Store employees are frequently instructed by well-meaning management to greet patrons with a generic and inoffensive “Happy Holidays,” only to end up offending those who were expecting a “Merry Christmas”. It does seem odd that the mood of joy, which is a cornerstone of hope at Christmas, can be undermined by a few words, often simply uttered off the cuff, and with the intention of making the recipient feel good. Why, indeed, does someone else’s gr

Those two simple greetings are the subject of much controversy and cause headaches for many at this time of the year. It is difficult enough dealing with the pressures of “getting ready” before relatives and friends arrive in late December, or going over one’s budget spending for presents and the host of other related holiday expenses. But these anxieties are compounded by not knowing how to greet each other at this time of year. Every year stories abound from around the country where someone takes exception to “Merry Christmas” or, more often, to “Happy Holidays”. Store employees are frequently instructed by well-meaning management to greet patrons with a generic and inoffensive “Happy Holidays,” only to end up offending those who were expecting a “Merry Christmas”. It does seem odd that the mood of joy, which is a cornerstone of hope at Christmas, can be undermined by a few words, often simply uttered off the cuff, and with the intention of making the recipient feel good. Why, indeed, does someone else’s gr

A spirit-lifting journey into some of the planet’s best wilderness locations. His passion for remote travel will be revealed as only Brian can do, with his buoyant method of storytelling. Using humour and personal anecdotes and his own live-narrated video segments, he’ll take you into gin-clear ocean depths with unbelievable creatures, to deserts and rich tropical forests, and to places where wildlife numbers leave one overwhelmed and amazed. To conclude, he'll return to our own Canadian backyard, reconfirming the value of our wild spaces. This presentation is designed to inspire and enthuse, offering hope for a better tomorrow. Speaker: Brian Keating Brian is an Honourary Conservation Advisor, Calgary Zoo Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology, U of Calgary. Brian previously held the position "Head of Conservation Outreach" at the Zoo, which enabled him to raise money and then spend it on environmental projects around the world. He’s been leading groups on nature based travel for three decades,

A spirit-lifting journey into some of the planet’s best wilderness locations. His passion for remote travel will be revealed as only Brian can do, with his buoyant method of storytelling. Using humour and personal anecdotes and his own live-narrated video segments, he’ll take you into gin-clear ocean depths with unbelievable creatures, to deserts and rich tropical forests, and to places where wildlife numbers leave one overwhelmed and amazed. To conclude, he'll return to our own Canadian backyard, reconfirming the value of our wild spaces. This presentation is designed to inspire and enthuse, offering hope for a better tomorrow. Speaker: Brian Keating Brian is an Honourary Conservation Advisor, Calgary Zoo Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology, U of Calgary. Brian previously held the position "Head of Conservation Outreach" at the Zoo, which enabled him to raise money and then spend it on environmental projects around the world. He’s been leading groups on nature based travel for three decades,

Recently, a gunman attacked Canada's Parliament shortly after he fatally wounded a soldier at the nearby war memorial. The suspect was eventually killed inside Parliament before harming anyone else. Was he a terrorist or was he just mentally ill and desperate? Should Canada use this attack on Parliament as a pretext for stripping away civil liberties and increasing surveillance on the Canadian people or does history tell us that the worst laws are often made in the heat of the moment? The governing Conservatives have made no secret of their plan to install new anti-terror powers, giving the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) more powers to track, investigate and detain would-be homegrown terrorists. The speaker will give some background on what gives rise to these so-called “terrorist” threats and discuss whether, and to what extent, Western governments, including our own, are exploiting this "clash of civilizations" to increase their powers for less laudable purposes. Speaker Dr. Paul

Recently, a gunman attacked Canada's Parliament shortly after he fatally wounded a soldier at the nearby war memorial. The suspect was eventually killed inside Parliament before harming anyone else. Was he a terrorist or was he just mentally ill and desperate? Should Canada use this attack on Parliament as a pretext for stripping away civil liberties and increasing surveillance on the Canadian people or does history tell us that the worst laws are often made in the heat of the moment? The governing Conservatives have made no secret of their plan to install new anti-terror powers, giving the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) more powers to track, investigate and detain would-be homegrown terrorists. The speaker will give some background on what gives rise to these so-called “terrorist” threats and discuss whether, and to what extent, Western governments, including our own, are exploiting this "clash of civilizations" to increase their powers for less laudable purposes. Speaker Dr. Paul

In recent months we have watched the “Islamic State”, (ISIS) sweep through Syria and Iraq, terrifying much of the population and enraging people everywhere by beheading several journalists while vowing to bring their war to North America. Reportedly, many Canadian citizens have joined the ISIS forces in fighting a war that arguably is financed mainly by vast revenues from oil that is exported to the industrialized world. The speaker will explore where ISIS fits into the Islamic groups in the Arab World. He will explain where ISIS originated from, and what they stand for. He will help us look into the future for some clues about what we can expect in the months and years ahead and help us assess whether ISIS is the new reality we all must face, or a passing phenomenon. Speaker: Imam and Professor Syed Soharwardy Prof. Soharwardy was born to a highly respected religious family in Karachi, Pakistan. His father was a famous Islamic scholar and Imam in Karachi. Prof. Soharwardy is one of the direct desce

In recent months we have watched the “Islamic State”, (ISIS) sweep through Syria and Iraq, terrifying much of the population and enraging people everywhere by beheading several journalists while vowing to bring their war to North America. Reportedly, many Canadian citizens have joined the ISIS forces in fighting a war that arguably is financed mainly by vast revenues from oil that is exported to the industrialized world. The speaker will explore where ISIS fits into the Islamic groups in the Arab World. He will explain where ISIS originated from, and what they stand for. He will help us look into the future for some clues about what we can expect in the months and years ahead and help us assess whether ISIS is the new reality we all must face, or a passing phenomenon. Speaker: Imam and Professor Syed Soharwardy Prof. Soharwardy was born to a highly respected religious family in Karachi, Pakistan. His father was a famous Islamic scholar and Imam in Karachi. Prof. Soharwardy is one of the direct desce

The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) launched the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign in March 2006, in response to the emerging crisis faced by African grandmothers as they struggled to care for millions of children orphaned by AIDS. The Campaign aims to raise awareness, build solidarity and mobilize financial support in Canada for Africa’s grandmothers. The Campaign has since evolved into a dynamic and responsive national movement, and currently boasts more than 240 grandmothers groups across Canada. Many of the groups have organized into regional networks in order to support each other’s development and fundraising. We now know – and the evidence is clearer than ever – that the fastest and most effective way to collaborate effectively is through working with small, committed community-based organizations as they are the frontline experts, but can we turn the tide against AIDS in Africa soon? The speaker will discuss the challenges the African Grandmothers are up against and how with your support, they ar

The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) launched the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign in March 2006, in response to the emerging crisis faced by African grandmothers as they struggled to care for millions of children orphaned by AIDS. The Campaign aims to raise awareness, build solidarity and mobilize financial support in Canada for Africa’s grandmothers. The Campaign has since evolved into a dynamic and responsive national movement, and currently boasts more than 240 grandmothers groups across Canada. Many of the groups have organized into regional networks in order to support each other’s development and fundraising. We now know – and the evidence is clearer than ever – that the fastest and most effective way to collaborate effectively is through working with small, committed community-based organizations as they are the frontline experts, but can we turn the tide against AIDS in Africa soon? The speaker will discuss the challenges the African Grandmothers are up against and how with your support, they ar

Alberta’s NDP Party: New Leader, Enhanced Perspective? The new leader of Alberta’s NDP party, Rachel Notley, received 70 per cent of the votes cast on the first ballot, easily defeating two other candidates in the recent NDP leadership race. In her victory speech, Notley promised a viable alternative to the Progressive Conservative, Liberal and Wildrose parties in the next election. The speaker will argue that arrogance, entitlement and the narrow minded vision of days gone by is not the “Alberta Advantage”. "Let's leave the parties of the past behind," she says "This time, let's not forget history. Let's not repeat history. Let's make history." Speaker: Rachel Notley, MLA and Leader of Alberta’s NDP Party Rachel Notley was elected as the leader of the Alberta New Democrats on October 18, 2014. Since 2008, Rachel has served as the MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona, and is known as a strong, effective voice in the Legislature. She was re-elected in 2012, with the highest share of the vote of any MLA in t

For the past several decades, conservative forces in the US and Canada have worked to finance and organize Christian fundamentalist sects, the Catholic Church and other organizations to become potentially destabilizing of progressive democratic principles and practices. Powerful interlocking political and corporate forces are seemingly teaming up against women and the disadvantaged in many Southern and Western states and in parts of Canada. These forces have negative effects on women's ability to control and maintain bodily integrity and health, especially among low income women who often are disproportionately affected by restrictions on abortion services. What ought to happen regarding access to these services? The speakers will shed light on the pertinent issues and argue that it’s urgent to coordinate and democratically empower individuals, organizations, communities and all levels of Government to produce changes in attitudes, norms, behaviour and policies that will enable women, using their own free

For the past several decades, conservative forces in the US and Canada have worked to finance and organize Christian fundamentalist sects, the Catholic Church and other organizations to become potentially destabilizing of progressive democratic principles and practices. Powerful interlocking political and corporate forces are seemingly teaming up against women and the disadvantaged in many Southern and Western states and in parts of Canada. These forces have negative effects on women's ability to control and maintain bodily integrity and health, especially among low income women who often are disproportionately affected by restrictions on abortion services. What ought to happen regarding access to these services? The speakers will shed light on the pertinent issues and argue that it’s urgent to coordinate and democratically empower individuals, organizations, communities and all levels of Government to produce changes in attitudes, norms, behaviour and policies that will enable women, using their own free

Alberta’s NDP Party: New Leader, Enhanced Perspective? The new leader of Alberta’s NDP party, Rachel Notley, received 70 per cent of the votes cast on the first ballot, easily defeating two other candidates in the recent NDP leadership race. In her victory speech, Notley promised a viable alternative to the Progressive Conservative, Liberal and Wildrose parties in the next election. The speaker will argue that arrogance, entitlement and the narrow minded vision of days gone by is not the “Alberta Advantage”. "Let's leave the parties of the past behind," she says "This time, let's not forget history. Let's not repeat history. Let's make history." Speaker: Rachel Notley, MLA and Leader of Alberta’s NDP Party Rachel Notley was elected as the leader of the Alberta New Democrats on October 18, 2014. Since 2008, Rachel has served as the MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona, and is known as a strong, effective voice in the Legislature. She was re-elected in 2012, with the highest share of the vote of any MLA in t

Alberta’s electricity system is at a cross-roads. Coal, which has been the dominant source of electricity in the province for a generation is slowly being phased out, while industrial growth forecasts mean Alberta’s electricity system will double in size over the next 20 years. Rapid price declines in both wind and more recently solar, as well as technological innovation in integrating these technologies worldwide has meant that wind and solar have the potential to displace vast amount of fossil fuels if Alberta choses to invest in them. Southern Alberta has some of Canada’s best wind and solar resources and could play an important role in providing clean, renewable energy for the province. The speakers will discuss the opportunities as well as the challenges for wind and solar in Alberta’s electricity market. Speakers: Tim Weis & Rob Harlan Tim is the Alberta Director for the Canadian Wind Energy Association and Rob is the Executive Director of the Solar Energy Society of Alberta. Moderator:

Alberta’s electricity system is at a cross-roads. Coal, which has been the dominant source of electricity in the province for a generation is slowly being phased out, while industrial growth forecasts mean Alberta’s electricity system will double in size over the next 20 years. Rapid price declines in both wind and more recently solar, as well as technological innovation in integrating these technologies worldwide has meant that wind and solar have the potential to displace vast amount of fossil fuels if Alberta choses to invest in them. Southern Alberta has some of Canada’s best wind and solar resources and could play an important role in providing clean, renewable energy for the province. The speakers will discuss the opportunities as well as the challenges for wind and solar in Alberta’s electricity market. Speakers: Tim Weis & Rob Harlan Tim is the Alberta Director for the Canadian Wind Energy Association and Rob is the Executive Director of the Solar Energy Society of Alberta. Moderator:

Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is one of the most remote places of human habitation in the world. It is famed for its iconic statuary and as a tragic example of ecological collapse. This past summer Dr. Kent Peacock travelled to Rapa Nui with his son Evan Peacock and Dillon St. Jean, to photograph, film, and learn as much about the island as a ten-day visit would permit. He’ll recount some of the high (and low) points of the trip, and ask whether it is necessarily the case that planet Earth can be, in the end, nothing more than “Easter Island writ large”. (The trip was made possible by generous support from the Rolof Beny Foundation and the Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group) Speaker: Kent Peacock Dr. Peacock earned his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Toronto in 1991. In 1996 he joined the University of Lethbridge. His research includes logic and the philosophies of physics and ecology. Recently he has devoted a lot of attention to climate change and sustainability, and what he saw on

Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is one of the most remote places of human habitation in the world. It is famed for its iconic statuary and as a tragic example of ecological collapse. This past summer Dr. Kent Peacock travelled to Rapa Nui with his son Evan Peacock and Dillon St. Jean, to photograph, film, and learn as much about the island as a ten-day visit would permit. He’ll recount some of the high (and low) points of the trip, and ask whether it is necessarily the case that planet Earth can be, in the end, nothing more than “Easter Island writ large”. (The trip was made possible by generous support from the Rolof Beny Foundation and the Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group) Speaker: Kent Peacock Dr. Peacock earned his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Toronto in 1991. In 1996 he joined the University of Lethbridge. His research includes logic and the philosophies of physics and ecology. Recently he has devoted a lot of attention to climate change and sustainability, and what he saw on

The federal government recently approved the pending sale of an Alberta utility provider to an American company. Berkshire Hathaway Energy's application to buy AltaLink in a deal worth $3.2 billion was confirmed by Industry Canada along with several conditions, among them, a commitment to keep the electricity transmission company locally managed with its headquarters in Alberta and to keep a majority of its board of directors Canadians. Critics say the deal is not fair to Albertans as the province's transmission system should not be an internationally traded commodity when electricity is an essential service. They further argue it ought to be owned and operated by Albertans (who have paid for much of the AltaLink infrastructure through delivery charges) not a massive for profit foreign company. With the proposed sale still under review by the Alberta Utilities Commission, many are calling for meaningful public hearings on the deal which is expected to close December 31, 2014. The speaker will weigh in on th

The federal government recently approved the pending sale of an Alberta utility provider to an American company. Berkshire Hathaway Energy's application to buy AltaLink in a deal worth $3.2 billion was confirmed by Industry Canada along with several conditions, among them, a commitment to keep the electricity transmission company locally managed with its headquarters in Alberta and to keep a majority of its board of directors Canadians. Critics say the deal is not fair to Albertans as the province's transmission system should not be an internationally traded commodity when electricity is an essential service. They further argue it ought to be owned and operated by Albertans (who have paid for much of the AltaLink infrastructure through delivery charges) not a massive for profit foreign company. With the proposed sale still under review by the Alberta Utilities Commission, many are calling for meaningful public hearings on the deal which is expected to close December 31, 2014. The speaker will weigh in on th