Sinopsis
Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) was founded in 1968. It is an independent forum, moderated by volunteers, meeting Thursdays at noon some 40 weeks a year and at occasional special evening sessions, to debate local, provincial, national, and international issues of concern to the residents of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta.
Episodios
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Why Is It So Hard: The Dilemma of Social Justice
20/10/2014 Duración: 58minSocial justice dilemmas are situations in which collective interests are at odds with private interests. Such situations arise when faced with prioritizing either short-term selfish interests or the long-term interests of a group, organization, or society. Many of the most challenging issues, from the interpersonal to the intergroup, are at their core social dilemmas. Conflicts arise when motives concerning the group are overcome by individual motives or vice versa. When this happens in a perfect world, Governments ought to intervene and restore the balance of interest, but is it happening? Speaker: Thomas King Thomas King is a noted novelist, broadcaster, and academic. Some of his most praised works are Medicine River; Green Grass, Running Water; The Truth about Stories; and recently The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America. King became a member of the Order of Canada in 2004, and was awarded the RBC Taylor Prize and the British Columbia National non-fiction awar
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Can Alberta’s New Premier Re-Invent the PC Party? (Part 1)
16/10/2014 Duración: 31minThe ability to change and survive under new leaders and different circumstances are the strength of any long-ruling political party. Alberta’s Progressive Conservative Party has successfully rebranded itself in previous years, often using “new leadership” as a strategy. Throwing a former Premier under the proverbial bus seems like a simple solution to dwindling popularity, but have the PC’s used this tactic one too many times for it to be effective this go around? Alberta’s seventh PC Party Premier, Jim Prentice criticized many of the decisions made under Alison Redford and by the government he now leads. The removal of several high profile PC MLA’s from cabinet positions and making questionable ministerial appointments that included members with no seat in the Legislature, could be considered the beginning of Prentice’s “de-Redfordization”. Immediate action on selling the fleet of government planes and cancelling the license plate redesign was a popular no-brainer. Revamping Alberta’s foreign offices, ke
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Can Alberta’s New Premier Re-Invent the PC Party? (Part 2 Q&A)
16/10/2014 Duración: 31minThe ability to change and survive under new leaders and different circumstances are the strength of any long-ruling political party. Alberta’s Progressive Conservative Party has successfully rebranded itself in previous years, often using “new leadership” as a strategy. Throwing a former Premier under the proverbial bus seems like a simple solution to dwindling popularity, but have the PC’s used this tactic one too many times for it to be effective this go around? Alberta’s seventh PC Party Premier, Jim Prentice criticized many of the decisions made under Alison Redford and by the government he now leads. The removal of several high profile PC MLA’s from cabinet positions and making questionable ministerial appointments that included members with no seat in the Legislature, could be considered the beginning of Prentice’s “de-Redfordization”. Immediate action on selling the fleet of government planes and cancelling the license plate redesign was a popular no-brainer. Revamping Alberta’s foreign offices, ke
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Tackling Domestic Violence: Are We Winning or Losing? (Part 2 Q&A)
09/10/2014 Duración: 32minThis past September, NFL football star for the Baltimore Ravens, Ray Price, was suspended indefinitely after a video circulated showing him beating his (now) wife in an elevator. Sports commentators and others rushed to condemn, and it seemed unanimous – beating your wife will not be tolerated. It is clearly not fashionable or “in” to beat your wife. Does this mean the struggle to overcome domestic violence has been won and can we expect to see such violence fade away to a distant memory? Speaker: Michele Montgomery, BSW, RSW Michele has been with the Government of Alberta since 1984, working in a variety of program areas, predominantly with Family Court and Child Protection. She has been specializing in the area of domestic violence and bullying since 2002 and is passionate about sharing her knowledge and educating the community to create safe environments where children and families can thrive. She is also an avid volunteer, and works full time as the mother of two great kids, with her husband, B
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Tackling Domestic Violence: Are We Winning or Losing? (Part 1)
09/10/2014 Duración: 21minThis past September, NFL football star for the Baltimore Ravens, Ray Price, was suspended indefinitely after a video circulated showing him beating his (now) wife in an elevator. Sports commentators and others rushed to condemn, and it seemed unanimous – beating your wife will not be tolerated. It is clearly not fashionable or “in” to beat your wife. Does this mean the struggle to overcome domestic violence has been won and can we expect to see such violence fade away to a distant memory? Speaker: Michele Montgomery, BSW, RSW Michele has been with the Government of Alberta since 1984, working in a variety of program areas, predominantly with Family Court and Child Protection. She has been specializing in the area of domestic violence and bullying since 2002 and is passionate about sharing her knowledge and educating the community to create safe environments where children and families can thrive. She is also an avid volunteer, and works full time as the mother of two great kids, with her husband, B
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Lethbridge’s Strategic Plan: What are the Costs and Benefits of Growth? (Part 2 Q&A)
02/10/2014 Duración: 32minThe current Lethbridge City Council was elected to serve a four-year term in October 2013. Although much of the effort of City Council is focused on day-to-day, week-to-week governance matters, Council also recognizes that they are largely responsible for the direction of development in the community. With the future of Lethbridge citizens and businesses in mind, City Council has prepared a strategic plan. City Council has utilized the framework of the City’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan/Municipal Development Plan (ICSP/MDP) to establish strategic priorities for the next four years. These priorities will assist the community in realizing the hopes and ideas of Lethbridge residents that were captured in the comprehensive community consultation that drove the contents of the plan. Although this strategic plan is for a four-year term, it is viewed as a living document that can incorporate emerging issues or initiatives. City Council is committed to review and update this plan appropriately. The s
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Lethbridge’s Strategic Plan: What are the Costs and Benefits of Growth? (Part 1)
02/10/2014 Duración: 30minThe current Lethbridge City Council was elected to serve a four-year term in October 2013. Although much of the effort of City Council is focused on day-to-day, week-to-week governance matters, Council also recognizes that they are largely responsible for the direction of development in the community. With the future of Lethbridge citizens and businesses in mind, City Council has prepared a strategic plan. City Council has utilized the framework of the City’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan/Municipal Development Plan (ICSP/MDP) to establish strategic priorities for the next four years. These priorities will assist the community in realizing the hopes and ideas of Lethbridge residents that were captured in the comprehensive community consultation that drove the contents of the plan. Although this strategic plan is for a four-year term, it is viewed as a living document that can incorporate emerging issues or initiatives. City Council is committed to review and update this plan appropriately. The s
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The Canadian Senate: To Be or Not To Be? (Part 2 Q&A)
25/09/2014 Duración: 33minMany Canadian provinces used to have upper chambers, known as provincial legislative councils; the last one to be abolished was Quebec’s in 1968. If Canadians made it clear they wanted to abolish the federal Senate, how could it be done and would it be wise? It is a particularly difficult question because, in order to be abolished, the Senate itself would have to agree to its own demise and as well, majority provincial agreement would likely be required. The Senate can arguable play a very useful role in legislation, acting as a “sober second thought”, but it has not been well served recently by the appointments of highly partisan Senators. The speaker will articulate her thoughts on the Senate in the context of her own experience as an Independent Senator and the effectiveness of the upper chamber amid evolving controversies. Speaker: Dr. Lois Wilson The Very Reverend, The Honourable Dr Lois Wilson was ordained a United Church minister in 1965, and shared a team congregational ministry for fiftee
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The Canadian Senate: To Be or Not To Be? (Part 1)
25/09/2014 Duración: 27minMany Canadian provinces used to have upper chambers, known as provincial legislative councils; the last one to be abolished was Quebec’s in 1968. If Canadians made it clear they wanted to abolish the federal Senate, how could it be done and would it be wise? It is a particularly difficult question because, in order to be abolished, the Senate itself would have to agree to its own demise and as well, majority provincial agreement would likely be required. The Senate can arguable play a very useful role in legislation, acting as a “sober second thought”, but it has not been well served recently by the appointments of highly partisan Senators. The speaker will articulate her thoughts on the Senate in the context of her own experience as an Independent Senator and the effectiveness of the upper chamber amid evolving controversies. Speaker: Dr. Lois Wilson The Very Reverend, The Honourable Dr Lois Wilson was ordained a United Church minister in 1965, and shared a team congregational ministry for fiftee
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Striving for Fairness: How does Alberta’s Ombudsman Connect the Dots? (Part 2 Q&A)
18/09/2014 Duración: 30minIn 1967, Alberta became the first jurisdiction in North America and the tenth in the world to create an ombudsoffice. One of seven Legislative Officers for Alberta, the Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner reports directly to the Legislature and is meant to promote fairness in public administration and investigate complaints from individuals regarding unfair actions or decisions made by provincial government departments, agencies and some professional organizations. The Alberta government may also be credited with blurring the lines of accountability that are so critical to ensuring administrative fairness. 47 years after its creation, Alberta’s ombudsoffice continues its quest to ensure administrative fairness in an era of government restructuring and outsourcing that has produced an increasingly complex administrative environment. The speaker will connect the dots regarding the many aspects of his job and relate to examples of how his office can help in providing assistance to the public. Speake
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Striving for Fairness: How does Alberta’s Ombudsman Connect the Dots? (Part 1)
18/09/2014 Duración: 26minIn 1967, Alberta became the first jurisdiction in North America and the tenth in the world to create an ombudsoffice. One of seven Legislative Officers for Alberta, the Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner reports directly to the Legislature and is meant to promote fairness in public administration and investigate complaints from individuals regarding unfair actions or decisions made by provincial government departments, agencies and some professional organizations. The Alberta government may also be credited with blurring the lines of accountability that are so critical to ensuring administrative fairness. 47 years after its creation, Alberta’s ombudsoffice continues its quest to ensure administrative fairness in an era of government restructuring and outsourcing that has produced an increasingly complex administrative environment. The speaker will connect the dots regarding the many aspects of his job and relate to examples of how his office can help in providing assistance to the public. Speake
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Politics vs. Policy: The Root Causes of Controversial Legislation (Part 1)
11/09/2014 Duración: 30minSince first coming to office in 2006, and especially since obtaining a majority in the 2011 federal election, the Conservative government of Stephen Harper has steadfastly adopted a range of controversial policies on such things as climate change, crime, drugs, Aboriginal issues, electoral reform, information access, military procurement, statistics, surveillance, taxes, and more recently prostitution. Many of these policies have been pursued without large-scale public engagement or support, and have drawn particularly negative comment from academics, arms-length public officials, social critics, and the judiciary, including most recently the Supreme Court. What is going on? This presentation argues that much of the Conservative party’s policy agenda is pursued not on the basis of good policy, but on the basis of good – or at least winning – politics. Speaker: Dr. Trevor Harrison Dr. Trevor Harrison is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge and Director of Parkland Institute. He was
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Politics vs. Policy: The Root Causes of Controversial Legislation (Part 2 Q&A)
11/09/2014 Duración: 30minSince first coming to office in 2006, and especially since obtaining a majority in the 2011 federal election, the Conservative government of Stephen Harper has steadfastly adopted a range of controversial policies on such things as climate change, crime, drugs, Aboriginal issues, electoral reform, information access, military procurement, statistics, surveillance, taxes, and more recently prostitution. Many of these policies have been pursued without large-scale public engagement or support, and have drawn particularly negative comment from academics, arms-length public officials, social critics, and the judiciary, including most recently the Supreme Court. What is going on? This presentation argues that much of the Conservative party’s policy agenda is pursued not on the basis of good policy, but on the basis of good – or at least winning – politics. Speaker: Dr. Trevor Harrison Dr. Trevor Harrison is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge and Director of Parkland Institute. He was
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Are Most People Energy Illiterate? (Part 2 Q&A)
04/09/2014 Duración: 35minThe greatest challenge to modern society comes from the twin problems of getting the energy needed to support life and the consequences of getting that energy. Many people are talking about these two issues separately, often because they only understand one small part of the problem. This talk will show why it is imperative for the world to have a better informed viewpoint on the benefits and risks of the entire energy sector. Speaker: Jason Donev Dr. Jason Donev is a professor in the department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Calgary. He studies how people learn science and teaches about energy issues, especially nuclear power. A long time geek he has enjoyed seeing the interplay between science fact and science fiction. Dr. Donev is also the Chair of the Western Branch of the Canadian Nuclear Society. Moderator: Klaus Jericho Date: Thursday, September 4, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM
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Are Most People Energy Illiterate? (Part 1)
04/09/2014 Duración: 30minThe greatest challenge to modern society comes from the twin problems of getting the energy needed to support life and the consequences of getting that energy. Many people are talking about these two issues separately, often because they only understand one small part of the problem. This talk will show why it is imperative for the world to have a better informed viewpoint on the benefits and risks of the entire energy sector. Speaker: Jason Donev Dr. Jason Donev is a professor in the department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Calgary. He studies how people learn science and teaches about energy issues, especially nuclear power. A long time geek he has enjoyed seeing the interplay between science fact and science fiction. Dr. Donev is also the Chair of the Western Branch of the Canadian Nuclear Society. Moderator: Klaus Jericho Date: Thursday, September 4, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM
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Are There Better Options to Settle the Blood Tribe Farm Land Disputes than Going Through the Courts? (Part 2 Q&A)
10/06/2014 Duración: 29minTwo recent disputes about who are entitled to farm Blood Tribe agricultural land have ended up in Federal and Provincial Court respectively. Chief and Council of the Blood Band arguable has sole authority to decide who farm within the reserve, and on land that is “held in common” for all band members. Others argue that a more collaborative approach may better serve the Band as a whole. This panel discussion will attempt to shed light from different perspectives on the many issues involved and also touch upon to what degree relationships with previous land renters should be considered in the context of signing new agreements. Panel members: Rep. from Blood Tribe Chief and Council, Lois Frank and Eugene Fox No bio available for the representative from the Blood Tribe Chief and Council Lois V. Frank, B.Sc. M.A. Ph.D. Candidate – Gonzaga University is a member of the Blood Tribe and is completing a Ph.D. in Environmental Justice from Gonzaga University in Washington. Lois has worked as a Lecturer in the Na
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Are There Better Options to Settle the Blood Tribe Farm Land Disputes than Going Through the Courts? (Part 1)
10/06/2014 Duración: 45minTwo recent disputes about who are entitled to farm Blood Tribe agricultural land have ended up in Federal and Provincial Court respectively. Chief and Council of the Blood Band arguable has sole authority to decide who farm within the reserve, and on land that is “held in common” for all band members. Others argue that a more collaborative approach may better serve the Band as a whole. This panel discussion will attempt to shed light from different perspectives on the many issues involved and also touch upon to what degree relationships with previous land renters should be considered in the context of signing new agreements. Panel members: Rep. from Blood Tribe Chief and Council, Lois Frank and Eugene Fox No bio available for the representative from the Blood Tribe Chief and Council Lois V. Frank, B.Sc. M.A. Ph.D. Candidate – Gonzaga University is a member of the Blood Tribe and is completing a Ph.D. in Environmental Justice from Gonzaga University in Washington. Lois has worked as a Lecturer in the Na
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Aging in Place: What are the Issues? (Part 2 Q&A)
29/05/2014 Duración: 21minAging-in-place is a concept that supports the choice of older adults to remain living in their preferred environment for as long as possible even if circumstances change. Physical environment, social and psychological support, and community resources affect aging-in-place. The concept is starting to gain attention and services and support to assist older adults to age-in-place continue to grow. Typically, a high percentage of a city’s seniors (65 and older) own and live in their own homes. Approximately four out of five have paid off the mortgage. These older seniors may be reaching the point of having to decide whether to move into a care facility or stay in their homes. It can be assumed that most would prefer to do the latter, and research shows that may be the least costly alternative. However, elderly seniors may not be able to live independently in their own homes and remain healthy without considerable help. The speaker will highlight two residences that are designed to be barrier free for aging-in-p
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Aging in Place: What are the Issues? (Part 1)
29/05/2014 Duración: 18minAging-in-place is a concept that supports the choice of older adults to remain living in their preferred environment for as long as possible even if circumstances change. Physical environment, social and psychological support, and community resources affect aging-in-place. The concept is starting to gain attention and services and support to assist older adults to age-in-place continue to grow. Typically, a high percentage of a city’s seniors (65 and older) own and live in their own homes. Approximately four out of five have paid off the mortgage. These older seniors may be reaching the point of having to decide whether to move into a care facility or stay in their homes. It can be assumed that most would prefer to do the latter, and research shows that may be the least costly alternative. However, elderly seniors may not be able to live independently in their own homes and remain healthy without considerable help. The speaker will highlight two residences that are designed to be barrier free for aging-in-p
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Toxicology of Pesticides: Mechanisms of action and impacts on health (Part 2 Q&A)
22/05/2014 Duración: 28minPesticides are chemicals of natural or synthetic origin, used to kill unwanted animals or plants including algae, weeds, insects, or rodents, organisms which may lower crop yields, cause or transmit diseases, damage structures and in general, have undesired impacts. We rely on the Risk/Benefit analysis for the use of pesticides, expecting to gain maximum benefits from pesticide use with minimum risks to our health and the health of the environment. There is substantial evidence that this assumption of low health risk is often false and there are in fact significant risks associated with extensive use of pesticides. The speaker will present and evaluate some of this recent evidence, explain the mechanisms of action and potential health impacts of key pesticides used in Southern Alberta, and introduce the process used in Risk Assessment for pesticides. New discoveries which might improve the use and efficacy of pesticides in the future will also be discussed. Speaker: Dr. Alice Hontela