Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Pesticides 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

Studies of Canada's economy largely demonstrate that Canada's economic well-being will be reliant on natural resource production, use, and export for decades to come. That well-being currently faces a variety of challenges, particularly in the oil transportation sector. Canadians are already paying a price for insufficient infrastructure: The discounted price Canada gets for its oil means lost revenues of $17 billion per year or more according to estimates. That loss affects shareholders, oil-workers, pension plans and government revenues across Canada. Other challenges facing Canada's oil export market are surging production in the U.S.; protectionist attacks against Canadian oil by competitors; and increasingly powerful opposition from activists and aboriginal communities in both Canada and the United States. Pipelines, in particular, are facing intense opposition, mostly by forces outside of Alberta who do not care that without the export of Alberta's oil, Canada's economy may suffer, from coast to coa

Studies of Canada's economy largely demonstrate that Canada's economic well-being will be reliant on natural resource production, use, and export for decades to come. That well-being currently faces a variety of challenges, particularly in the oil transportation sector. Canadians are already paying a price for insufficient infrastructure: The discounted price Canada gets for its oil means lost revenues of $17 billion per year or more according to estimates. That loss affects shareholders, oil-workers, pension plans and government revenues across Canada. Other challenges facing Canada's oil export market are surging production in the U.S.; protectionist attacks against Canadian oil by competitors; and increasingly powerful opposition from activists and aboriginal communities in both Canada and the United States. Pipelines, in particular, are facing intense opposition, mostly by forces outside of Alberta who do not care that without the export of Alberta's oil, Canada's economy may suffer, from coast to coa

Canada’s election laws may be about to change. A major government bill, the Fair Elections Act, is working its way through the House of Commons but has proven controversial. Pierre Poilievre, Canada’s Minister of State for Democratic Reform recently bought forth Bill C-23, which propose changes to the rules for voters, candidates, parties and the people whose job it is to make sure elections are fair. The Harper Government says it will boost penalties for offences, reduce voter fraud and empower political parties, as opposed to Elections Canada, to drive voter turnout. For many voters, it will be harder to cast a ballot because vouching for someone will no longer be an option, a system the government argues is too vulnerable to fraud. Elections Canada will not, as in the past, be able to run advertising campaigns encouraging people to vote, while political donation limits are set to go up. Also among proposals in the Fair Elections Act; sitting MP’s would be selecting election workers at polling stations in

Canada’s election laws may be about to change. A major government bill, the Fair Elections Act, is working its way through the House of Commons but has proven controversial. Pierre Poilievre, Canada’s Minister of State for Democratic Reform recently bought forth Bill C-23, which propose changes to the rules for voters, candidates, parties and the people whose job it is to make sure elections are fair. The Harper Government says it will boost penalties for offences, reduce voter fraud and empower political parties, as opposed to Elections Canada, to drive voter turnout. For many voters, it will be harder to cast a ballot because vouching for someone will no longer be an option, a system the government argues is too vulnerable to fraud. Elections Canada will not, as in the past, be able to run advertising campaigns encouraging people to vote, while political donation limits are set to go up. Also among proposals in the Fair Elections Act; sitting MP’s would be selecting election workers at polling stations in

Light from the sun travels approximately 150,000,000 km to reach the earth in 8 minutes and 19 seconds. The energy of this sunlight supports almost all life on Earth by photosynthesis and drives Earth's climate and weather. Through photovoltaic arrays, this energy can also be easily converted into electricity. Slowly but surely, the world is adopting so called “green energy” as a move towards reducing use of fossil fuels and mitigating detrimental effects of greenhouse gases. Lethbridge lies well within the sun belt of Canada with approximately 2,500 hours of bright sunlight annually in comparison with for instance, Vancouver’s1,900. However, Lethbridge lags behind the rest of the province and even Canada in the installation of photovoltaic arrays. Why is this? The speaker will outline his and others experiences in installing photovoltaic arrays in Lethbridge. How does one go about getting it done? What are the systems available and what are their differences? What are the obstacles, costs, benefits and

Light from the sun travels approximately 150,000,000 km to reach the earth in 8 minutes and 19 seconds. The energy of this sunlight supports almost all life on Earth by photosynthesis and drives Earth's climate and weather. Through photovoltaic arrays, this energy can also be easily converted into electricity. Slowly but surely, the world is adopting so called “green energy” as a move towards reducing use of fossil fuels and mitigating detrimental effects of greenhouse gases. Lethbridge lies well within the sun belt of Canada with approximately 2,500 hours of bright sunlight annually in comparison with for instance, Vancouver’s1,900. However, Lethbridge lags behind the rest of the province and even Canada in the installation of photovoltaic arrays. Why is this? The speaker will outline his and others experiences in installing photovoltaic arrays in Lethbridge. How does one go about getting it done? What are the systems available and what are their differences? What are the obstacles, costs, benefits and

The federal government announced it will consolidate four programs into two on Feb 6, 2013 and provide more support to the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) for the delivery of programs. However, local organizations have no idea what those terms and conditions will be, leaving them no time to make the transition when their fiscal year ended on March 31. The Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge (ACL) co-ordinates the activities of the Urban Aboriginal Strategy in Lethbridge and helps various organizations, including school districts and women’s and children’s organizations, access funding. The speakers will argue many programs are in limbo and that lack of funding is already affecting several community initiatives negatively. The ACL may not be able to continue in its present capacity. Speakers: Linda Many Guns and Jacinda Weiss Linda Many Guns received her Ph. D. from Trent University Faculty of Indigenous Sturdies in 2013. Previously, she had earned her MA at Carleton University and h

The federal government announced it will consolidate four programs into two on Feb 6, 2013 and provide more support to the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) for the delivery of programs. However, local organizations have no idea what those terms and conditions will be, leaving them no time to make the transition when their fiscal year ended on March 31. The Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge (ACL) co-ordinates the activities of the Urban Aboriginal Strategy in Lethbridge and helps various organizations, including school districts and women’s and children’s organizations, access funding. The speakers will argue many programs are in limbo and that lack of funding is already affecting several community initiatives negatively. The ACL may not be able to continue in its present capacity. Speakers: Linda Many Guns and Jacinda Weiss Linda Many Guns received her Ph. D. from Trent University Faculty of Indigenous Sturdies in 2013. Previously, she had earned her MA at Carleton University and h

Canadian grain farmers typically battle a range of difficulties from weather related events to escalating input and equipment cost to fluctuations of returns. While the 2013 crop was generally one of the largest on record, concerns are now mounting because of the inability of railways to move grain to customers fast enough. Federal and provincial politicians have been pointing accusatory fingers at Canada's railways and suggesting the companies — CN and CP — have not done everything they can to meet the demand for rail cars. The speaker will address these issues and the long term opportunities & challenges for Canadian grain producers. He will also outline the role of the Grain Growers of Canada in marketing the crop and who the main grain exporters in Canada are now that the Canadian Wheat Board’s marketing monopoly has ended. Where are the main export markets for Canadian grain? Are farmers benefitting from more competition among grain handling companies? What are some of the options Provincial and Fed

Canadian grain farmers typically battle a range of difficulties from weather related events to escalating input and equipment cost to fluctuations of returns. While the 2013 crop was generally one of the largest on record, concerns are now mounting because of the inability of railways to move grain to customers fast enough. Federal and provincial politicians have been pointing accusatory fingers at Canada's railways and suggesting the companies — CN and CP — have not done everything they can to meet the demand for rail cars. The speaker will address these issues and the long term opportunities & challenges for Canadian grain producers. He will also outline the role of the Grain Growers of Canada in marketing the crop and who the main grain exporters in Canada are now that the Canadian Wheat Board’s marketing monopoly has ended. Where are the main export markets for Canadian grain? Are farmers benefitting from more competition among grain handling companies? What are some of the options Provincial and Fed

The Alberta Liberal Party has since April, 2012 observed Alberta’s Conservative Government struggle through many controversies including the delivery of health care and several other hot button issues including resource management. The speaker will address these important topics and provide some alternatives to the way Alberta is governed. The Alberta Liberals say Budget 2014 is bad news for most Albertans and municipalities as the Conservatives continue to jack up debt while failing to provide adequate funding for vital programs and services. The speaker calls it the “Over-Under Budget” as everyday hardworking Albertans continue to be overtaxed and underserved. The speaker will argue that the Liberal Party has plans to deal with classrooms that are overcrowded, patients that endure long health care wait times, post-secondary education that is underfunded and the lack of affordable drugs and living accommodations for many senior’s. Public sector pensions, collective bargaining rights and responsible resource

The Alberta Liberal Party has since April, 2012 observed Alberta’s Conservative Government struggle through many controversies including the delivery of health care and several other hot button issues including resource management. The speaker will address these important topics and provide some alternatives to the way Alberta is governed. The Alberta Liberals say Budget 2014 is bad news for most Albertans and municipalities as the Conservatives continue to jack up debt while failing to provide adequate funding for vital programs and services. The speaker calls it the “Over-Under Budget” as everyday hardworking Albertans continue to be overtaxed and underserved. The speaker will argue that the Liberal Party has plans to deal with classrooms that are overcrowded, patients that endure long health care wait times, post-secondary education that is underfunded and the lack of affordable drugs and living accommodations for many senior’s. Public sector pensions, collective bargaining rights and responsible resource

Many recent events have brought the issues of Canadian military veterans to public attention. There is concern about suicide and they often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some come home with missing limbs, many are not sure where to fit in, and what their future holds. Most people has little idea what veterans have experienced before they return to civilian life. The speaker works for an organization, CANPRAXIS, which offers programs to Canada’s veterans. He will explore the reasons for depression, the stigma of weakness, and a variety of other issues, including recent cuts to services, which veterans face upon discharge whether through retirement or injury. He will help us understand what they need from the federal Government and from us as a society. Speaker: Steve Critchley Steve Critchley is a practicing mediator with international experience. He has taught mediation programs overseas in the UK, Italy, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Dubai. During the Bosnian war, Steve witn

Many recent events have brought the issues of Canadian military veterans to public attention. There is concern about suicide and they often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some come home with missing limbs, many are not sure where to fit in, and what their future holds. Most people has little idea what veterans have experienced before they return to civilian life. The speaker works for an organization, CANPRAXIS, which offers programs to Canada’s veterans. He will explore the reasons for depression, the stigma of weakness, and a variety of other issues, including recent cuts to services, which veterans face upon discharge whether through retirement or injury. He will help us understand what they need from the federal Government and from us as a society. Speaker: Steve Critchley Steve Critchley is a practicing mediator with international experience. He has taught mediation programs overseas in the UK, Italy, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Dubai. During the Bosnian war, Steve witn

(Special Session in partnership with the Lethbridge Public Library) Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Venue: Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery, Main Branch, 810 – 5th Ave. South Free admission, everyone welcome Many First Nations people are reacting with disappointment to the Federal Government’s proposed education legislation for First Nations that was released recently. Under the draft legislation, band councils would be allowed to operate schools directly, as some already do, but also to purchase services from provincial or regional school boards or from the private sector. First Nations could also form education authorities that would oversee one or more schools in a region, but the Federal Government would set and enforce standards for schools on reserves. As well, the minister would retain power to take over schools or school authorities if issues arise. The panel will discuss the timeline of implementation and why it is being proposed. What

(Special Session in partnership with the Lethbridge Public Library) Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Venue: Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery, Main Branch, 810 – 5th Ave. South Free admission, everyone welcome Many First Nations people are reacting with disappointment to the Federal Government’s proposed education legislation for First Nations that was released recently. Under the draft legislation, band councils would be allowed to operate schools directly, as some already do, but also to purchase services from provincial or regional school boards or from the private sector. First Nations could also form education authorities that would oversee one or more schools in a region, but the Federal Government would set and enforce standards for schools on reserves. As well, the minister would retain power to take over schools or school authorities if issues arise. The panel will discuss the timeline of implementation and why it is being proposed. What

In broad terms, diversity is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another. It means respect for and appreciation of differences in ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, education, and religion. Equality is about creating a fairer society, where everyone can participate and has the same opportunities to fulfil their potential. By eliminating prejudice and discrimination, societies are generally healthier and happier. Acceptance involves understanding and togetherness; it celebrates differences and allows people of different places and lifestyles to live together and help each other. Accepting someone means that you let them completely into your heart regardless of their lifestyle or way of thinking. Tolerance involves separateness and ignorance; it requires that two sides endure each other’s presence, even though neither one enjoys it. One side is right and the other one is wrong, but there is nothing that you can do about it. You d

In broad terms, diversity is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another. It means respect for and appreciation of differences in ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, education, and religion. Equality is about creating a fairer society, where everyone can participate and has the same opportunities to fulfil their potential. By eliminating prejudice and discrimination, societies are generally healthier and happier. Acceptance involves understanding and togetherness; it celebrates differences and allows people of different places and lifestyles to live together and help each other. Accepting someone means that you let them completely into your heart regardless of their lifestyle or way of thinking. Tolerance involves separateness and ignorance; it requires that two sides endure each other’s presence, even though neither one enjoys it. One side is right and the other one is wrong, but there is nothing that you can do about it. You d

With Iran on the verge of deploying nuclear weapons, the Al-Qaeda global militant Islamist organization becoming more active throughout the region, the ongoing armed conflict in Syria between forces loyal to the Syrian Ba’ath Party government and those seeking to oust it and the ever changing political and security situation in Egypt, the world stands at a critical moment in Middle East affairs. The speaker will discuss the impact of these challenges for the peace process in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and the international geopolitical landscape. He will describe the numerous effects on human security, environment, energy, business, and the evolving geostrategic situation. When it comes to understanding the range of both benefits and risks, few has more knowledge to furnish comprehensive observations and honest assessments than our speaker. Speaker: Gershon Baskin Ph.D. Dr. Baskin was the initiator and the person responsible for the secret back channel between Israel and the Hamas that success