Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Though only 30km wide and 24% of the area of the Oldman watershed, the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains provides 90% of the water - they are our headwaters - the source of water that feeds our streams, lakes and groundwater. The intensity of use in the headwaters has increased and this trend is expected to continue. The community is concerned about the cumulative impact of recreation, logging, oil and gas, grazing and other land uses. Concerns relate to water quality, fragmented fish and wildlife habitat and changes in water flow. The Oldman Watershed Council has set a goal to “manage and protect the integrity of headwaters and source waters” and is currently creating an action plan to achieve it. This goal is 1 of 8 goals in a collaborative, community led Integrated Watershed Management Planning process. To engage residents in protecting the headwaters, the Oldman Watershed Council and Water Matters have organized a series of 18 “Source to Tap” community meetings to discuss issues in the headwater

Though only 30km wide and 24% of the area of the Oldman watershed, the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains provides 90% of the water - they are our headwaters - the source of water that feeds our streams, lakes and groundwater. The intensity of use in the headwaters has increased and this trend is expected to continue. The community is concerned about the cumulative impact of recreation, logging, oil and gas, grazing and other land uses. Concerns relate to water quality, fragmented fish and wildlife habitat and changes in water flow. The Oldman Watershed Council has set a goal to “manage and protect the integrity of headwaters and source waters” and is currently creating an action plan to achieve it. This goal is 1 of 8 goals in a collaborative, community led Integrated Watershed Management Planning process. To engage residents in protecting the headwaters, the Oldman Watershed Council and Water Matters have organized a series of 18 “Source to Tap” community meetings to discuss issues in the headwater

Alberta is blessed with abundant and lucrative natural resources. The province is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in quality of life and wellbeing. Is it not time to ensure that all Albertans share in the province’s wealth? Albertans from across the income spectrum benefit from efforts to reduce disparity. Disparity erodes social and economic wellbeing for everyone across the income spectrum. Prominent national and international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Conference Board of Canada agree that pronounced inequality has a negative impact on the economy. Recent research has made clear that reduced income inequality improves the efficiency and duration of economic growth. Other research clearly shows that inequality is correlated with numerous social challenges and negatively affects the quality of life of all Albertans.

Alberta is blessed with abundant and lucrative natural resources. The province is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in quality of life and wellbeing. Is it not time to ensure that all Albertans share in the province’s wealth? Albertans from across the income spectrum benefit from efforts to reduce disparity. Disparity erodes social and economic wellbeing for everyone across the income spectrum. Prominent national and international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Conference Board of Canada agree that pronounced inequality has a negative impact on the economy. Recent research has made clear that reduced income inequality improves the efficiency and duration of economic growth. Other research clearly shows that inequality is correlated with numerous social challenges and negatively affects the quality of life of all Albertans.

The Idle No More movement began late in 2012 after the Harper Government passed their massive omnibus budget Bill C-45. Four women, Nina Wilson, Sheelah Mclean, Sylvia McAdam and Jessica Gordon all shared a vision in which people can help protect Mother Earth, her lands, waters and people. The women began discussing the possible impacts that some of the legislation would carry if people remained idle. To them, it became evident that women MUST do something about the apparent colonial, unilateral and paternalistic legislation being pushed through Canada’s parliamentary system. They began by calling a rally to inform the public that Bill C-45 intended to give the minister of Indian Affairs unprecedented power and they also informed the public on other legislation that may affect and ignore the treaties made with the crown, thereby impacting water, land and people in harmful ways. The women then helped other communities to coordinate efforts to hold similar rallies with the same goal in mind. These rallies to

The Idle No More movement began late in 2012 after the Harper Government passed their massive omnibus budget Bill C-45. Four women, Nina Wilson, Sheelah Mclean, Sylvia McAdam and Jessica Gordon all shared a vision in which people can help protect Mother Earth, her lands, waters and people. The women began discussing the possible impacts that some of the legislation would carry if people remained idle. To them, it became evident that women MUST do something about the apparent colonial, unilateral and paternalistic legislation being pushed through Canada’s parliamentary system. They began by calling a rally to inform the public that Bill C-45 intended to give the minister of Indian Affairs unprecedented power and they also informed the public on other legislation that may affect and ignore the treaties made with the crown, thereby impacting water, land and people in harmful ways. The women then helped other communities to coordinate efforts to hold similar rallies with the same goal in mind. These rallies to

Part 1 of the Audio of this speech is available courtesy of an audience member here: http://snd.sc/XHjXez NOTICE OF SPECIAL SESSION Wednesday, Feb 27, 2013 7pm PE 261 University of Lethbridge The Idle No More movement has brought issues of treaties, reserves, land claims, and the Indian Act to the forefront of political discourse in Canada. Perhaps best known for his book First Nations? Second Thoughts the speaker has written extensively on aboriginal history and politics with an eye to making major changes in the relationship between aboriginal people and the Government of Canada. Chief among his changes would be the right to private property on reserves and a change in the tax structure of reserves such that there would be no representation without taxation. The changes that the speaker argues for are controversial but have some precedent in recent negotiated treaties like the Nisga’a Treaty. He will argue that an overhaul of the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and the Government of Canada

Part 1 of the Audio of this speech is available courtesy of an audience member here: http://snd.sc/XHjXez NOTICE OF SPECIAL SESSION Wednesday, Feb 27, 2013 7pm PE 261 University of Lethbridge The Idle No More movement has brought issues of treaties, reserves, land claims, and the Indian Act to the forefront of political discourse in Canada. Perhaps best known for his book First Nations? Second Thoughts the speaker has written extensively on aboriginal history and politics with an eye to making major changes in the relationship between aboriginal people and the Government of Canada. Chief among his changes would be the right to private property on reserves and a change in the tax structure of reserves such that there would be no representation without taxation. The changes that the speaker argues for are controversial but have some precedent in recent negotiated treaties like the Nisga’a Treaty. He will argue that an overhaul of the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and the Government of Canada

Premier Alison Redford has given Albertans to understand that there will be some belt tightening and cuts in the next Provincial budget expected later this winter. We can expect a large deficit, but no tax or royalty increases are being contemplated. Is this the only way to deal with the anticipated shortfall? How well is the provincial economy being managed by our Government? Are there other ways the economy and resources of Alberta could be managed? The speaker will explore these issues from a different perspective. He will offer a contrasting view on how the tremendous wealth of Alberta can work for all Albertans. Speaker: Brian Mason, leader of Alberta’s New Democrats Brian Mason was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood in a 2000 by-election. He was re-elected in the provincial general election of March 12, 2001, and was subsequently appointed House Leader of the New Democrat caucus and critic responsible for human resources, finance and agricult

Premier Alison Redford has given Albertans to understand that there will be some belt tightening and cuts in the next Provincial budget expected later this winter. We can expect a large deficit, but no tax or royalty increases are being contemplated. Is this the only way to deal with the anticipated shortfall? How well is the provincial economy being managed by our Government? Are there other ways the economy and resources of Alberta could be managed? The speaker will explore these issues from a different perspective. He will offer a contrasting view on how the tremendous wealth of Alberta can work for all Albertans. Speaker: Brian Mason, leader of Alberta’s New Democrats Brian Mason was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood in a 2000 by-election. He was re-elected in the provincial general election of March 12, 2001, and was subsequently appointed House Leader of the New Democrat caucus and critic responsible for human resources, finance and agricult

SPECIAL SESSION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 19 at NOON at Country Kitchen Catering A government-appointed commission's latest ideas were put forth recently following a series of public hearings in the fall. A new Lethbridge riding would cover the city and county of Lethbridge, including Coaldale, Coalhurst, Picture Butte and Nobleford, while Cardston would join an expanded Foothills constituency. Raymond, Magrath and Stirling, as well as Milk River, would join Medicine Hat Medicine Hat MP LaVar Payne has filed a protest to the changes, citing concerns about potentially losing Brooks from his riding to become part of Bow River, which also would include Taber and Vauxhall. As well, the Blood Reserve would move to the Medicine Hat constituency, while the Piikani Nation would be part of the redefined Foothills riding along with communities north along Highway 2. The exact process for objections and changes has yet to be announced, but a final decision on the new boundaries will be made in September and become effective f

SPECIAL SESSION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 19 at NOON at Country Kitchen Catering A government-appointed commission's latest ideas were put forth recently following a series of public hearings in the fall. A new Lethbridge riding would cover the city and county of Lethbridge, including Coaldale, Coalhurst, Picture Butte and Nobleford, while Cardston would join an expanded Foothills constituency. Raymond, Magrath and Stirling, as well as Milk River, would join Medicine Hat Medicine Hat MP LaVar Payne has filed a protest to the changes, citing concerns about potentially losing Brooks from his riding to become part of Bow River, which also would include Taber and Vauxhall. As well, the Blood Reserve would move to the Medicine Hat constituency, while the Piikani Nation would be part of the redefined Foothills riding along with communities north along Highway 2. The exact process for objections and changes has yet to be announced, but a final decision on the new boundaries will be made in September and become effective f

Voter turnout has dropped in almost every advanced industrial country but Alberta’s voter turnout has dropped even more precipitously. According to the speaker, the reduced voter turnout is a symptom of a larger problem: people have become disengaged from government, and they have to be reconnected. What is to be done about such disconnection? The speaker will argue that a provincial constitution would give people control over their government and reconnect citizens with government. It would provide Albertans with a document to inspire our future and reflect our past. Mr. Sindlinger is trying to build a coalition of individuals throughout Alberta to build a citizen’s constitution for the province. Speaker: Tom Sindlinger Tom Sindlinger is a Canadian Economist with a focus on the marketing of natural resources and transportation, and governance. He is a former elected member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly and has successfully completed 18 international projects in 12 countries for both privat

Voter turnout has dropped in almost every advanced industrial country but Alberta’s voter turnout has dropped even more precipitously. According to the speaker, the reduced voter turnout is a symptom of a larger problem: people have become disengaged from government, and they have to be reconnected. What is to be done about such disconnection? The speaker will argue that a provincial constitution would give people control over their government and reconnect citizens with government. It would provide Albertans with a document to inspire our future and reflect our past. Mr. Sindlinger is trying to build a coalition of individuals throughout Alberta to build a citizen’s constitution for the province. Speaker: Tom Sindlinger Tom Sindlinger is a Canadian Economist with a focus on the marketing of natural resources and transportation, and governance. He is a former elected member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly and has successfully completed 18 international projects in 12 countries for both privat

Some may think medicare issues have gone away with the election of a more liberal Tory Premier. Are things going just fine with health care in Alberta? How is this Provincial Government under Allison Redford doing as stewards of Alberta Health Services? Should we be concerned about the state of primary health care? Is creeping privatization of health care still an issue and are the recent cuts to home care the right way to go? What are the pressing decisions and choices facing Albertans and particularly our elected Government in the coming months? Where do we need to be alert, vocal and informed, as we move forward? The speaker will explore and discuss these issues and choices . Speaker: Sandra Azocar Sandra is the executive director of Friends of Medicare for Alberta and has been a social activist for more than 30 years in this province. Previously, she has worked as a child protection employee, a community organizer and a labour activist. Prior to coming to Friends of Medicare, Sandra was elec

Some may think medicare issues have gone away with the election of a more liberal Tory Premier. Are things going just fine with health care in Alberta? How is this Provincial Government under Allison Redford doing as stewards of Alberta Health Services? Should we be concerned about the state of primary health care? Is creeping privatization of health care still an issue and are the recent cuts to home care the right way to go? What are the pressing decisions and choices facing Albertans and particularly our elected Government in the coming months? Where do we need to be alert, vocal and informed, as we move forward? The speaker will explore and discuss these issues and choices . Speaker: Sandra Azocar Sandra is the executive director of Friends of Medicare for Alberta and has been a social activist for more than 30 years in this province. Previously, she has worked as a child protection employee, a community organizer and a labour activist. Prior to coming to Friends of Medicare, Sandra was elec

SACPA and the Lethbridge Public Library present a special evening session of the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs on Tuesday Feb 5, 2013 from 7-9pm MLA for Calgary-Buffalo Kent Hehr presented a Private Member’s Bill in November 2012 that called on the Alberta government to eliminate public funding for private schools. Alberta is one of only five provinces that subsidizes private students. Furthermore, Alberta provides 70% funding to private schools, the richest subsidy to private schools in the country. Hehr has said that the $130 million set aside to support private schools in the 2012-13 budget is desperately needed in the public school system to implement programs like full day kindergarten and a school lunch initiative. Defendants of private schools have argued that private schools offer educational choices not available in the public system but Hehr counters that he is not calling for an abolition of private schools but the public funding for them: "I believe our public school system is a

The Wildrose Party became the official opposition in the 87 seat Alberta Legislature on April 23, 2012. Despite capturing 34 % of the vote, only 17 Wildrose MLA’s managed to get elected including party leader Danielle Smith. During the 2012 fall session of the Legislature, the Wildrose Party was very active introducing numerous amendments to proposed legislation, but usually to no avail. The Wildrose believe they heard loud and clear from Albertans that they want solutions to balance the budget, improve health care and education and to put an end to what appears to be a PC Government culture of corruption, conflict of interest and entitlement. Following through on an election promise, Wildrose MLAs exercised their free-vote policy throughout the recent session in the Legislature, while the PCs continued to toe the party line on every vote. “We know the role of MLAs is to listen to their constituents and thoughtfully consider every piece of legislation that comes through the house,” Smith says. “Our Wildros

The Wildrose Party became the official opposition in the 87 seat Alberta Legislature on April 23, 2012. Despite capturing 34 % of the vote, only 17 Wildrose MLA’s managed to get elected including party leader Danielle Smith. During the 2012 fall session of the Legislature, the Wildrose Party was very active introducing numerous amendments to proposed legislation, but usually to no avail. The Wildrose believe they heard loud and clear from Albertans that they want solutions to balance the budget, improve health care and education and to put an end to what appears to be a PC Government culture of corruption, conflict of interest and entitlement. Following through on an election promise, Wildrose MLAs exercised their free-vote policy throughout the recent session in the Legislature, while the PCs continued to toe the party line on every vote. “We know the role of MLAs is to listen to their constituents and thoughtfully consider every piece of legislation that comes through the house,” Smith says. “Our Wildros

Energy drives life. Energy use has been a great advantage to our species. However, we are moving toward a compelling predicament as our societies thrive and our population grows. With population growth our energy needs increase. Our current sources of energy are thought by many to be leading to harmful climate change – and at the same time they are depleting at a rate we find discomforting. The consequences to our complex society and to other life forms on earth are uncertain. Do Alberta and Canada need an energy strategy to guide us in our challenge? Global society is seemingly coming to an energy supply and use crisis: how much energy, produced how, in which location and how distributed. The present system of energy supply and distribution based on uncoordinated short term ventures will not be adequate for our future needs. Energy supply and use begs for integrated planning over the long term. The size and nature of the infrastructure required does not allow for abrupt changes. The time for thoughtful