Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

On September 27, 2012, nearly two weeks after E. coli 0157:H7 alarm bells first sounded, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) suspended the operating license of XL Foods Inc. beef processing plant in Brooks, AB. 1800+ products of potentially contaminated beef was recalled/destroyed here and in the US, the largest recall of beef ever in Canada. XL Foods Inc. is a privately held Alberta corporation with beef packing facilities located mainly in Alberta and Nebraska, US and is the largest Canadian owned and operated beef processor, although a sale to the huge multi-national Brazilian meatpacker JBS is pending. With over 2000 employees, XL Foods in Brooks is a major employer in Southern Alberta. The suspension of XL Foods Inc. plants and the massive recall of their beef products have created much controversy….who is responsible, what role did Governments play, should the plant have been shut down earlier, was dumping millions of pounds of beef necessary and are beef producers again on the receiving end of

On September 27, 2012, nearly two weeks after E. coli 0157:H7 alarm bells first sounded, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) suspended the operating license of XL Foods Inc. beef processing plant in Brooks, AB. 1800+ products of potentially contaminated beef was recalled/destroyed here and in the US, the largest recall of beef ever in Canada. XL Foods Inc. is a privately held Alberta corporation with beef packing facilities located mainly in Alberta and Nebraska, US and is the largest Canadian owned and operated beef processor, although a sale to the huge multi-national Brazilian meatpacker JBS is pending. With over 2000 employees, XL Foods in Brooks is a major employer in Southern Alberta. The suspension of XL Foods Inc. plants and the massive recall of their beef products have created much controversy….who is responsible, what role did Governments play, should the plant have been shut down earlier, was dumping millions of pounds of beef necessary and are beef producers again on the receiving end of

Escherichia coli, usually called E. coli, refer to a large group of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless; however, some strains, such as E. coli O157:H7 can make people sick, causing severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and very occasionally kidney failure or even death. Food can become contaminated with E. coli when animals are slaughtered or processed, even if precautions are taken. In processed or ground meat, the bacteria can be spread throughout the meat. Food can also be contaminated if handled by a person infected with E. coli, or from cross-contamination because of unsanitary food handling practices. Raw fruits and vegetables as well can become contaminated with E. coli while in the field by improperly composted manure, contaminated water, wildlife or poor hygiene by farm workers. E. coli infections can also spread easily from person to person. The speaker will explain the various myths and facts related to E. coli cont

Escherichia coli, usually called E. coli, refer to a large group of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless; however, some strains, such as E. coli O157:H7 can make people sick, causing severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and very occasionally kidney failure or even death. Food can become contaminated with E. coli when animals are slaughtered or processed, even if precautions are taken. In processed or ground meat, the bacteria can be spread throughout the meat. Food can also be contaminated if handled by a person infected with E. coli, or from cross-contamination because of unsanitary food handling practices. Raw fruits and vegetables as well can become contaminated with E. coli while in the field by improperly composted manure, contaminated water, wildlife or poor hygiene by farm workers. E. coli infections can also spread easily from person to person. The speaker will explain the various myths and facts related to E. coli cont

Results of three documents issued by the City of Lethbridge indicate that the river valley, albeit a beautiful force of nature, greatly reduces the ability for people to cross it other than by vehicle. The solution, already mentioned in two of the documents is to build a crossing that would span the coulees and eliminate the steep grades required to transit the valley. The Coulee Corridor Committee has already made a presentation to City Council to further explore this possibility. They have also discussed the project with several bridge designers, project managers, and the Deputy Secretary of Transportation for the US, who has a strong focus on Livable Communities and the role of Pedestrian Bridges. Possible site locations have been identified along with concepts to incorporate transit into a plan that outlines the many benefits Lethbridge citizens could enjoy. This exciting venture to build such an iconic structure that ultimately would be the highest and longest pedestrian bridge in Canada ought to stir

Results of three documents issued by the City of Lethbridge indicate that the river valley, albeit a beautiful force of nature, greatly reduces the ability for people to cross it other than by vehicle. The solution, already mentioned in two of the documents is to build a crossing that would span the coulees and eliminate the steep grades required to transit the valley. The Coulee Corridor Committee has already made a presentation to City Council to further explore this possibility. They have also discussed the project with several bridge designers, project managers, and the Deputy Secretary of Transportation for the US, who has a strong focus on Livable Communities and the role of Pedestrian Bridges. Possible site locations have been identified along with concepts to incorporate transit into a plan that outlines the many benefits Lethbridge citizens could enjoy. This exciting venture to build such an iconic structure that ultimately would be the highest and longest pedestrian bridge in Canada ought to stir

The May 2011 Wildfires in the Slave Lake area brought international attention to a rural area that was devastated from the aftermath of some of the worst fires in our provincial history. Who could forget the images of the burnt basements, destroyed vehicles and residents living in evacuation centres? Such a disaster invites us to ask ourselves if we are ready for catastrophes of this magnitude in our own community and what role should public policy play in mitigating the effects. This presentation focuses on what we have found out about the human impacts of fires based upon information collected in the Slave Lake area. In particular, highlights of the effects on families and children and the communities in general will be discussed. Lessons learned from the event with key messages for other communities will also be discussed in order to stimulate the audience to think about their own preparedness for such disasters evidenced by several large grass fires that recently forced evacuations in Lethbridge and othe

The May 2011 Wildfires in the Slave Lake area brought international attention to a rural area that was devastated from the aftermath of some of the worst fires in our provincial history. Who could forget the images of the burnt basements, destroyed vehicles and residents living in evacuation centres? Such a disaster invites us to ask ourselves if we are ready for catastrophes of this magnitude in our own community and what role should public policy play in mitigating the effects. This presentation focuses on what we have found out about the human impacts of fires based upon information collected in the Slave Lake area. In particular, highlights of the effects on families and children and the communities in general will be discussed. Lessons learned from the event with key messages for other communities will also be discussed in order to stimulate the audience to think about their own preparedness for such disasters evidenced by several large grass fires that recently forced evacuations in Lethbridge and othe

Considering Western Canada’s continued dependence on crude and semi-processed resource exports, it could be argued that Albertans ought to find more sustainable and profitable ways to process their natural resource wealth. The speaker will briefly consider regional development challenges in Western Canada before turning to Western Australia, a booming resource-based economy that shares much in common with Alberta. This presentation will explain how the Kwinana industrial complex on Cockburn Sound has been in operation for nearly 60 years. Initially based on an Anglo Iranian oil refinery which came on stream in 1955, Kwinana has become a large and densely-interconnected industrial zone with the largest harbour on Australia’s Indian Ocean coastline. Just 30 km south of Perth, it features a wide range of large-scale resource-processing refineries and processing plants (oil, gas, nickel, alumina, titanium dioxide, chemicals, water and electrical power generation). The speaker will discuss the Kwinana success

Considering Western Canada’s continued dependence on crude and semi-processed resource exports, it could be argued that Albertans ought to find more sustainable and profitable ways to process their natural resource wealth. The speaker will briefly consider regional development challenges in Western Canada before turning to Western Australia, a booming resource-based economy that shares much in common with Alberta. This presentation will explain how the Kwinana industrial complex on Cockburn Sound has been in operation for nearly 60 years. Initially based on an Anglo Iranian oil refinery which came on stream in 1955, Kwinana has become a large and densely-interconnected industrial zone with the largest harbour on Australia’s Indian Ocean coastline. Just 30 km south of Perth, it features a wide range of large-scale resource-processing refineries and processing plants (oil, gas, nickel, alumina, titanium dioxide, chemicals, water and electrical power generation). The speaker will discuss the Kwinana success

A special session of SACPA will be held Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S The event is free to the public and refreshments will be provided The Development of a Social Policy Framework: How to Move Forward? Social cohesion and an opportunity for all Albertans to be engaged members of our society are important to most. Achieving quality of life however means different things to different folks. The challenge for the government is to prioritize the needs and wishes of Albertans while being mindful of limited economic and human resources. The speaker will explain the governments plan for public consultation in the development of a Social Policy Framework for Alberta, building on previous principles. He will also suggest that moving forward; the framework ought to be flexible enough to enable sensible changes from time to time. Speaker: Dave Hancock, Minister of Human Services and Government House Leade

June 2011 marked the 30th anniversary of the AIDS pandemic. Since that time, there have been over 30 million deaths from AIDS-related causes, including 1,700,000 in 2011 alone. Currently, there are approximately 34 million people living with HIV/AIDS. Despite these staggering numbers, there was great optimism at the 19th International AIDS Conference, Turning the Tide on Together, which ran in Washington, DC this past July that an AIDS free generation is within our reach. Certainly we have both the knowledge and the technology to end the pandemic, but when looking at the incidence rates, the prospect seems daunting and unattainable, and certainly not immediate. The speaker will discuss some of the highlights from the many sessions at the AIDS Conference and reveal some of the work that needs to be done to achieve an AIDS free generation and bring about the end of AIDS. Speaker: Charleen Davidson Charleen is the Executive Director at the Lethbridge HIV Connection, a position she has held since the wi

June 2011 marked the 30th anniversary of the AIDS pandemic. Since that time, there have been over 30 million deaths from AIDS-related causes, including 1,700,000 in 2011 alone. Currently, there are approximately 34 million people living with HIV/AIDS. Despite these staggering numbers, there was great optimism at the 19th International AIDS Conference, Turning the Tide on Together, which ran in Washington, DC this past July that an AIDS free generation is within our reach. Certainly we have both the knowledge and the technology to end the pandemic, but when looking at the incidence rates, the prospect seems daunting and unattainable, and certainly not immediate. The speaker will discuss some of the highlights from the many sessions at the AIDS Conference and reveal some of the work that needs to be done to achieve an AIDS free generation and bring about the end of AIDS. Speaker: Charleen Davidson Charleen is the Executive Director at the Lethbridge HIV Connection, a position she has held since the wi

Climate change may be the biggest challenge humanity has ever faced. If the present trend continues, the world will likely experience a severe average increase in temperature by the end of this century, endangering our civilization, as we know it. The speaker will argue it is time to put the climate change debate behind us and get on with the tasks at hand. We will need to both mitigate and adapt. Food insecurity for example is already an issue many places on the globe and will probably get worse as we head into a warmer world. It is however not too late to avoid the worst effects of climate change if we act now. Luckily, many strategies are available to reduce the risks, but political will is lagging on when, where and how to start. The speaker will discuss important facts about the impacts of climate change on food security both here and in other parts of the world as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation options at the grassroots level. Speaker: Sandy Aberdeen Sandy completed th

Climate change may be the biggest challenge humanity has ever faced. If the present trend continues, the world will likely experience a severe average increase in temperature by the end of this century, endangering our civilization, as we know it. The speaker will argue it is time to put the climate change debate behind us and get on with the tasks at hand. We will need to both mitigate and adapt. Food insecurity for example is already an issue many places on the globe and will probably get worse as we head into a warmer world. It is however not too late to avoid the worst effects of climate change if we act now. Luckily, many strategies are available to reduce the risks, but political will is lagging on when, where and how to start. The speaker will discuss important facts about the impacts of climate change on food security both here and in other parts of the world as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation options at the grassroots level. Speaker: Sandy Aberdeen Sandy completed th

The speaker will examine societal attitudes toward the disabled. He believes that society focuses on the physical infrastructure (i.e. ramps, sidewalks, points of entry, city transit and other modes of public transportation, etc.) and neglects a more serious problem, namely people’s patronizing attitudes towards the disabled. Even the medical profession contributes to the problem by seeing the handicapped as people in need of a cure. And by the way, how well are we doing in creating a community that is accessible to those who are disabled? The speaker believes the handicapped need to be seen as people who are different but equal. Virtually everyone is part of the problem and everyone needs to be part of the solution. Speaker: Ned Shillington. Ned Shillington lives in Calgary. He was educated as a lawyer in Saskatchewan and entered politics there in 1971. He spent 24 years as a member of the Sask. Legislature, and 11 years as a member of the Sask. cabinet. In 1997 he became a paraplegic. Ned is a pa

The speaker will examine societal attitudes toward the disabled. He believes that society focuses on the physical infrastructure (i.e. ramps, sidewalks, points of entry, city transit and other modes of public transportation, etc.) and neglects a more serious problem, namely people’s patronizing attitudes towards the disabled. Even the medical profession contributes to the problem by seeing the handicapped as people in need of a cure. And by the way, how well are we doing in creating a community that is accessible to those who are disabled? The speaker believes the handicapped need to be seen as people who are different but equal. Virtually everyone is part of the problem and everyone needs to be part of the solution. Speaker: Ned Shillington. Ned Shillington lives in Calgary. He was educated as a lawyer in Saskatchewan and entered politics there in 1971. He spent 24 years as a member of the Sask. Legislature, and 11 years as a member of the Sask. cabinet. In 1997 he became a paraplegic. Ned is a pa

In recent years Lethbridge has watched the local Roman Catholic community in tension with Bishop Henry over who has authority to make decisions around the life and future of that parish. This public debate raises important questions: Should the Roman Catholic Church be more democratic? What about other denominations - are they more democratic? If a church draws its energy and vision from revelation (the Bible, the Holy Spirit, the traditions of the larger Church) how can it be democratic? Would modern churches be far healthier if they were democratic? What is meant by “democracy” and what would that look like in the life of churches? The speaker will be exploring these and more questions as he looks at authority in Christian churches, and whether democracy has any place in the life of organized religion. Speaker: Tom Robinson Tom Robinson is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Lethbridge, where he has taught courses in the history of Christianity and in Greek language for the last t

In recent years Lethbridge has watched the local Roman Catholic community in tension with Bishop Henry over who has authority to make decisions around the life and future of that parish. This public debate raises important questions: Should the Roman Catholic Church be more democratic? What about other denominations - are they more democratic? If a church draws its energy and vision from revelation (the Bible, the Holy Spirit, the traditions of the larger Church) how can it be democratic? Would modern churches be far healthier if they were democratic? What is meant by “democracy” and what would that look like in the life of churches? The speaker will be exploring these and more questions as he looks at authority in Christian churches, and whether democracy has any place in the life of organized religion. Speaker: Tom Robinson Tom Robinson is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Lethbridge, where he has taught courses in the history of Christianity and in Greek language for the last t

World population at 7 billion has evoked concern, but also opens doors to new thinking about the environment, sustainability, consumption, distribution and taking stock of ourselves. The speaker will reveal what the future may hold based on current research regarding population trends here and world-wide. Speaker: Susan McDaniel Ph.D. Dr. Susan McDaniel is Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Global Population and Life Course (the first Tier 1 CRC in social sciences at the U of L), Prentice Research Chair in Global Population and Economy, Director of the Prentice Institute and Professor of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge. She relocated to Lethbridge in the summer of 2009 from the University of Utah where she was Professor and Senior Investigator in the Institute for Public & International Affairs. She had previously taught at the Universities of Alberta and Waterloo. Dr. McDaniel is an internationally known sociologist/social demographer, the author of many books and research articles. Sh