Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

At a January 24, 2012 meeting between the Federal Government and First Nation Chiefs, the Harper government told the Chiefs the Indian Act would not be abolished. Instead, a new act known as Bill S-6, The First Nations Election Act would be implemented. Bill S-6 is voluntary and First Nation Governments can opt into the First Nations Elections Act or continue to be legislated by the Indian Act election requirements. Many political concerns exist regarding the leadership /electoral process on Canada’s Indian Reservations. Because the structure of government is legislated under the Indian Act, it is a municipal style of elected officials in a single electoral zone. Therefore, the only recourse by peoples living on reserves is to raise their concerns with the Minister of Indian Affairs regarding corrupt acts of their government. Rather than hearing each case individually, the Harper Government has introduced Bill S-6 in an attempt to solve the internal problems of Chief and Council elections on Indian Reserves

At a January 24, 2012 meeting between the Federal Government and First Nation Chiefs, the Harper government told the Chiefs the Indian Act would not be abolished. Instead, a new act known as Bill S-6, The First Nations Election Act would be implemented. Bill S-6 is voluntary and First Nation Governments can opt into the First Nations Elections Act or continue to be legislated by the Indian Act election requirements. Many political concerns exist regarding the leadership /electoral process on Canada’s Indian Reservations. Because the structure of government is legislated under the Indian Act, it is a municipal style of elected officials in a single electoral zone. Therefore, the only recourse by peoples living on reserves is to raise their concerns with the Minister of Indian Affairs regarding corrupt acts of their government. Rather than hearing each case individually, the Harper Government has introduced Bill S-6 in an attempt to solve the internal problems of Chief and Council elections on Indian Reserves

James Lovelock, scientist and originator of the Gaia hypothesis, said in 2007 that; "Before this century is over, billions of us will die and the few breeding pairs of people that survive will be in the Arctic." Recently, as reported in the Daily Mail, he said; “The problem is we don’t know what the climate is doing. We thought we knew 20 years ago. That led to some alarmist books – mine included – because it looked clear-cut, but it hasn’t happened.” “We were supposed to be halfway toward a frying world now.” How could a reputable scientist have been so far off track? How can the rest of us separate fact from fantasy? Alarming climate change announcements seemingly go far beyond the fundamental scientific postulate that increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will change the radiative heat transfer properties of the earth sufficiently to cause significant warming. Establishing confirmatory evidence is difficult and may be far from conclusive. The speaker will present his opinion on how deception was

James Lovelock, scientist and originator of the Gaia hypothesis, said in 2007 that; "Before this century is over, billions of us will die and the few breeding pairs of people that survive will be in the Arctic." Recently, as reported in the Daily Mail, he said; “The problem is we don’t know what the climate is doing. We thought we knew 20 years ago. That led to some alarmist books – mine included – because it looked clear-cut, but it hasn’t happened.” “We were supposed to be halfway toward a frying world now.” How could a reputable scientist have been so far off track? How can the rest of us separate fact from fantasy? Alarming climate change announcements seemingly go far beyond the fundamental scientific postulate that increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will change the radiative heat transfer properties of the earth sufficiently to cause significant warming. Establishing confirmatory evidence is difficult and may be far from conclusive. The speaker will present his opinion on how deception was

In 1995 Premier Ralph Klein and the Progressive Conservative party began the restructuring of electricity in Alberta with the introduction of "The Electrical Utilities Act". In 2001 a fully deregulated electricity market was opened. The only province in Canada with a deregulated market in electricity, Alberta is said by many to have one of the highest electricity rates in Canada. Voices on both sides of this have debated the gains and losses of this deregulation. The speaker knows something about this, as owner of Lethbridge Iron Works, an industry which uses a considerable amount of electricity. He will give some background on deregulation, what its impact has been, and what he sees as a possible solution. Speaker: John Davies John Davies is a Professional Engineer and President and co-owner of Lethbridge Iron Works. He graduated from the U of A with a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and an MBA. He is also the Secretary and Treasurer of the Industrial Association of Southern Alberta (IASA). John w

In 1995 Premier Ralph Klein and the Progressive Conservative party began the restructuring of electricity in Alberta with the introduction of "The Electrical Utilities Act". In 2001 a fully deregulated electricity market was opened. The only province in Canada with a deregulated market in electricity, Alberta is said by many to have one of the highest electricity rates in Canada. Voices on both sides of this have debated the gains and losses of this deregulation. The speaker knows something about this, as owner of Lethbridge Iron Works, an industry which uses a considerable amount of electricity. He will give some background on deregulation, what its impact has been, and what he sees as a possible solution. Speaker: John Davies John Davies is a Professional Engineer and President and co-owner of Lethbridge Iron Works. He graduated from the U of A with a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and an MBA. He is also the Secretary and Treasurer of the Industrial Association of Southern Alberta (IASA). John w

Emerging super-power or developing country? Communist dictatorship or economic miracle of free-market enterprise? What’s happening in China and what’s been going on since Chairman Mao’s successor Deng Xiaoping declared in 1985, that “it’s okay for some people to get rich first”? Is the country opening up politically as well as economically? How free are ordinary Chinese? What do they talk about around the kitchen table? Although Canada established diplomatic relations with China in 1970, a year before it occupied a seat at the United Nations, Prime Minister Harper got off to a rocky start with the Chinese leadership. Relations appear to have improved since then and this year’s visit resulted in the loan of two giant pandas. Why the change of heart? And what more is in the offing? Speaker: Trevor Page Trevor Page is a retired United Nations official, settled in Lethbridge. He served in China as the head of the U.N. World Food Programme from 1986 – 1990, when the country had just started opening up to

The SAAG, SACPA, McKillop United Church, Lethbridge Regional Police Service and OUTreach Southern Alberta Society are co-sponsoring the speaker Nate Phelps as part of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. MAY 17th from 7pm at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery. Few minority groups have been as discriminated against as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, two spirit and queer people . But major breakthroughs have occurred, and lgbttq people are stepping out of the shadows. From the outside, it could be construed that all problems have been solved. The media are sympathetic, public personalities come out, television shows feature more queer characters in scenes of everyday life. Nevertheless, the reality is quite different. Many individuals are unable to live openly and authentically and encounter difficulties if they do, or end up role-playing to protect themselves. The International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia belongs to no one individual. It’s about all people hoping for a prejud

Emerging super-power or developing country? Communist dictatorship or economic miracle of free-market enterprise? What’s happening in China and what’s been going on since Chairman Mao’s successor Deng Xiaoping declared in 1985, that “it’s okay for some people to get rich first”? Is the country opening up politically as well as economically? How free are ordinary Chinese? What do they talk about around the kitchen table? Although Canada established diplomatic relations with China in 1970, a year before it occupied a seat at the United Nations, Prime Minister Harper got off to a rocky start with the Chinese leadership. Relations appear to have improved since then and this year’s visit resulted in the loan of two giant pandas. Why the change of heart? And what more is in the offing? Speaker: Trevor Page Trevor Page is a retired United Nations official, settled in Lethbridge. He served in China as the head of the U.N. World Food Programme from 1986 – 1990, when the country had just started opening up to

SACPA in Partnership with the Lethbridge Public Library A Perspective on Children's Mental Health: From Childhood Trauma to Adult Wholeness Mental Health Awareness Week is May 7-11, 2012. In addition, in many parts of Canada and the United States May 9th is Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. The week is dedicated to raising awareness of issues related to mental illness and mental health. One in five Canadians will experience mental illness at some point in their lives. Our speaker will share his personal journey as he discusses the impact of experiencing the stigma of having a family member with mental illness, personally being bullied in school and suffering the effects of the early symptoms of schizophrenia. As an adult, how does one cope and go on to lead a fulfilling life of service? Speaker: Dr Austin Mardon Austin Mardon was born in Edmonton but raised in Lethbridge where he finished his degree at the University of Lethbridge. While an undergraduate geography student, he was accepte

The front page headline in the Lethbridge Herald April 24 read, "Same Old Story". Was it really? Was this another automatic victory for the PCs? How did the Conservatives manage to win this one? How did the Wildrose manage to lose it? Did the pundits and pollsters miss something? What do the various parties have to learn – as they look back on this election? How has the Alberta electorate changed in the past few years – and what did the outcome say about Alberta in 2012? Our speaker will explore the layers and issues that affected the Provincial election outcome, and what we need to understand about it all. He will argue that underneath the surface there has been a major realignment in the party system. What does the party realignment say about Albertans and our politics? What will the next four years bring in terms of federal-provincial relationships and what must each of the parties do to attract more voters in 2016? Speaker: Harold Jansen Harold Jansen is Associate Professor of Political Science

The front page headline in the Lethbridge Herald April 24 read, "Same Old Story". Was it really? Was this another automatic victory for the PCs? How did the Conservatives manage to win this one? How did the Wildrose manage to lose it? Did the pundits and pollsters miss something? What do the various parties have to learn – as they look back on this election? How has the Alberta electorate changed in the past few years – and what did the outcome say about Alberta in 2012? Our speaker will explore the layers and issues that affected the Provincial election outcome, and what we need to understand about it all. He will argue that underneath the surface there has been a major realignment in the party system. What does the party realignment say about Albertans and our politics? What will the next four years bring in terms of federal-provincial relationships and what must each of the parties do to attract more voters in 2016? Speaker: Harold Jansen Harold Jansen is Associate Professor of Political Science

Lethbridge is a city that comes with many benefits including a small geographical footprint. Despite its small size it is largely a motorized vehicle culture. In light of rising costs for vehicle operation, health benefits from physical activity, and benefits in maintaining environmental integrity, very few citizens view bicycles as an effective mode of transportation. This presentation presents some perspectives on how public policy has influenced this perception. Speakers: Annabree Fairweather and Mark Pijl-Zieber Annabree Fairwweather has a Master of Science in Psychology. She works at the University of Lethbridge Faculty Association and she occasionally instructs at the university and at the Lethbridge College. Annabree’s experiences with cycling in Lethbridge have motivated her to join the board of BikeBridge Cycling Association. Her goal is to develop more efficient—and less ambiguous—cycling infrastructure for commuters in Lethbridge. Mark Pijl Zieber is a registered nurse and faculty membe

Lethbridge is a city that comes with many benefits including a small geographical footprint. Despite its small size it is largely a motorized vehicle culture. In light of rising costs for vehicle operation, health benefits from physical activity, and benefits in maintaining environmental integrity, very few citizens view bicycles as an effective mode of transportation. This presentation presents some perspectives on how public policy has influenced this perception. Speakers: Annabree Fairweather and Mark Pijl-Zieber Annabree Fairwweather has a Master of Science in Psychology. She works at the University of Lethbridge Faculty Association and she occasionally instructs at the university and at the Lethbridge College. Annabree’s experiences with cycling in Lethbridge have motivated her to join the board of BikeBridge Cycling Association. Her goal is to develop more efficient—and less ambiguous—cycling infrastructure for commuters in Lethbridge. Mark Pijl Zieber is a registered nurse and faculty membe

When it comes to energy, there seems to be a very large gap between scientific, economic and environmental facts, on the one hand and what the general public believes, on the other. While the public can be excused, because all the energy technologies involved are much more complex than they appear on the surface, the people behind each of these technologies have contributed in a significant way to the existence of many of these gaps in communication. This presentation will focus on one of the largest gaps – that which exists about nuclear power. This gap will be identified; the causes and especially the consequences of this gap will be analyzed. Speaker: Cosmos Voutsinos Cosmos Voutsinos is a mechanical engineer graduated from the University of Waterloo and McMaster University. He specializes in energy conversion systems, in particular conversion to electrical energy. He has worked in various capacities in the design, construction and manufacturing of equipment and operation of energy conversion facil

When it comes to energy, there seems to be a very large gap between scientific, economic and environmental facts, on the one hand and what the general public believes, on the other. While the public can be excused, because all the energy technologies involved are much more complex than they appear on the surface, the people behind each of these technologies have contributed in a significant way to the existence of many of these gaps in communication. This presentation will focus on one of the largest gaps – that which exists about nuclear power. This gap will be identified; the causes and especially the consequences of this gap will be analyzed. Speaker: Cosmos Voutsinos Cosmos Voutsinos is a mechanical engineer graduated from the University of Waterloo and McMaster University. He specializes in energy conversion systems, in particular conversion to electrical energy. He has worked in various capacities in the design, construction and manufacturing of equipment and operation of energy conversion facil

During the past Federal election campaign the Federal Conservatives promised a number of changes in the area of justice. During this winter's session of Parliament, that has taken the form of the "Federal Omnibus Crime Bill". The bill, which arguable was passed with imposed minimal debate, has not only been criticized by opposition parties, but also by several provinces and some non-parliamentary organizations such as the John Howard Society. But what is really in this lumped together bill? How much is minimum sentencing for many crimes likely to cost the federal and provincial governments? And is it the best way to fight crime? The speaker will explore the bill, and some of its implications for both Canada as a whole, and for the Province of Alberta. Speaker: Sheila French Sheila French is currently completing a PhD in Applied and Experimental Psychology with a focus on Criminal Justice Research. She has recently taken a Faculty position at Lethbridge College in the Criminal Justice Program. Prior to

During the past Federal election campaign the Federal Conservatives promised a number of changes in the area of justice. During this winter's session of Parliament, that has taken the form of the "Federal Omnibus Crime Bill". The bill, which arguable was passed with imposed minimal debate, has not only been criticized by opposition parties, but also by several provinces and some non-parliamentary organizations such as the John Howard Society. But what is really in this lumped together bill? How much is minimum sentencing for many crimes likely to cost the federal and provincial governments? And is it the best way to fight crime? The speaker will explore the bill, and some of its implications for both Canada as a whole, and for the Province of Alberta. Speaker: Sheila French Sheila French is currently completing a PhD in Applied and Experimental Psychology with a focus on Criminal Justice Research. She has recently taken a Faculty position at Lethbridge College in the Criminal Justice Program. Prior to