Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Alberta is facing many problems as the next boom approaches. Besides environmental and infrastructure challenges, it can be argued that this boom will once again benefit the wealthy and the larger corporations while most other people in Alberta will gain little in terms of quality lifestyle. In the past, Alberta has witnessed many booms and busts, but still realized long-term growth in the size of the economy and a dramatic increase in wealth, particularly for well to do individuals and large multi-national corporations, who receive sizeable subsidies and pay little or, in some cases, no taxes. Quality of life indicators such as income security, personal disposable income, Food Bank non-dependency, housing affordability, leisure and family time, and educational attainment show that middle and low-income Albertans are struggling to keep the status quo and many are being left behind. Funding for health care, education and essential social services arguably suffer more at every bust cycle, begging the questio

Alberta is facing many problems as the next boom approaches. Besides environmental and infrastructure challenges, it can be argued that this boom will once again benefit the wealthy and the larger corporations while most other people in Alberta will gain little in terms of quality lifestyle. In the past, Alberta has witnessed many booms and busts, but still realized long-term growth in the size of the economy and a dramatic increase in wealth, particularly for well to do individuals and large multi-national corporations, who receive sizeable subsidies and pay little or, in some cases, no taxes. Quality of life indicators such as income security, personal disposable income, Food Bank non-dependency, housing affordability, leisure and family time, and educational attainment show that middle and low-income Albertans are struggling to keep the status quo and many are being left behind. Funding for health care, education and essential social services arguably suffer more at every bust cycle, begging the questio

Over the last few months the news has been filled with stories of stalemates and showdowns in the halls of the United States Congress. Sometimes it has seemed as though the country was on the brink of collapse. For Canadians, the specter of American politics can appear very confusing, even if it does dominate our media airwaves. As the United States prepare for the November 2012 elections, interested outsiders have many questions about American politics and the structure of an American government that often see party politics work against the common good of the country. The speaker is a political scientist and seasoned observer of American politics for many decades. He will consider the historical backdrop to today’s events in Congress and the Senate and why Americans find themselves in stalemate after stalemate. Is the US Constitution so difficult to amend that change is unlikely? What needs to happen before Americans get a government that can efficiently deal with the current impasse? And, more broadl

Over the last few months the news has been filled with stories of stalemates and showdowns in the halls of the United States Congress. Sometimes it has seemed as though the country was on the brink of collapse. For Canadians, the specter of American politics can appear very confusing, even if it does dominate our media airwaves. As the United States prepare for the November 2012 elections, interested outsiders have many questions about American politics and the structure of an American government that often see party politics work against the common good of the country. The speaker is a political scientist and seasoned observer of American politics for many decades. He will consider the historical backdrop to today’s events in Congress and the Senate and why Americans find themselves in stalemate after stalemate. Is the US Constitution so difficult to amend that change is unlikely? What needs to happen before Americans get a government that can efficiently deal with the current impasse? And, more broadl

A SACPA presentation in February introduced the issue of “hydraulic fracking” in the Lethbridge area. In particular, two oil companies have leased land on the Blood reserve and are exploring the use of hydraulic fracking to recover oil and gas from formations which underly Southern Alberta. The speaker will discuss, from an industry perspective, what unconventional oil and gas is and where it has been found. As well he will introduce the techniques used to develop it, including hydraulic fracturing (fraccing) and horizontal drilling. The speaker will discuss industry practices and some regulatory examples for use of water in fracs and protection of surface aquifers. Speaker: Steven Dunk, P.Eng. Steve is currently Manager, BC Operations with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers represents over 100 companies that explore for, develop and produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, oil sands, and elemental sulphur throughout Cana

A SACPA presentation in February introduced the issue of “hydraulic fracking” in the Lethbridge area. In particular, two oil companies have leased land on the Blood reserve and are exploring the use of hydraulic fracking to recover oil and gas from formations which underly Southern Alberta. The speaker will discuss, from an industry perspective, what unconventional oil and gas is and where it has been found. As well he will introduce the techniques used to develop it, including hydraulic fracturing (fraccing) and horizontal drilling. The speaker will discuss industry practices and some regulatory examples for use of water in fracs and protection of surface aquifers. Speaker: Steven Dunk, P.Eng. Steve is currently Manager, BC Operations with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers represents over 100 companies that explore for, develop and produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, oil sands, and elemental sulphur throughout Cana

According to section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada, it is illegal for people to practice polygamy. Under s. 293, not only is any form of polygamy illegal but any type of polygamous union that purports to result from a rite of polygamy is illegal. Despite this prohibition, there is a community of polygamists in British Columbia called Bountiful which, to date, the authorities in British Columbia have refrained from prosecuting. The apparent rationale for the non-prosecution of polygamy practiced by Bountiful members has been a belief that s. 293 would not withstand a challenge under the freedom of religion provision, section 2(a), of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Could it be argued that the anti-polygamy provision in the Code impinges on the freedom of religion for the residents of Bountiful? Are the harms associated with polygamy significant enough to justify a limitation on freedom of religion? Would s. 293 survive a Charter s. 2(a) challenge? Speakers: Pamela Dos Ramos, M.A. (Co

According to section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada, it is illegal for people to practice polygamy. Under s. 293, not only is any form of polygamy illegal but any type of polygamous union that purports to result from a rite of polygamy is illegal. Despite this prohibition, there is a community of polygamists in British Columbia called Bountiful which, to date, the authorities in British Columbia have refrained from prosecuting. The apparent rationale for the non-prosecution of polygamy practiced by Bountiful members has been a belief that s. 293 would not withstand a challenge under the freedom of religion provision, section 2(a), of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Could it be argued that the anti-polygamy provision in the Code impinges on the freedom of religion for the residents of Bountiful? Are the harms associated with polygamy significant enough to justify a limitation on freedom of religion? Would s. 293 survive a Charter s. 2(a) challenge? Speakers: Pamela Dos Ramos, M.A. (Co

Water Under Threat: CETA, Fracking and Water Markets Featuring Maude Barlow, Council of Canadians National Chairperson Wednesday, June 1 7:00 - 9:00 pm Yates Memorial Centre (1002 4 Ave S, Lethbridge) Free admission! Everyone is welcome. Presented by the Council of Canadians-Lethbridge Chapter and the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs Co-sponsored by: Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group, University of Lethbridge Students' Union, Lethbridge College Students' Association Water is vital to people’s health and livelihoods and yet our freshwater faces crises including contamination, shortages, and privatization. Canada’s water systems are under threat from a free-trade agreement being negotiated between Canada and the European Union called the Comprehensive Economic Free Trade Agreement (CETA). A recent report from CUPE and the Council of Canadians exposes how CETA would open public water systems across Canada to privatization. In Alberta, the provincial government has plans to introduce le

Water Under Threat: CETA, Fracking and Water Markets Featuring Maude Barlow, Council of Canadians National Chairperson Wednesday, June 1 7:00 - 9:00 pm Yates Memorial Centre (1002 4 Ave S, Lethbridge) Free admission! Everyone is welcome. Presented by the Council of Canadians-Lethbridge Chapter and the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs Co-sponsored by: Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group, University of Lethbridge Students' Union, Lethbridge College Students' Association Water is vital to people’s health and livelihoods and yet our freshwater faces crises including contamination, shortages, and privatization. Canada’s water systems are under threat from a free-trade agreement being negotiated between Canada and the European Union called the Comprehensive Economic Free Trade Agreement (CETA). A recent report from CUPE and the Council of Canadians exposes how CETA would open public water systems across Canada to privatization. In Alberta, the provincial government has plans to introduce le

An increasing number of Canadian households are embracing “locally-produced” food. A response to a complex of factors, it appears that local food may be on the verge of moving from a niche market to a market segment. Notwithstanding the growing popularity of local foods, a number of important questions remain unresolved. In this presentation the following questions will be addressed: 1.Just how “local” is locally-produced food? 2.Is the growing popularity of locally-produced food really a “turn toward quality”, or is it simply another example of branding and product differentiation? 3.What is the likely future of local food systems? Speaker: Tom Johnston Tom Johnston holds degrees from the universities of Guelph and Waterloo, and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Lethbridge. In addition to his interest in local food systems, Dr. Johnston’s ongoing research projects include an examination of the adoption of drought-proofing strategies by farmers and rural househol

An increasing number of Canadian households are embracing “locally-produced” food. A response to a complex of factors, it appears that local food may be on the verge of moving from a niche market to a market segment. Notwithstanding the growing popularity of local foods, a number of important questions remain unresolved. In this presentation the following questions will be addressed: 1.Just how “local” is locally-produced food? 2.Is the growing popularity of locally-produced food really a “turn toward quality”, or is it simply another example of branding and product differentiation? 3.What is the likely future of local food systems? Speaker: Tom Johnston Tom Johnston holds degrees from the universities of Guelph and Waterloo, and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Lethbridge. In addition to his interest in local food systems, Dr. Johnston’s ongoing research projects include an examination of the adoption of drought-proofing strategies by farmers and rural househol

Since 2007 the Allied Arts Council and the arts community of Lethbridge have collaborated on the Arts Re:Building Together initiative, which addresses concerns regarding the City’s arts facilities and proposed the concept of a “Cultural Corridor” for Lethbridge. In this campaign three buildings were identified as needing urgent care or replacement. First up was a renovation and expansion to the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, which was completed in September 2010; and in process now is a new Community Arts Centre to replace the Bowman Arts Centre, which is scheduled to break ground this spring. The final piece of the puzzle is a new Performing Arts Theatre, which would provide increased performing arts capacity in the City of Lethbridge. Is Lethbridge ready for a new Performing Arts Theatre? What social & economic benefits will a completed Cultural Corridor bring to our community? Why is Lethbridge in need of increased performing arts capacity? What background work and research have been done thus far?

Since 2007 the Allied Arts Council and the arts community of Lethbridge have collaborated on the Arts Re:Building Together initiative, which addresses concerns regarding the City’s arts facilities and proposed the concept of a “Cultural Corridor” for Lethbridge. In this campaign three buildings were identified as needing urgent care or replacement. First up was a renovation and expansion to the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, which was completed in September 2010; and in process now is a new Community Arts Centre to replace the Bowman Arts Centre, which is scheduled to break ground this spring. The final piece of the puzzle is a new Performing Arts Theatre, which would provide increased performing arts capacity in the City of Lethbridge. Is Lethbridge ready for a new Performing Arts Theatre? What social & economic benefits will a completed Cultural Corridor bring to our community? Why is Lethbridge in need of increased performing arts capacity? What background work and research have been done thus far?

The 2011 election saw many interesting developments. The Conservatives winning a majority was the immediate story, but the long-term story was one of party realignment. Realignment elections (1921, 1957, 1993) are few and far between, but when they occur they are significant. 2011 was a realignment election. First, we have seen the destruction of the Bloc Quebecois. Second, the Liberals – the Natural Governing Party of Canada – suffered a historic (and possibly fatal) defeat. Third, the NDP, largely due to an orange surge throughout Quebec, is now the official opposition. Fourth, the Green Party won its first seat ever. As a result of these changes, the Canadian Parliament will look like most other parliaments: a right wing party, a left wing party, and a group of small centrist, nationalist, and movement parties. Duane Bratt will explain the significance of the realignment election and what it means for the future of Canadian politics. He will also offer some thoughts on the policies that the new Harper-le

The 2011 election saw many interesting developments. The Conservatives winning a majority was the immediate story, but the long-term story was one of party realignment. Realignment elections (1921, 1957, 1993) are few and far between, but when they occur they are significant. 2011 was a realignment election. First, we have seen the destruction of the Bloc Quebecois. Second, the Liberals – the Natural Governing Party of Canada – suffered a historic (and possibly fatal) defeat. Third, the NDP, largely due to an orange surge throughout Quebec, is now the official opposition. Fourth, the Green Party won its first seat ever. As a result of these changes, the Canadian Parliament will look like most other parliaments: a right wing party, a left wing party, and a group of small centrist, nationalist, and movement parties. Duane Bratt will explain the significance of the realignment election and what it means for the future of Canadian politics. He will also offer some thoughts on the policies that the new Harper-le

The latest provincial budget is going to impact on many Alberta families and communities very hard. We are told that there needs to be cuts to many essential public services due to the current deficit, but when you look deeper at the budget, you see that there are many choices that the government is making that clearly do not support what matters most to Albertans. In this talk, the speaker will not only explore how the provincial budget is affecting our communities and families, but will also talk about what we can do to advocate for a better vision for Alberta. Speaker Bill Moore-Kilgannon Bill Moore-Kilgannon is the Executive Director of Public Interest Alberta. Prior to joining Public Interest Alberta, he worked in Ottawa as the Director of Campaigns and Communications of the Council of Canadians from 2001 – 2004 and he was the Executive Director of the Parkland Institute at the University of Alberta from 1997 - 2001. Earlier, Bill was the coordinator of the Global Visions Festival from 1992

The latest provincial budget is going to impact on many Alberta families and communities very hard. We are told that there needs to be cuts to many essential public services due to the current deficit, but when you look deeper at the budget, you see that there are many choices that the government is making that clearly do not support what matters most to Albertans. In this talk, the speaker will not only explore how the provincial budget is affecting our communities and families, but will also talk about what we can do to advocate for a better vision for Alberta. Speaker Bill Moore-Kilgannon Bill Moore-Kilgannon is the Executive Director of Public Interest Alberta. Prior to joining Public Interest Alberta, he worked in Ottawa as the Director of Campaigns and Communications of the Council of Canadians from 2001 – 2004 and he was the Executive Director of the Parkland Institute at the University of Alberta from 1997 - 2001. Earlier, Bill was the coordinator of the Global Visions Festival from 1992

NEW: The link to the video Jim Byrne screened is here: http://scientiaproductions.com/clw/introduction Run-off and waste streams from farms, factories and cities is choking our lakes and waterways. Chemical fertilizers, intensive livestock operations, industrial waste and lawn and household products are just some of the causes. Massive blue-green algae blooms have appeared in Lake Winnipeg and other water bodies across the Canadian prairies. Eutrophication is fast becoming a problem; not just in Canada but in the most heavily-populated parts of the industrialized and developing world. We are polluting our sources of drinking water and the habitat of fish and other aquatic species. The speaker’s new film, Choking Lake Winnipeg, will be screened during this session to illustrate the problems of aquatic pollution and describe some of the actions needed at various levels to reverse the process, including action that can be taken at the household level. Dr. Byrne will take questions from the audience after the

NEW: The link to the video Jim Byrne screened is here: http://scientiaproductions.com/clw/introduction Run-off and waste streams from farms, factories and cities is choking our lakes and waterways. Chemical fertilizers, intensive livestock operations, industrial waste and lawn and household products are just some of the causes. Massive blue-green algae blooms have appeared in Lake Winnipeg and other water bodies across the Canadian prairies. Eutrophication is fast becoming a problem; not just in Canada but in the most heavily-populated parts of the industrialized and developing world. We are polluting our sources of drinking water and the habitat of fish and other aquatic species. The speaker’s new film, Choking Lake Winnipeg, will be screened during this session to illustrate the problems of aquatic pollution and describe some of the actions needed at various levels to reverse the process, including action that can be taken at the household level. Dr. Byrne will take questions from the audience after the