SACPA acknowledges that our events takes place on the lands of the Blackfoot People and Metis Nation of Alberta, Region lll and we pay respect to their past, present and future cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship to the land. SACPA commits to assist reconciliation efforts by raising awareness of the ways past and present injustices can be reconciled.

Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) was founded in 1967. It is an independent forum, moderated by volunteers, meeting Thursdays at noon some 40 weeks a year and at occasional special sessions, to debate local, provincial, national, and international issues of concern to the residents of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta.

SACPA sessions are at the LSCO (Lethbridge Senior Citizen Organization) at 500 11 St. S. Lethbridge, lunch at 11:30 am, speaker 12:00 to 1:00 and made available on our YouTube channel for viewing and you are invited to explore them on our YouTube channel.

The rationale of the Council is that the strength of a political democracy is lodged in the freedom of citizens to assemble and freely discuss ideas and issues. SACPA seeks to promote a sense of community and citizenship amongst the public. It is strictly non-partisan in its political outlook and encourages the expression of divergent viewpoints. SACPA does not take sides on the issues debated at its sessions. The opinions expressed by speakers are their own and are not necessarily shared by the Board of Directors.

Upcoming Sessions

Upcoming Sessions

What may happen to Indigenous lands, should Alberta decide to separate from Canada?

Thursday, October 16, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dr. Mike Bruised Head , Ninna Piksii

Alberta’s recent introduction of Bill 54 (The Citizen Initiative Act) which lowers the threshold for citizen-led referendums in the province, has sparked renewed concerns about the possibility of Alberta separating from Canada. The speaker will contend that If Alberta attempted to separate, it could not maintain the treaty relationships established with the Crown. First Nations would have strong constitutional and international law arguments to reject inclusion in an independent Alberta. Under international law, particularly the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, they have the right to self-determination, which may mean First Nations could demand autonomy, remain with Canada, or negotiate new terms directly.

You can’t take it with you: What are the important proactive steps that can be taken planning your retirement and estate documents?

Thursday, October 23, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Susan J Ginther

Retirement and especially estate planning are often ignored until late in life and sometimes too late. The speaker will give options on some of the many different scenarios that most of us will experience. Speaker: Susan J Ginther Susan has been a financial advisor and investment & retirement planner for over 32 years. Her passion and focus are relationships and planning. Knowing and understanding clients’ wishes are paramount to her before making plans to achieve their goals.

Advancing agriculture and events in southern Alberta: What do the changes to Lethbridge & District Exhibition mean to our community?

Thursday, October 30, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Kim Gallucc, CEO of Excite Lethbridge

Lethbridge & District Exhibition has officially split into two new not-for-profit organizations, the Lethbridge & District Agricultural Society (LDAS) and Excite Lethbridge. Each entity has its own unique mission, vision and mandate, but will work collaboratively to ensure events, agriculture, community gatherings and the newly-renamed Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre (formerly the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre) are run efficiently and sustainably. This made-in-Lethbridge solution ensures a strong and clear future that puts Lethbridge at the heart of events and agriculture in our region, province and country.

Poverty, Addiction, Homelessness and Food Insecurity in Lethbridge.

Thursday, November 6, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Bill Ginther

Lethbridge faces interconnected challenges of increasing homelessness, rising poverty rates, persistent food insecurity, and a significant drug crisis. Recent data shows homelessness rising by 7% annually since 2022, with shelter capacity often exceeded. Over 12% of the population lives below the low-income threshold, with child poverty and Indigenous population rates being particularly high. Speaker: Bill Ginther Bill Ginther is the Executive Director of the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, where he is in his 9th year as part of his third post retirement position.

Immigrant numbers currently coming to Canada: Do we need immigration?

Thursday, November 13, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

John Lafferty

Speaker: John Lafferty Date/Time: Thursday, November 13, 2025. The presentation begins at 12 noon & concludes at 1 pm. Cost is free, donations however, are gratefully accepted. Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge Lunch and Refreshments: If you like, please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good-value food/drink options in the Atrium Dining Room ahead of the session

Redefining Age: Seniors’ Centres in a Changing World

Thursday, November 20, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Kaitlynn Weaver, ED Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

As the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) celebrates its 50th year, we recognize that the needs and expectations of seniors are evolving like never before. Aging is not simply a matter of years—it is shaped by community, culture, and changing perspectives on what it means to grow older. This presentation explores how seniors’ centres must adapt to support a new generation of older adults who seek purpose, connection, and engagement in diverse ways.

Recent Sessions

Recent Sessions

Growing Local: How High-Tech Greenhouses Are Bringing Year-Round Canadian Produce to Your Table

Thursday, October 9, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Colin Chapdelaine, President of Whole Leaf Ltd.

Canadians increasingly want produce that is fresh, safe, and grown close to home—but our climate rarely cooperates. Modern controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) is changing that equation. This talk explores how energy-efficient greenhouses like Whole Leaf’s 11-acre facility in Coaldale now supply millions of heads of lettuce year-round with 90 percent less water than field production and zero insecticides or herbicides. The speaker will examine: The market shift toward “Made-in-Canada” fresh produce and its economic impact Key technologies—climate control, hydroponics, automation, and combined heat-and-power (CHP) systems—that make northern greenhouses viable and competitive Sustainability gains: Reduced land use, water recirculation, and CO2 utilization How local production shortens supply chains, lowers spoilage, and improves food security for Southern Alberta & Canada.

How We Moralize and Why It Matters

Thursday, October 2, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Ian Olasov

Moralizing gets a bad rap, but I’ll try to convince you that it (sort of) shouldn’t. I’ll walk through a handful of unusual forms that moralizing can take, like ironically thanking someone or pretending to reprimand someone who isn’t there. I’ll try to show that paying closer attention to these forms of moralizing should change your mind about the function of morality, sanctimoniousness, and whether morality is more a matter of reason or emotion.
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