How can we make a difference in our community with evidence-based public safety projects?
Dr. Kirsten Fantazir, President’s Applied Research Chair in Public Safety and Dr. Jami Albright-Tolman, Principle Investigator, Researcher and Faculty, Lethbridge Polytechnic
Thursday, January 23, 2025 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Lethbridge Polytechnics’s Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR) has been embracing Klose’s (2024) re-definition of evidence-based policing approach that entails decision-making, “which integrates the best available evidence, professional judgement and community values, preferences and circumstances”. CPSAR currently supports over 14 different research projects, 15 researchers, 14 student researchers that involve meaningful collaborations with over 28 Canadian policing, public safety, academic, and community partners across five provinces. We hope to share the benefits and potential of using “research-informed, practitioner-centred, and community-oriented” (Klose, 2024) evidence-based policing practices overall.
Can Alberta rice fields be engineered to supply us with novel proteins?
Illimar Altosaar, CEO of Proteins Easy Corp.
Thursday, January 16, 2025 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Our human body comprises 20,000 different essential proteins, each made up of a unique sequence of amino acids, unique in length, composition and three-dimensional structure. If our genome, or epigenome, fails to nourish us with one or more of our own proteins, say insulin, to whom do we turn in order to acquire such essential biomedical proteins or biologics? If our industries require biocatalysts like food processing enzymes or biomaterial proteins such as silk, how easily could our Prairies produce such otherwise expensive and exclusive proteins?
Why the change from Lethbridge College to Lethbridge Polytechnic?
Dr. Brad Donaldson, Lethbridge Polytechnic president and chief executive officer
Thursday, January 9, 2025 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
What is the difference between a college and a polytechnic and how long has this change been in the works? How much will this change cost and will it change the funding the institution receives from the Government of Alberta? Other changes at Lethbridge Polytechnic will be addressed by the speaker - among them, what does it mean for applied research and will programs be modified from present teaching methods? For example, will more programs be compatible - and or transferable with the University of Lethbridge?
Deciphering the Entrails of the 2024 US Presidential Election.
Dr. Trevor Harrison
Thursday, December 19, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
This talk will focus on who voted and why. It will dispel several interpretations of the outcome. It concludes that the election is best seen as a reflection of a crisis facing the American political and party systems. Speaker: Trevor Harrison Trevor W. Harrison is a retired professor of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge. He was formerly Director of Parkland Institute (2011-2021) and a member of both the Canadian political science and sociology associations.
How can we get Public Education back on track?
Kevin McBeath, Danielle Gareau and Derek Resler
Thursday, December 12, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Nothing is more important to Albertans than our kids, but too many are struggling. Teachers and parents both know our schools don’t have the support kids need. Alberta’s per-student spending on education is the lowest in the country. Teachers are leaving the profession, kids are falling behind, and parents are worried. We can make things better, by investing in smaller classes, more support in classrooms, and manageable workloads to be able to recruit, retain, and respect professionals in public education.
Downtown fire safety and what is everyone's role in fire prevention?
Troy Hicks, Chief Fire Marshal
Thursday, December 5, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
There has been a recent spike in downtown fires. The speaker will discuss why fire prevention is essential, how we can minimize fire risks and hazards, and the importance of regular checks and maintenance. Speaker: Troy Hicks, Chief Fire Marshal, Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services Mr Hicks has been with the Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services Fire Prevention Bureau for 13 years and has been the Chief Fire Marshal since Feb of 2024.
How important is independent mobility for children?
Dr. Richard Larouche, Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Lethbridge
Thursday, November 28, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Parents today likely won’t be surprised to know their children have far less freedom to travel in their neighbourhoods than they did. But what they might not know is how that could affect their children’s physical activity and mental health. Most children and adolescents worldwide are not active enough to obtain optimal benefits for health and development. Among the many factors associated with physical activity, children’s independent mobility (CIM), which is their freedom to roam and explore their neighbourhood without adult supervision, is gaining increasing attention.
After 106 years, how do diversification and self-sufficiency keep the Wilson Hutterite Colony viable?
Paul Wurz
Thursday, November 21, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The Wilson Hutterite Colony has been in existence in its present location since 1918 when the original settlers arrived from North Dakota. Originally they came from Europe where people in parts of Austria speak a language similar to theirs even now. Today there are 128 people residing on the colony, located south of Coaldale. The successful farming operation includes livestock and poultry production as well as beautifully crafted goods for colony use sold both locally and even internationally.
What are the Dangers of Slogans and Populism?
James Moore
Thursday, November 14, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Slogans and populism cliches can become dangerously powerful when not critically examined. Does their persistence, despite lack of merit, speak to their utility for some dominant power? Two examples are: ” There is no such thing as society.” and “The government has no money of its own.” The speaker will explore these examples on their own lack of merit, while touching more broadly on human responsibility for our world today and tomorrow.
What’s the deal? The primary care access crisis and integrating nurse practitioners.
Christiane Eitzenberger, NP, Vice President, Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta
Thursday, November 7, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
This Nov 7 session will be an in-person virtual presentation, including Q & A, shown on the LSCO screens via Zoom. You can also join the session virtually from anywhere via Zoom Meeting ID: 878 8620 0118 Passcode: SACPA The speaker will contend that Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are versatile, experienced clinicians with extensive clinical training and graduate level specialization. NPs are completely independent health professionals and require no outside supervision of their practice.
What Does It Mean to Be Charitable When We Argue?
Dr. Katharina Stevens
Thursday, October 31, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The argumentative exchange of reasons is often seen as the most equality-affirming, respectful way in which parties can engage with each other’s minds. But for argumentation to fulfill this promise, we often have to invest extra effort. One of the places where such extra effort may be required is when we try to understand the reasons that the person we are arguing with is trying to communicate to us. This can be difficult, especially when they are not very good speakers, or when we strongly disagree with their worldview.
Method in the Madness: Is chaos used to advance the Alberta Government agenda?
Jason Foster, Director Parkland Institute
Thursday, October 24, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Since the May 2023 provincial election, the UCP government has arguably embarked on an ambitious, rapid and multi-faceted policy agenda. The pace and breadth of these changes appears to create a sense of chaos. This chaos may not be a byproduct of their aggressive agenda, but one of its central goals. The rapid-fire announcements, overhaul of key government functions, pursuit of unpopular positions and provocative talk from the Premier can work together to sow a sense of chaos and create cover for a longer term agenda.
What can a Game Warden teach us about Wildlife Conservation?
Jim Mitchell
Thursday, October 17, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The speaker, a game warden with 38 years of experience in Alberta, will share stories about his work in protecting the region’s fish and wildlife. He will highlight the delicate balance between humans and nature, the diverse wildlife in Alberta, and the challenges faced by conservation efforts. This presentation will showcase the dedication required to safeguard these natural resources and provide insight into the tireless work of individuals committed to conservation.
Can Alberta's Health Care system be Fixed without the Government's proposed restructuring of AHS?
Chris Gallaway, Executive Director Friends of Medicare
Thursday, October 10, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Albertans are no strangers to disruptive restructuring of our health care system. Decades of austerity have left us with reduced services, creeping privatization, and worse care conditions. None of this, however, can fully prepare us for the harm that may be caused by the provincial government’s ongoing dismantling of Alberta Health Services (AHS). Danielle Smith’s government is undertaking a massive restructuring of health care delivery. As the government continues to roll out their plan, it has become increasingly clear that this isn’t actually about improving patient care or local input, but arguably, a systematic overhaul designed to benefit the profits of the government’s private sector friends.
Why is the YWCA Lethbridge & District still needed after 75 Years?
Jill Young, CEO YWCA Lethbridge
Thursday, October 3, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
YWCA Lethbridge & District has been rooted in Lethbridge for 75 years, continuously adapting to the needs of the community. In 2024, the organization continues to play a crucial role in addressing the escalating social and economic challenges faced by vulnerable women, children, and youth. With rising housing and rental costs, many families are unable to secure affordable, stable housing, driving them to YWCA services. The rising cost of living further deepens financial instability, leaving individuals at greater risk of homelessness and domestic violence.
Is a Battery Electric Vehicle Right For You?
Tom Moffat
Thursday, September 26, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
There’s a whole new vehicle technology out there - electric vehicles. When you’re in the market for a new or new-to-you vehicle a question arises. Is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) right for you? This presentation looks at the pluses and minuses of fully electric vehicles. Amid the flood of information and disinformation out there, we’ll pick out some of the more important things you need to know about BEVs.
Are cows really the scourge of the planet?
Dr. Tim McAllister, Lethbridge Research and Development Research Centre
Thursday, September 19, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The speaker will present the latest strategies for reducing methane emissions in cattle, focusing on how advancements in rumen microbiome research and optimized nutrition can lower environmental impact. He will highlight new data and technologies that improve feed efficiency and sustainability in cattle production. Speaker: Dr. Tim McAllister, Lethbridge Research and Development Research Centre Dr. Tim McAllister is a Principal Research Scientist at AAFC’s Lethbridge Research Centre. His research focuses on microbiology, nutrition and beef production and on food and environmental safety issues related to livestock production, strategies for mitigation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, prion inactivation within the environment, antimicrobial resistance in bacteria in feedlots and investigating the discovery and characterization of fibrolytic enzymes from rumen microbes.
What is the status of Federal, Provincial and Private Research Funding at ULethbridge?
Dena McMartin, faculty member, and Vice-President of Research at the University of Lethbridge
Thursday, September 12, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
A continued focus on strengthening research partnerships and strong performance in federal grant agency support sees ULethbridge among Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities spurred by a second-place ranking amongst all undergraduate universities in the growth of research income as it relates to industry partnerships. The partnerships forged in recent years highlight the fact that ULethbridge researchers are helping solve important issues facing small and big businesses, industrial partners, agri-food, tech and many other sectors.
General Meeting for SACPA (Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs)
Thursday, June 27, 2024 1:15 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
SACPA’s AGM is scheduled immediately following the final 2023 – 2024 session featuring Dr. Duane Bratt. Members in good standing eligible to vote. Date/time: Thursday June 27, 2023, 1:15 pm. Location**:** Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) Dining Room, 500-11 Street S, Lethbridge, AB
Is Alberta's new NDP leader likely to make substantial changes to NDP policies of the past?
Dr. Duane Bratt
Thursday, June 27, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
For the past several months, Kathleen Ganley, Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse, Sarah Hoffman and Naheed Nenshi have been battling it out to see who will replace Rachel Notley as leader of Alberta’s NDP. Each leadership candidate faced an entrance fee of $60,000 and a spending limit of $500,000. Initially, David Shepherd registered his candidacy early, but did not pursue it further. Rakhi Pancholi also announced her candidacy early, but withdrew from the leadership race shortly after Naheed Nenshi entered the race.
Local Leadership in a Changing Landscape: How Will the Roles of Bills 18 and 20 Shape Alberta?
Jack van Rijn, Mayor of Coaldale
Thursday, June 20, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The speaker will share his views on Bill 18, which deals with a potential limitation of municipal-federal agreements - an overview of the bill, its intentions, and the potential impacts on municipal autonomy, operations and how this bill could redefine the relationship between municipalities and the federal government, and what this can mean for local governance and decision-making. Regarding Bill 20, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, the speaker will examine the amendments proposed in this bill, their significance for municipal administration and highlight key changes.
Should we be paying more attention to the weather and biodiversity changes in far away Antarctica?
Dr. Jennifer Copeland
Thursday, June 13, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The sense of isolation that Antarctica brings is achieved in part thanks to an international collaboration and treaty that sees Antarctica as an unowned land, open to science and discovery. It is closely and collectively monitored by protocols that visiting parties agree to follow and therefore, it’s a perfect stage for programs focused on leadership and sustainability. Our speaker, who will account her experience, did her homework, and then some, before embarking on her 19-night tour of Antarctica as part of the Homeward Bound global leadership initiative for women with a background in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM).
Is the UCP’s Alberta Pension Plan just Pixie Dust and Unicorns?
David Bruce Carpenter, Chartered accountant
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The session will address the history of CPP, who governs CPP, relationship to QPP, funding methodology for pensions, necessary changes to ensure viability in the 1990s, the unfunded liability, viability of the current plan, fiduciary responsibilities of decision makers, ownership of the assets, who gets the liability on separation, the UCP proposal, gaping holes in their promises, UCP’s ability to manage the referendum, and finally serious questions for Albertans to ponder.
The gut-brain connection: How can it help us achieve gut and brain health?
Dr. Chelsea Matisz
Thursday, May 30, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
There is a wealth of evidence highlighting the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. This communication highway, facilitated by many pathways, forms the cornerstone of what we now recognize as the gut-brain axis. But why should we care about this intricate web of connections? The answer lies in the profound implications it holds for our overall health and wellness. Research has shown that disruptions in the delicate balance of the gut-brain axis can contribute to a wide array of health issues, ranging from gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to neurological conditions such as anxiety and depression.
A Rural Medical Education Training Centre at U of L: What are the Benefits and Challenges?
Dr. Jon Doan, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge
Thursday, May 23, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Recently, the Alberta government announced an investment of over $200 million to train more physicians for rural areas, with a significant share of that money being invested at ULethbridge for a new rural medical education program training centre, one of two that will be established in the province. ULethbridge will be working with the University of Calgary on the centre here while the University of Alberta will partner with Northwestern Polytechnic to develop one in Grand Prairie.
How can we stem the tide of rising age-related dementia?
Robert Sutherland
Thursday, May 16, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
This talk will outline the brain bases of age-related dementia. Dementias can be reversed or avoided by modifying specific risk factors. Some are only available early in life, while others can be addressed in later years. A current understanding of the full range of risk factors, modifiable and non-modifiable, will be presented. Speaker: Dr. Rob Sutherland Rob Sutherland is Professor & Chair of Neuroscience, Tier 1 Board of Governors Research Chair in Neuroscience, Director of the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, and Director of the Hub for Neuroengineering Solutions.
Are you concerned about how hearing loss might impact your memory and thinking as you age?
Glenn Hole
Thursday, May 9, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Please join us for a session that cuts through the confusion surrounding hearing loss and cognitive health with info on: A clear breakdown of the links between hearing loss and cognitive decline. How your brain health could be affected by untreated hearing loss. Strategies to protect your hearing and minimize risks. How to identify misleading marketing and scare tactics being used in the hearing health industry. Speaker: Glenn Hole Glenn is a published researcher interested in psychoacoustics, hearing aid technology, tinnitus, and hyperacusis.
What is the current status of the Lethbridge Drug Crisis?
Sergeant Ryan Darroch
Thursday, May 2, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The latest data indicates a concerning increase in drug-related incidents and overdose deaths in Lethbridge. Over the past years, there has been a significant rise in the use of opioids and methamphetamines. The trend mirrors the provincial and national crisis but is exacerbated locally by socio-economic factors unique to Lethbridge. Sergeant Darroch will provide an updated overview of the ongoing drug crisis in Lethbridge. He will explore current trends, the community impact, response efforts, and propose directions for future intervention.
Why Place Limits on Freedom of Expression?
Dr. Susan Dieleman, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Lethbridge
Thursday, April 25, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
In the opinion of the Supreme Court of Canada, the purpose of protecting freedom of expression is to enable “the pursuit of truth, participation in the community, and individual self-fulfillment and human flourishing.” However, expressive freedoms can be and have been subject to limits. Where these limits should be located, and for what purposes, is a matter of near constant debate. The speaker will provide an overview of existing arguments for and against limiting freedom of expression.
Did you know Indigenous children in Canada endured more than just Indian residential schools during the stolen children era?
Apooyak'ii/Dr. Tiffany Prete, Assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge
Thursday, April 18, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Join us for an enlightening presentation by Apooyak’ii / Dr. Tiffany Hind Bull-Prete as she delves into crucial topics surrounding the Stolen Children Era. Discover the origins of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and gain insight into why the Calls to Action are relevant to all of us. This lecture is a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of these important issues. Speaker: Apooyak’ii/Dr. Tiffany Prete Apooyak’ii/Dr. Tiffany Prete (nee Hind Bull) is a member of the Kainai (Blood Tribe) of the Siksikasitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), located in the Treaty 7 area.
Artificial intelligence — bane or boon to humanity?
Dr. Sidney Shapiro, Assistant Professor of Business Analytics at the Dhillon School of Business
Thursday, April 11, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently a hot topic — some people tout it as the next best thing for increasing productivity and reducing costs while others are concerned robots will be replacing workers. Every day brings a new headline, and the average person may be left to wonder whether AI is a good or bad thing. The speaker will argue that AI is in the midst of a big transition. Companies are looking at how to innovate and deliver more value for shareholders, that is, make more money by automating everything.
Rethinking Alberta’s Electricity?
Nathan Neudorf, Alberta MLA for Lethbridge East Constituency
Thursday, April 4, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Join us for an insightful presentation by Minister Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East and Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities. Minister Neudorf will delve into the details of Alberta’s electricity market providing valuable insights into its current state and discussing key factors impacting electricity affordability. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Alberta’s electricity sector, and discover how government initiatives are working towards ensuring a reliable and affordable electricity grid for all Albertans.
How Important is Tourism to our Lethbridge and Southern Alberta Region?
Erin Crane, CEO for Tourism Lethbridge
Thursday, March 28, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Tourism is vital for the success of many economies around the world. It boosts revenues, creates thousands of jobs, helps to develop infrastructure and plants a sense of cultural exchange between visitors and residents. With four UNESCO World Heritage sites and the largest facilities for Sports and Business Events south of Calgary, opportunities are available to invest, grow and capture additional economic impact. How do we accomplish this and do it in a sustainable way?
Are Alberta’s proposed policies for trans youth and parents "rights" based strictly on ideology?
Katie DeLucia-Burk, registered social worker
Thursday, March 21, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The Alberta Government recently announced their intention to ban gender-affirming care for trans youth under the age of 18, despite contemporary research and internationally recognized best practices, as set out by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), agreeing that this could end up hurting many of those vulnerable youth. Additionally proposed measures for transgender minors also includes a ban on puberty blockers and parental consent for pronoun changes. Teachers and health professionals were largely not consulted, but more importantly, trans youth have had their voices completely ignored.
The MPE Link Pathway: Are more active living options important in today's society?
Henry Doeve and Alvin Fritz
Thursday, March 14, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The ability to ride your bike off highway and jog or walk safely along a 15 km paved pathway between Lethbridge and Coaldale is something the LINK Regional Pathway Society is working towards. And they have the support of the City and Lethbridge County, St. Mary Irrigation District (SMRID) and the Town of Coaldale. The society has been working on a vision to connect the Henderson Lake area with the Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale using the SMRID canal easement running through irrigated farm land.
Who, What, Where and Why the ALERT ICE Teams investigates predators in our community and around the world?
Cst. Heather Bangle
Thursday, March 7, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
ALERT’s (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams) ICE (Internet Child Exploitation) teams investigate a range of criminal offences involving child pornography, any computer-related child sexual abuse, child luring over the internet, voyeurism involving underage victims, and child sex trade/tourism. ICE teams also investigate sextortion involving minors. Intakes and case referrals have nearly tripled over a 6 year period. Since last year, ICE experienced over an 8% increase, in a continued upward trend since the pandemic and continued increase in youth digital dependency.
What is Restorative Justice?
Debbie Melting Tallow, Sherry Tailfeathers and Leon Day Chief
Thursday, February 29, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Through Kainai Peacemaking we continue to strive for quality of life and provide an orderly and acceptable way of conducting our lives within the Kainai community by providing opportunities for individuals to resolve conflicts with the law. Speakers: Debbie Melting Tallow, Sherry Tailfeathers and Leon Day Chief Debbie Melting Tallow is administrative support/Intake worker for the Kainai Peacemaking Program. She was employed as the administrative assistant when the program started 15 years ago and as time went on and referrals increased, she attended Cardston court for such referrals, assisted as a facilitator for peacemaker/elder counseling, wrote completion reports, and updated the Crown, Defence lawyers and Native Counseling regarding the referrals.
After Notley, What is next for Alberta's NDP?
Dr. Trevor Harrison
Thursday, February 22, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
In January 2024, Rachel Notley announced that she’s stepping down as leader of the Alberta NDP. Notley, the daughter of former NDP leader Grant Notley, was elected to the Alberta Legislature in 2008, representing Edmonton – Strathcona. She won the provincial party leadership in October 2014 and subsequently served as premier of Alberta from 2015 - 2019 after the NDP won the 2015 provincial election. No matter who follows Notley, her resignation will leave a gaping hole in Alberta politics.
Kenneyism? - Jason Kenney's Pursuit of Power
Jeremy Appel
Thursday, February 15, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Combining firm ideological commitments with shrewd political tactics, Jason Kenney was a key figure in bringing right-wing populism to the mainstream of Canadian politics, but in doing so he unleashed forces he couldn’t control, which eventually produced his downfall. The speaker will argue that from Jason Kenney’s days as an anti-abortion activist at the University of San Francisco, and through his years as a Canadian Taxpayers Federation lobbyist, Reform MP, top cabinet minister in the Harper government, and Alberta premier, Kenney has been single-mindedly driven to bring his harsh moralistic worldview into the mainstream.
ScienceUpFirst: What is Misinformation in the Digital Age?
Amanda Bigford, English Content Creator
Thursday, February 8, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Sometimes it’s difficult to tell if what we’re seeing online is true. With so much information coming from countless different sources the internet can be an overwhelming landscape. There are a lot of tactics misinformers can use to catch us off guard and no one is excluded from getting caught up in it from time to time. ScienceUpFirst is an initiative from the Canadian Association of Science Centres. Our mission is to share good science, giving people the tools that they need to spot misinformation for themselves.
Is anything actually working in public education?
Kristina Larkin
Thursday, February 1, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
There’s no question our communities face major struggles within the K-12 education system in Alberta - unfunded students, overwhelmed staff, crowded classrooms, and insufficient inclusive learning supports. So is anything actually working in education? Here’s the answer key: “Yes”. Creating a vision for a successful learning for every student is a critical part of developing our communities. Kristina Larkin advocates for change and also celebrations, and will explore school and education system successes, promising practices, and the excellent learning that takes place in Alberta schools - and ways to encourage more.
How Can We Get More Water?
Kevin van Tighem
Thursday, January 25, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Dams don’t make water. They store it. Water actually comes from the headwaters landscape and we are squandering our future because of a collective failure to see that the most important water management decisions are actually land use decisions. There is more water to be found, but only if we demand changes to how our Eastern Slopes are managed. And time is running out. Speaker: Kevin Van Tighem Kevin has worked in landscape ecology and conservation for four decades, mostly in western Canada’s national parks.
In what way are Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) experiences different in the context of rural living?
Dr. Julia Brassolotto, Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences
Thursday, January 18, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
In a 2015 ruling, the Supreme Court of Canada unanimously voted that the prohibition on assisted death in the Criminal Code was unconstitutional. This led to Parliament passing Bill C-14 in 2016, amending the Criminal Code to allow legal exemptions for MAiD. Since its passage, MAiD usage has increased every year, with a total of 10,064 MAID provisions in 2021 alone, accounting for 3.3% of all deaths in Canada. Public polling suggests that the majority of Canadians support MAiD, but their opinions about the service are nuanced and complex.
Upon Further Reflection: Lethbridge Then and Now
Belinda Crowson
Thursday, January 11, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The Lethbridge Historical Society (originally the Whoop-Up Chapter of the Historical Society of Alberta) has been publishing occasional papers/books since the 1960s. The Society’s current publication – Upon Further Reflection: Lethbridge Then and Now – is the Society’s 62nd publication. The book is an update of the LHS’ 1980 publication: Reflections: Lethbridge Then and Now, written by Warren Hall and Barb Goodman. The captions in the new book were researched and written by Belinda Crowson, and the new photographs taken by Mike Jensen and Belinda Crowson.
Indigenous Recovery: building allies in the community
Jacen Aubrey, Director, Urban Indigenous Recovery Coach Program
Thursday, January 4, 2024 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The Indigenous Recovery Program is dedicated to proactively addressing the opioid crisis by implementing a comprehensive and collaborative approach rooted in cultural sensitivity, compassion, and harm reduction. Our mission is to reduce opioid-related deaths, raise awareness about opioid misuse, enhance access to culturally relevant, compassionate, and non-judgmental services, and forge a holistic path forward for First Nations living in urban areas. Goals are to: Foster open dialogue on opioid-related issues to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.
Abortion as Health Care: what does Pro-Choice Mean?
Jenn Prosser, Pro Choice YQL
Thursday, December 14, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Pro-Choice YQL’s goal is to empower individuals in Southern Alberta with the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed choices about their reproductive health and sexual wellness. We are dedicated to advocating for access to safe and legal abortion services, contraception, and comprehensive sexual education. Our vision is a future where reproductive justice is a reality for all. We firmly believe that every person in Southern Alberta deserves the reproductive care they require, free from judgment, discrimination, and stigma.
Moms Stop the Harm and Failed Drug Policies
Amber Jensen
Thursday, December 7, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
While Opioid addictions and overdoses is a crisis across the country and provincially, the statistics are staggering for Southern Alberta. The speaker will provide context and put a face to these statistics. The presentation will address Policies developed to stem the tide of addiction and drug poisonings. Policies purported to assist individuals to treatment and support will be reviewed. The advocacy of “Moms Stop the Harm” and the policies and solutions the group would like to see implemented will be discussed.
Archaeology as the Canary in the Coalmine: Is the Treatment of Cultural Heritage a Barometer of Social Issues?
Kevin McGeough, Professor of Archaeology
Thursday, November 30, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Despite its seemingly objective stance towards history, rooted in the analysis of material remains of past societies, archaeological interpretation is often contested and invoked to make arguments about the present. Archaeology acts, in some ways, as a metaphorical fault line in contemporary societies, upon which power and identity is negotiated through reference to past peoples and things. Because of this, how people treat cultural heritage can be used as a barometer for different kinds of political sentiments, from the rights of women and minorities to public mistrust of vaccines.
Working Together to Prevent Domestic Violence and Abuse
Linette Soldan and Bonnie Millward , ED and Manager of Client Programs at Rowan House
Thursday, November 23, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Gender based violence takes place in ways that are unique & disproportionately high in rural communities, but the needs of families often go unmet. Families experiencing domestic violence & abuse often face complex challenges in rural communities. According to the Learning Network, rates of police reported intimate partner violence experienced by rural women in Canada are 75% higher than those for urban women. Rates of police-reported violent crime are 56% higher for rural women than the national rate.
Balancing “Competing” Interests: How Albertans Think About Energy Transition
Dr. Melanee Thomas, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Calgary
Thursday, November 16, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Energy transition — moving away from fossil fuels toward more renewable sources of energy — is well underway, even in Alberta. For example, Alberta will move completely away from coal-fired electricity by the end of 2023. Despite this, energy transition is sometimes presented as, and for some genuinely perceived as an “existential” threat to economic prosperity, particularly for provinces like Alberta. This presentation outlines public opinion about energy transition; knowing this helps explain and understand how and why energy transition is politicized by elite and partisan political actors.
Are Changes needed to Lethbridge’s existing Land Use Bylaw?
Ross Kilgour
Thursday, November 9, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Lethbridge’s existing Land Use Bylaw has served our community since 1986. During this time, several amendments have been undertaken to this Bylaw to address market demands and resident aspirations. However, since its creation almost 40 years ago it has not undergone a comprehensive renewal. The Land Use Bylaw sets out the rules for what kind of building or activity can take place on private property and outlines the process for issuing Development Permits that give approval for new buildings and activities.
Canada Pension Plan Under Threat: How Can We Save Our Retirement Security?
Brad Lafortune, Public Interest Alberta
Thursday, November 2, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Take Back Alberta supporters in the United Conservative Party arguably want to take Albertans out of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and substitute an “Alberta Pension Plan” (APP). Given its possible long-term effect on the lives of Albertans, this should have been one of the more important issues in the recent election campaign. Instead, the Premier refused to discuss it at all, and now the provincial government is spending more than 7.