How do we see people with disability? Are they fellow humans? Do we treat them with respect? Or are they a burden? Are some even exploited to serve the good of the wider community? Dr. Malacrida will look at what happened at the Michener Institute at Red Deer and how disabled people have been used for political expediency. Speaker: Claudia Malacrida Claudia Malacrida is a University Scholar and Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Lethbridge, specializing in disability studies, sociology of the body, and gender.
Conscientious Objection to Military Service and Citizenship: A Canadian Perspective
Amy Shaw
Thursday, December 11, 2008 12:00 PM
The appalling death toll of the First World War and the need for a sense of equality of sacrifice on the home front led to Canada’s first experience of overseas conscription. The backlash against enforced military service in Quebec was, and has been historically seen as the great threat to the wartime vision of national unity. This has obscured the important role of “conscientious objectors,” those who saw military service as incompatible with their religious or ethical beliefs.
Have Albertans Given the Stelmach Government a Free Ride?
Greg Weadick MLA
Thursday, December 4, 2008 12:00 PM
Only 41% of registered voters actually voted in Alberta’s last general election in March this year – an historical low for the province. But they gave the Stelmach government a massive majority of 86 percent of the seats at the Legislature. It’s mandate, however, came from less than one-quarter of the electorate. Low turnout at the polls is symptomatic of a serious lack of commitment by the electorate. Voter apathy may have been helped by years of domination of Conservative governments and a perceived lack of viable alternatives.
Will Lethbridge''s Most Vulnerable Seniors Soon Be At Risk?
David Eggen
Thursday, November 27, 2008 12:00 PM
A controversy is raging in Lethbridge. The provincial health authorities, Chinook Health, have announced a shift in its approach to long-term care for the elderly. It plans to close down long-term care beds at Extendicare next year, but to add more Designated Assisted Living (DAL) beds in the city. They may have roofs over their heads and arrangements for meals, but what about the 24-hour on-call medical help that many of them need?
A controversy is raging in Lethbridge. The provincial health authorities, Chinook Health, have announced a shift in its approach to long-term care for the elderly. It plans to close down long-term care beds at Extendicare next year, but to add more Designated Assisted Living (DAL) beds in the city. They may have roofs over their heads and arrangements for meals, but what about the 24-hour on-call medical help that many of them need?
The Global Financial Crisis: What happened and what is being done?
Eric Helleiner
Thursday, November 20, 2008 12:00 PM
Many economists believe we are presently living through the worst global financial crisis since the Great Depression. Why has this crisis taken place and what lessons should be learned to avoid a repetition in the future? U.S. President George W. Bush has invited the leaders of the countries comprising the “Group of 20” to discuss these questions in a set of summits. This is an unprecedented initiative, signaling not just the seriousness of the crisis, but also the widespread desire of policymakers around the world to reform the global financial system.
Direct action is a form of resistance that aims to derail offensive practices to create more favorable ones using immediately available means. Such actions include boycotts, strikes, sit-ins, letter-writing campaigns, protests and sabotage. Direct action sometimes involves civil disobedience. The uprising against the World Trade Organization in Seattle, Washington, in November 1999 was the most visible and dramatic protest in the United States since the Vietnam War. It catapulted the concept of direct action and resistance into the North American mainstream psyche, although direct actions and their participants have been around since societies were developed.
Should Alberta be Kept Free of Nuclear Power?
Adele Boucher Rymhs
Thursday, November 13, 2008 12:00 PM
The wheels have been set in motion to build western Canada’s first nuclear power plant. Bruce Power Alberta bought the assets of Energy Alberta Corporation and filed an application with the federal government to build a nuclear power plant earlier this year. On the same day, Bruce Power Alberta also filed an application with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to prepare a site for the construction of this nuclear power plant.
Energy, Environment and the Economy - Discovering Alberta''s Future
David Layzell
Thursday, November 6, 2008 12:00 PM
Shrinking reserves of oil and gas, shifts in the geopolitical landscape, and mounting environmental concerns all test our ability to meet the growing demand for energy. At the same time, there are huge opportunities to develop new, cleaner and more efficient ways to tap large conventional and alternative energy sources in Canada. Dr. Layzell will begin his presentation by talking about the nature of the energy and environmental challenges in Canada today, and summarize the scope of the initiatives that he is working to develop.
Lethbridge Public Finances: Is City Hall Gouging Our Citizens?
Robert Babki
Thursday, October 30, 2008 1:00 PM
For many years, local residents have benefited from critical comments on the City of Lethbridge’s management of public finances by retired lawyer, Robert Babki. According to Babki, by year-end Dec. 31, 2007, City of Lethbridge officials have stated that the City has invested funds on hand of approximately $150 million, holdings that have increased dramatically over the decade. The City derives its funds from various levels of government, but most of it comes from City residents through property taxes and various fees and charges.
Is TILMA the Model for Internal Trade in Canada? Part 2: The argument for
Shawn Robbins
Thursday, October 23, 2008 1:00 PM
TILMA is the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement between Alberta and British Columbia. It provides for a virtual economic union between the two provinces. Both governments agreed to consult with stakeholders during a two-year transition period ending on April 1, 2009, after which the agreement comes into full effect. The speaker intends to highlight the benefits that the TILMA is expected to bring once it’’s fully implemented on April 1, 2009.
Is TILMA the Model for Internal Trade in Canada? Part 1: The argument against
Ken Collier
Thursday, October 16, 2008 1:00 PM
TILMA is the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement between Alberta and British Columbia. The agreement was signed in 2006 without public consultation or debate in any legislature. It provides for a virtual economic union between the two provinces. Both governments agreed to consult with stakeholders during a two-year transition period ending on April 1, 2009, after which the agreement comes into full effect. The speaker will compare TILMA to a “mini-NAFTA”, the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Have Albertans Given the Stelmach Government a Free Ride?
Bridget Pastoor, MLA
Thursday, October 9, 2008 1:00 PM
At the last Alberta general election, only 41% of registered voters exercised their right to vote – an historical low for the province. Although those that voted gave the Stelmach government a massive majority of 86 percent of the seats at the Legislature, the mandate, in fact, came from less than one-quarter of the electorate. This questions the health of democracy in Alberta. Low turnout at the polls is symptomatic of a serious lack of commitment by the electorate.
Worried about gas prices, food costs and the credit crunch? Will health care be affordable in our old-age? Who do you trust to look after our interests and our country? Question the candidates on the issues important to you. Candidates running for election as the Member of Parliament for Lethbridge will present the position of their Party on some of the main issues and answer questions prepared by SACPA and those asked directly from the audience.
Federal Election 2008: Will the Liberal Party Survive?
Peter McCormick
Thursday, October 2, 2008 1:00 PM
Recent polls suggest another minority government in Canada after the October 14th vote, albeit the demographics of Parliament may change. Initially, environmental issues were high on the campaign agenda, arguably for good reason. However, the US-led world economic woes have come into play in Canada and shifted the focus towards our economy. The Liberal “Green Shift” may partly be a victim of the looming economic downturn in Canada. However, the speaker believes that Liberal Party problems could go deeper, with roots attached to previous leaders Jean Cretian and Paul Martin.
The Taser Controversy: Are Stun Guns Really Non-Lethal?
Don Wright
Tuesday, September 30, 2008 1:00 PM
Ever since the hapless Polish immigrant, Robert Dziekanski, died at Vancouver International Airport last year after being zapped with Tasers by RCMP officers, a flood of outrage has swept across the country and around the world. Serious questions are now being asked about the use of this controversial weapon by those paid to keep us safe on our streets. Our newspapers are full of reports about the use of Tasers in what would appear to be inappropriate circumstances: by transit cops in BC against passengers suspected of skipping their fare; by Toronto city police who zapped a suspected drug peddler after he had already been handcuffed and was lying face down on the floor.
Have Albertans Given the Stelmach Government a Free Ride?
Brian Mason, MLA and leader of the Alberta NDP
Thursday, September 25, 2008 1:00 PM
At the recent Alberta general election, a historically low 41% of registered voters exercised their right to vote. Although those that did gave the Stelmach government a massive majority of 86 percent of the seats at the Legislature, the mandate, in fact, came from less than one-quarter of the electorate. This questions the health of democracy in Alberta. Low turnout at the polls is symptomatic of a serious lack of commitment by the electorate.
SACPA is a community organization. It is your forum to discuss issues of concern, be they local, provincial, national or international. Come listen to reports on how the organization was managed in the last year as well as the plans for 2008 - 2009. Have your say on the direction you would like to see SACPA take. Vote in the election of the new Board of Directors. Reports: Chairperson’s Report – Terry Shillington, Chair Treasurer’s Report – Myrna Greene Treasurer Finance Committee Report – Myrna Greene, Chair Program Committee Report – Trevor Page, Chair Policy and Bylaws Committee – Trevor Page, Member Fundraising Committee – Terry Shillington, Chair Personnel Committee – Terry Shillington, Chair Nominations Committee – James Moore, Chair
Forty Years of SACPA: A Tribute to Gordon Campbell
Van Christou and Leonard Haney
Thursday, June 5, 2008 1:00 PM
Even before arriving in Lethbridge Gordon Campbell was an established Adult Educator, first in Regina and later as President of the College in Castlegar. Within his first year in Lethbridge, he was already pondering a possible gathering of citizens that would make a difference in the community. In typical Gordonesque manner, no sooner had the idea gelled, he had it up and running, albeit with a little help from his friends.
Balancing the Demands on Our Scarce Water Resources
Kathleen Murphy, P. Eng.
Thursday, May 29, 2008 1:00 PM
Alberta continues to experience rapid economic growth, particularly in the southern part of the province. The demands of that growth on the available water supply are becoming exceedingly difficult to manage. Public demands for new housing sub-divisions, commercial, agricultural and industrial development all require water. These competing demands have become even more prevalent now that most river basins in Southern Alberta are closed to the additional use of water. Yet, economic growth is dependant upon available water supplies, so balancing the demands on this resource is essential.
Tasers: The Rules of Engagement
Tom McKenzie, Jason Walper and Alex Hann
Thursday, May 22, 2008 1:00 PM
Ever since the hapless Polish immigrant, Robert Dziekanski, died at Vancouver International Airport last year after being zapped with Tasers by RCMP officers, a flood of outrage has swept across the country and around the world. Serious questions are now being asked about the use of this controversial weapon by those paid to keep us safe on our streets. Our newspapers are full of reports about the use of Tasers in what would appear to be inappropriate circumstances: by transit cops in BC against passengers suspected of skipping their fare; by Toronto city police who zapped a suspected drug peddler after he had already been handcuffed and was lying face down on the floor.
Have Albertans Given the Stelmach Government a Free Ride?
Paul Hinman, Interim leader of the Wildrose Independence Party
Thursday, May 15, 2008 1:00 PM
At the recent Alberta general election, a historically low 41% of registered voters exercised their right to vote. Although those that did gave the Stelmach government a massive majority of 86 percent of the seats at the Legislature, the mandate, in fact, came from less than one-quarter of the electorate. This questions the health of democracy in Alberta. Low turnout at the polls is symptomatic of a serious lack of commitment by the electorate.
Right-Wing Nationalism in Japan: The Rise and Fall of Shinzo Abe
Dr. Trevor Harrison
Thursday, May 8, 2008 1:00 PM
Shinzo Abe became Japan’s prime minister in September 2006, capping a political rise termed by one scholar as “extraordinary.” Public opinion polls at that time showed widespread support for Abe who proposed, among other things, to revise the country’s constitution and education system and to make it once more a “beautiful nation.” One year later, however, he resigned in defeat and disgrace, a leader described, in another scholar’s words, as “an unmitigated disaster.
Has Exhibition Park Outgrown Its Present Location?
Georgina Knitel and Rudy Friesen
Thursday, May 1, 2008 1:00 PM
Exhibition Park has been part of Lethbridge for over a century. In 2007, it estimates that it contributed more than $80 million dollars to our local economy and provided entertainment and knowledge to over 850,000 visitors. Since 1998, the organized activities it hosts have grown by nearly 50% to 570 events including Whoop-Up Days, which is the most prominent. Quality space is now at a premium for the ever-expanding needs of exhibitors.
Does Corporate Support of Universities Threaten Academic Freedom?
Dr. Andrew Hakin, Dr. James M. Byrne, Dr. Ian McKenna
Thursday, April 24, 2008 1:00 PM
Today’s public universities in Canada and across the globe are intended to serve the public interest. While public universities in Canada are funded by provincial and federal governments, freedom in determining teaching curriculum and research shielded the institutions from the dictates of governments and private interests. The substantial reduction in federal funding of Canada’s universities over the past two decades has triggered a new threat to their independence in teaching and research.
The Global Nuclear System and Canada's Deadly Secret
Dr. Jim Harding
Thursday, April 17, 2008 1:00 PM
Saskatchewan’s uranium mining is at the front end of the global nuclear system. Dr. Jim Harding, author of Canada’s Deadly Secret, Saskatchewan Uranium and the Global Nuclear System, will reveal the negative impacts of nuclear mining on Aboriginal rights, human health and environment. He will profile the effect of free trade and the willingness of corporations and governments to side-step social and environmental issues to ensure Saskatchewan and Canada play a pivotal role in nuclear proliferation.
Part II – A Creationist’s Viewpoint Creationism is often defined as a religious belief that humanity, life, the Earth, and the universe were created in their original form by a deity (often the Abrahamic God of Judaism, Christianity and Islam) or deities, whose existence is presupposed. The Community Bible Church and many other churches around the world, believes in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Evolution and Creationism A two-part presentation Part I – The Theory of Evolution Since it was published by Charles Darwin nearly 150 years ago, the theory of evolution has been supported by a mounting body of scientific evidence. Today it is recognized by most as a likely explanation for the development of life on Earth from its beginnings and for the diversity of species. Evolution is taught as part of biology and science courses in numerous schools, colleges and universities around the world.
At the recent Alberta provincial election, a historical low 41% of registered voters exercised their right to vote. In that election, the Progressive Conservative government was re-elected with a massive majority, 72 of the legislature’s 83 seats. Together, these two developments raise questions about the health of democracy in Alberta. The low turnout indicates a worrying level of disengagement with politics in the province, due possibly to apathy, or to despair or comfort with the government.
In February, Albertans sleep-walked their way through a campaign that is finally the answer to the question “What if they held an election and nobody noticed?” Meanwhile, Americans are mobilizing their electorate and fascinating the world with one of the most exciting races for a Presidential nomination in living memory. So what is happening? Where does an Obama come from, and how do such people manage to push the political “reset” button?
Rough and Tumble Play and the Development of Social Competency
Sergio Pellis
Thursday, March 13, 2008 1:00 PM
Young animals of many species, including humans, devote up to 25% of their lives to play. Yet parents and institutions often discourage play, especially when it involves rough-housing, and instead encourage children to focus on what they view as more serious forms of enrichment. But is play simply a childish waste of time? The evidence from research on non-human animals suggests that for some species, such as rats and monkeys, the answer is no.
If Austin Mardon had not strictly adhered to his treatment regime of taking antipsychotic medications he believes that he could very easily have ended up on the street. Between 35 to 75% of our homeless have at least one serious mental illness. Many have schizophrenia or a similar psychotic illness. Over 80% of those with schizophrenia do not take their medication consistently, and thus keep getting ill over and over again.
If Austin Mardon had not strictly adhered to his treatment regime of taking antipsychotic medications he believes that he could very easily have ended up on the street. Between 35 to 75% of our homeless have at least one serious mental illness. Many have schizophrenia or a similar psychotic illness. Over 80% of those with schizophrenia do not take their medication consistently, and thus keep getting ill over and over again.
Challenges and opportunities are changing the manufacturing industry in Canada.
Dr. Jayson Myers
Thursday, February 28, 2008 12:00 PM
”Business as usual” is not an option in today’s world of global competition for market share. Technological improvements must be ongoing to achieve “world-class” quality products. Canada’s steady trend of reduction in manufacturing jobs has been caused mainly by two factors: cheap labour elsewhere in the world and the massive export of unprocessed natural resources. This has had a very negative impact on our large and small manufacturing sectors. Currency fluctuations are also a factor but can work for or against different sectors.
SACPA Special Sessions in association with Lethbridge Public Library A Provincial General Election has been called for March 3, 2008. Our democratic system is based on citizens expressing their point of view and participating in the political process. Do you know where the competing political parties stand on the issues important to you? Do you know who you will vote for? Come listen to the candidates running for public office debate some of the major issues.
SACPA Special Session in association with Lethbridge Public Library A Provincial General Election has been called for March 3, 2008. Our democratic system is based on citizens expressing their point of view and participating in the political process. Do you know where the competing political parties stand on the issues important to you? Do you know who you will vote for? Come listen to the candidates running for public office debate some of the major issues.
Water Scarcity in Southern Alberta: Who Is Managing This Precious Resource?
Bill Berzins
Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:00 PM
Water is an increasingly scarce resource in southern Alberta. 80% of the population lives in the south but the region has only about 20% of the province’s fresh water supply. With a growing population and a dwindling supply of this essential resource, new ways of managing water are needed. Bill Berzins will discuss water quality and quantity issues in southern Alberta and the implications for ecological, economic and social interests. He will highlight some of the activities being undertaken by planners, developers, communities and researchers to address the implications of an increasingly apportioned resource.
Prison American Style: a cautionary tale
Dr. Malcolm Greenshields
Thursday, February 14, 2008 12:00 PM
Recent adjustments in American criminal justice policy have created a uniquely large prison population. Dr. Malcolm Greenshields will discuss his views on the effectiveness of these policies. Speaker: Dr. Malcolm Greenshields Malcolm Greenshields was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and spent his childhood in Saskatoon, Iowa and Ottawa. He completed a diploma in Agriculture, followed by a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in History at the University of Saskatchewan in 1978.
Myths about our brains are everywhere. Some of the myths, such as the “Mozart effect” and “we only use 10% of our brain”, are relatively harmless. Other myths though, such as “girls can’’t do math”, have had a huge direct or indirect negative impact on our beliefs and attitudes and on governmental policies. Patti Sorensen points out that myths have regularly been manipulated or misinterpreted to justify unpopular policies (for example, early retirement) or to sell products and services (for example, “OptiMind”) that are not needed.
Largely because of increasing global oil shortages, Alberta’s economy continues to boom. But what is happening to our quality of life? With more and more people pouring into the province every day, can the social services, to which we have become accustomed, keep pace? Waiting times for healthcare have increased, so has the demand for places at our schools and universities. Spiraling property prices are making many of our towns and cities unaffordable for those on low or fixed incomes.
From Welfare to Social Justice Compassion and Social Justice: Redesigning Social Policy for Alberta Given the realities of poverty, homelessness and increasing inequality in Alberta, it is time to re-examine and redesign our social welfare system. The neo-conservative approach of “workfare” has been a failure, according to the Alberta government’s official opposition deputy whip, Liberal MLA, Bruce Miller. He feels that what we need is a social development model based on the values of equality, justice and compassion.
Oil prices are at record levels. But who will benefit in Alberta: the oil companies or Albertans? The above headline from the Calgary Herald article “2007, THE YEAR IN POLITICS” calls the Alberta Royalty Review “the most important economic decision in Canada this year”. Ricardo Acuna, Executive Director of the Parkland Institute believes that increased oil prices are not the result of anything the industry has done to add value, but rather a reflection of the increased value of the resource itself.
Recycling CO2 Emissions into Plant Nutrients
Gary Lewis and Dave Balfour
Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:00 PM
Could a local farmer have discovered a way of helping combat global warming and reducing world hunger? In 2000, Cowley rancher Gary Lewis wondered what was wrong with his hay fields. Years of reading up everything he could on soil chemistry and plant nutrition and experimenting on his farm, led to the development of an exhaust recycling system which turns carbon emissions into plant nutrients. 2007 saw the first scientific studies carried out on this technology, partly funded by the National Research Council.
Gangs and Organized Crime in Lethbridge
Chief Tom McKenzie and Sergeant Dave Maze
Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:00 PM
The activities of gangs and organized crime were once considered a “big city” problem. Increasingly however, such gangs are now getting well established throughout our communities, urban and rural alike. Lethbridge is no exception. Economically motivated, these gangs are functioning mainly through the sale of illicit drugs. They are also involved with stolen property, the sex trade, identity theft/fraud and money counterfeit/laundering. With the evolution of computers and the internet, cyber related crime is on the rise and although not limited to gangs, we can certainly expect this kind of illegal activity to be a huge challenge for law enforcement, in years to come.
The Global Challenges of the 21st Century: Our Role as Citizens
Dr. Saren Azer
Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:00 PM
The Global Challenges of the 21st Century: Our Role as Citizens By scientific accounts humanity faces complicated and rather dangerous challenges, from population growth to the depletion of natural resources to environmental degradation. Yet the powers in charge have shown very little to no interest in these critical challenges to face us. Given the state of the world, active intervention of the citizens of the globe remains the only viable option in avoiding these challenges.