A Muslim and Christian in Dialogue
Shukrulla Khan and Brenda Kersell
Thursday, December 16, 2010 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Many of our contemporary global tensions pit Christian and Islamic nations against one another. Each camp often views the other with deep distrust and even hatred. At least that is what the media repeatedly tell us. How urgent that we talk to one another – with respect and careful listening. How appropriate that we have this conversation as Christians yearn for peace at Christmas time. This topic will feature a Christian and a Muslim in conversation about the great matters of faith – the scriptures, God, evil, violence, the place of women, radical fundamentalists, and more.
Are the Regulations, Governance and Access to Justice Fair?
Rod Jerke
Thursday, December 9, 2010 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The mission of the Law Society of Alberta is to serve the public interest by promoting a high standard of legal services and professional conduct through the governance and regulation of an independent legal profession. This discussion will focus on why and how the regulator of the legal profession is involved in promoting access to high quality legal services in Alberta. Topics to be discussed will include the delivery of legal services by non-lawyers, the delivery of legal services pro bono (for free), the use of limited scope retainers, promotion of diversity in the legal profession, recognition of foreign trained lawyers, and the retention and re-engagement of lawyers in the private practice of law.
Does Fluoridation of Public Water Cause More Harm than Good?
James Beck
Thursday, December 2, 2010 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
After 60 years of debate and research, controversy still rages in the relatively few countries where fluoridation is widespread. Many studies suggest that the benefits of fluoride result from mainly topical action on dental enamel, not from swallowing it, begging the question: “Why are we still adding fluoride to our public drinking water”. Variable amounts of natural fluoride are present in most water sources. However the fluoride used for water fluoridation is not of pharmaceutical grade, but is in fact a chemical waste by-product.
Is it time to change Canada's Electoral System?
Phil Elder
Thursday, November 25, 2010 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Canada’s democratic system is in distress, with low voter turnouts and distorted results. The speaker will give examples of these and other problems and will suggest that much of the difficulty stems from our “first-past-the-post” electoral system. It will be argued that both federal and provincial legislatures should join the overwhelming number of countries who have chosen to use some form of Proportional Representation. While PR may have some disadvantages, the benefits of such a system overwhelm them.
Smoke and Mirrors: The Alberta Health Act?
Diana Gibson
Thursday, November 18, 2010 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
A few weeks ago, with Halloween just around the corner, the government introduced the new Alberta Health Act in the legislature. How appropriate that timing was, as the Act, like Halloween, appears to require Albertans to suspend their disbelief. The principles being proposed for the Health Act sounds rosy and includes, quality and safety, timely and appropriate care, and access not based on ability to pay. However, many of these principles are already being violated across the province; rural Albertans cannot access timely care and seniors across Alberta are often accessing care based on ability to pay, not need.
Smoke and Mirrors: The Alberta Health Act?
Diana Gibson
Wednesday, November 17, 2010 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Seniors Centre
Special session at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Centre, 500 11St S. at 7pm-9pm. A few weeks ago, with Halloween just around the corner, the government introduced the new Alberta Health Act in the legislature. How appropriate that timing was, as the Act, like Halloween, appears to require Albertans to suspend their disbelief. The principles being proposed for the Health Act sounds rosy and includes, quality and safety, timely and appropriate care, and access not based on ability to pay.
Drought, Heavy Precipitation and Climate
Ron Stewart
Tuesday, November 16, 2010 12:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
Extremes including drought and heavy precipitation are fundamental aspects of the climate system and its water cycle. Many of the greatest climatic impacts are also linked with such phenomena. Based to a considerable degree on research conducted over the Prairies within the Drought Research Initiative (DRI), some of the means of producing a sustained lack of precipitation are shown. It is then illustrated that heavy precipitation sometimes occurs on the edge of such a region or, occasionally, within it, and that the nature of the associated storms can be affected significantly by their proximity to a drought region.
Fraud -- You Can Try to Ignore it, But You Better Understand It!
Al Rosen
Friday, November 12, 2010 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Canada has one of the highest levels of corporate fraud in the industrialized world. Large commercial investors, investment managers, financial analysts and individual shareholders are being increasingly subjected to major accounting manipulations, kick-back schemes, invoice and loan frauds, and rogue actions of ‘trusted’ directors and employees. How can you protect your company, your clients, and your own portfolio? The speaker will argue that understanding fraud and swindling tactics is a critical factor to consider before making investments and business decisions.
The Long Gun Registry: Useful or Useless in Limiting Gun Related Crime?
Chief Tom McKenzie
Tuesday, November 9, 2010 12:00 PM
Lethbridge College
The billion dollar Long Gun Registry may be safe for now after a contentious vote in the House of Commons, but debate over its usefulness rages on. A Private Member’s bill to abolish it was narrowly defeated in its Third Reading in the House of Commons on Sept. 22. The legislation to abolish the long gun registry would not have affected the current Possession/Acquisition License process, which all gun owners are required to complete.
Public Land for the Taking: A Disturbing Prairie Tale
Cheryl Bradley
Thursday, November 4, 2010 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Less than five percent of Alberta is comprised of native prairie on public lands. The 7000-year-old remnants of native prairie are of immeasurable value in preserving biodiversity, maintaining healthy watersheds, sequestering carbon, sustaining livestock production and providing outdoor recreation opportunities for a rapidly growing human population in southern Alberta. Albertans value native prairie and their public lands. The speaker will suggest current law and policy regarding public land sale reflects an outdated ideology that defines progress as turning the prairie into a human enterprise, such as tame pasture, cultivated fields or industrial development.
Negotiating First Nations rights in Canada - What does dancing have to do with it?
Lisa Doolittle
Tuesday, November 2, 2010 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
In the late 1800s, the Canadian government banned dancing among aboriginal peoples. Any aboriginal person participating in dance events could end up in jail, performing hard labour instead of the deeply spiritual and community building work of ceremonies like the Sun Dance. At the same time, corporations like the Canadian Pacific Railroad began to showcase Aboriginal dance in events designed for “white” spectators - like the Calgary Stampede and Banff “Indian Days.
How Have Artists Dealt With Political Issues in the Modern Age?
Kenneth Allan
Thursday, October 28, 2010 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
In past ages, artists were essentially craftsmen carrying out the wishes of the ruling political, aristocratic, and religious elites. When modern artists gained a degree of economic independence in the late 18th century, and with the rise of democratic ideals, a minority began criticizing the establishment as an artistic opposition, and this has continued to the present day. The relation of artists to politics largely mirrors that found in the rest of society, a difference being that artists are experts in the manipulation of charged symbols.
Sustainable Energy Without Hot Air? A time for action
Cosmos Voutsinos
Thursday, October 21, 2010 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Is climate change anthropogenic (are we causing it)? Do we need to wait while UN Scientists “the Greenies” and questioning Scientists “the Skeptics” debate this issue? Do we have the time to wait? What issues should we be thinking about ourselves? What will it take to progress from the stage of ideas and ideologies to a stage of realistic and pragmatic implementation for a selection of the proposed options? What criteria should be used?
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves capturing CO2 from point-source surface facilities and injecting it into subsurface geological formations, particularly depleted oil and gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams and deep saline aquifers. It is a key technology being considered and implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. In 2008 the government of Alberta committed $2B to accelerate CCS in the province, with the goal of having four CCS projects operating by 2015, each storing about 1 million tonnes of CO2 per year.
2010 Lethbridge Municipal Election Forum for Mayor The 2010 Lethbridge Municipal Election promises to be an exiting event with six candidates running for Mayor. As in the past, SACPA is hosting election forums for Aldermen and Mayor on different nights. The SACPA Candidate’s Forum for Mayor will be held on Friday, October 8 at the Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery 7 - 9 pm Please plan to attend this forum, which will be conducted using both formulated and audience questions.
2010 Lethbridge Municipal Election Forum for Aldermen The 2010 Lethbridge Municipal Election promises to be hotly contested with a large number of aldermanic candidates running for City Council. As in the past, SACPA is hosting election forums for Aldermen and Mayor on different nights. The SACPA Candidate’s Forum for Aldermen will be held on Thursday, October 7 at the Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery 7 – 9 pm Please plan to attend this forum, which will be conducted using both formulated and audience questions.
Back to the Future: Why Alberta needs more pioneer-style collective action and less American-style conservative ideology.
Gil McGowan
Thursday, October 7, 2010 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Back to the Future: Why Alberta needs more pioneer-style collective action and less American-style conservative ideology. Job loss; declining quality and accessibility of public services; environmental impact of development; and cut throat competition from abroad are the kinds of challenges Alberta faces as it moves into the second decade of the 21st century. Will we be able to maintain our prosperity and quality of life in the face of these challenges?
Is Now the Right Time for Lethbridge to Build a New Skateboard Park?
Wade Galloway
Thursday, September 30, 2010 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
As the municipal election in Lethbridge was beginning to gain steam this summer and candidates were coming forward, there was already a local group pressing one topic as an election issue: the building of a new skateboard park in Lethbridge. The Lethbridge Skateboard Association has managed to make their concern about the current crumbling and unsafe skateboard park one of the most talked about topics in this election. Most candidates are expressing support for a major investment of funds into a new skateboard park in a central location and the Lethbridge Skateboard Association has made itself a major player in the election through its involvement with online media.
Did Beethoven's Revolutionary Eroica Symphony change the world?
Dr. Brian Black
Thursday, September 30, 2010 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
Beethoven’s Third Symphony in Eb Major, the “Eroica” is one of the most influential works of the 19th century. It marked the beginning of the symphony as a new monumental art form, capable of a seriousness and depth of expression that was previously associated only with epic poetry. As far as Beethoven’s personal style is concerned, it also ushered in his “heroic” period of composition, the features of which have come to be accepted as the essence of the composer’s unique musical personality.
Overcoming Barriers: A Discussion with the World's First Trans MP"
Georgina Beyer
Monday, September 27, 2010 1:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
NOTICE OF SESSION SACPA on Campus Monday, September 27, 2010 7:00-9:00 p.m. Ballroom B, Student’s Union Building University of Lethbridge “Overcoming Barriers: A Discussion with the World’s First Trans MP” A lecture by Georgina Beyer. As the first openly transgender person in the world to hold a national office, Georgina Beyer was elected a Member of Parliament in New Zealand. Beyer, born biologically male, spent her early childhood on her grandparent’s farm in rural New Zealand before moving to Wellington with her mother and stepfather.
Is Protecting the Castle Special Place Long Overdue?
Richard Burke
Thursday, September 23, 2010 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The Pincher Creek Fish and Game Association and Alberta Wilderness Association urged in 1968 – the same year SACPA was formed – that the Castle area of Southern Alberta be protected. Today, the 1036 square kilometer Castle Special Place appears to be even more in need of protection, yet the provincial government apparently sees it as little more than a lumber source. Planned clear-cut logging threatens to further degrade the area, potentially impacting rare plants, wildlife and one of Southern Alberta’s primary water sources, as well as making it much less attractive for recreational purposes.
On Thin Ice: A Critical Review of How Canadians Respond to Violence in 'Their' Game
Dr. Kevin Young
Monday, September 20, 2010 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
Despite over a century of public and occasionally legal attention, there is more than enough evidence to suggest that Canadian attitudes to hockey violence have been passive, contradictory and even exploitative. Acknowledging that the game has been, and is, enmeshed in multiple genuine attempts to make it safer for children and adults, it is argued that Canadians continue to quibble over what “hockey violence” is, that the causes and effects of hockey violence extend well beyond the sport and that few sports are as simultaneously policed and un-policed as ice hockey.
Has Medicine Hat's Energy Sustainability Policy Left Lethbridge Behind?
Russ Smith
Thursday, September 16, 2010 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Medicine Hat’s Energy Sustainability Department is focused on providing its citizens with energy conservation and renewable energy education, incentives and leadership through a variety of “Hat Smart” initiatives. The mission of the department is to help Medicine Hat reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and position itself to thrive in the post carbon economy. The speaker strongly believes municipal energy strategies should include energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy, as they will play a critical role in the sustainability of all communities in the 21st century.
Is Scrapping the Mandatory Census Long Form Short Sighted?
Dr. Susan McDaniel and Dr. Heidi MacDonald
Thursday, September 9, 2010 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The Federal Governments decision to replace the 2011 Canadian mandatory Census long form with a voluntary “National Household Survey” has been a hotly debated issue since Canada’s minister of industry Tony Clement announced the change earlier this summer. Despite widespread criticism and weak public support for the change, it appears likely that the Harper Government will follow through on their controversial plan. In the past, the mandatory Canadian Census has been held every five years with 80 percent of the households receiving the short form and 20 percent the long form.
Why is federal action on the environment critical to a healthy local economy?
Linda F. Duncan, MP
Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
“Think globally, act locally” is a catch-phrase commonly used by those striving to achieve economic sustainability and healthy community based on ecological sustainability. Since the 1970s, all levels of government have played a role in translating global knowledge into local action. However, the past two federal budgets have eroded environmental protection laws with resulting threats to healthy, sustainable economy and democracy. Linda Duncan, federal NDP Environment Critic, will address these retrogressive changes and explain how her private members bill, the Environmental Bill of Rights, can deliver the transparency and participation rights once promised by the Harper government.
12-1:30 SACPA’’s Annual General Meeting The SACPA Board needs at least a few new Directors. Please consider letting your name stand or nominate a candidate for these volunteer positions. Contact sacpa@sacpa.ca SACPA has been a part of this community for over 40 years. It is your forum to hear and discuss various issues on topics of local, provincial, national or international concerns. Please come and listen to how the organization was managed in the past year.
The Closure of Kainai Corrections Centre: Is Aboriginal Justice being served?
Rick Soop
Thursday, May 27, 2010 1:00 PM
12-1:30pm In the early 1990’s, each of the three Prairie Provinces held judicial inquiries into Aboriginal Justice. The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples followed these inquiries with a National analysis. All of these important studies reviewed the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal peoples in the Canadian Justice System. At present about 20% of federal offenders are Aboriginal. On the Prairies, provincial Aboriginal incarceration rates range from 35% in Alberta to 80% in Saskatchewan.
Prostitution: Should the Oldest Profession in the World be Legislated?
Tamara Larter
Thursday, May 20, 2010 1:00 PM
12- 1:30pm There is widespread debate in academic, advocate, and public spheres regarding the legal status of the sex trade. Governmental policies concerning sex work vary from country to country and from state to state, ranging from prostitution being entirely illegal in some areas to a wholly decriminalized system in others. This presentation will outline the differences between legalization and decriminalization, and provide information on governmental policies in Canada, the United States, and Overseas.
Solar Energy & Net Zero Energy Housing: Economic Reality?
Gordon Howell
Friday, May 14, 2010 1:00 PM
1-3pm IB1103 & IB1104 (LaValley Theatres) Lethbridge College Campus A net zero energy (NZE) house produces as much heat and electricity as it consumes on an annual basis. “Near zero” and “net zero ready” house concepts are also being developed. “Near zero” recognizes when a house’s purchased energy is very low and is thus close to the net zero target. “Net zero ready” recognizes when the house’s infrastructure and building envelope are developed to facilitate the addition of suitably sized solar energy technologies post construction.
Two reform proposals are before the Canadian Parliament now: Electing Senators to make the Senate more democratic and better able to redress regional imbalance; and instituting fixed, 8-year terms. These proposals are arguably not as simple as they would seem. Far from improving the situation, acting on these proposals without first anticipating unintended consequences could actually make matters worse. The Senate can veto virtually all budgets and other legislation that is passed by the House of Commons.
Electricity from the Sun…from Dreamer's Paradise to Everyday Use?
Gordon Howell
Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:00 PM
7-9pm The world of solar energy is changing quickly. The price of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity continues its march downwards along with staggering world-wide growth. Solar electricity is now becoming affordable for us in our everyday lives. At the same time, we see that the price of electricity is poised to soar to pay for new transmission lines and cleaning up our dirty-coal electricity. The speaker will argue that the solar tipping point is within sight.
Use It or Lose It – A Prescription for Successful Aging?
Jennifer Copeland
Thursday, May 6, 2010 1:00 PM
12-1:30 PM The rising rates of obesity and sedentary living among aging Canadians is a major public health issue. The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation recently reported that the next generation of seniors may be the first to experience a relative decrease in quality of life compared to previous generations. Although it seems we often hear about the importance of physical activity for children and youth, we don’t hear as much about the vital role physical activity plays in successful aging.
12- 1:30pm Each year, according to the Alberta Workers Compensation Board, approximately 150 workers die and over 150,000 new claims are filed. Yet these numbers, startling as they are, under represent the numbers of workers who are killed or seriously damaged by work each year in Alberta. Occupational Illnesses and Chronic Workplace ailments are a hidden epidemic in Alberta Workplaces. Furthermore, the costs of workplace illnesses and many injuries are being shifted from employers (through WCB) and onto the taxpayer.
Outsourcing Disaster: Human Trafficking and Humanitarian Failure in Aceh's Tsunami Reconstruction?
Virgil Grandfield
Thursday, April 29, 2010 1:00 PM
7-9pm Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery In 2006-2009, a wretched place for a construction worker in Indonesia was to be on a “humanitarian” tsunami reconstruction project in Aceh, Sumatra. Instead of receiving benefits from the largest, most generously-funded humanitarian operation in history, tens of thousands of Javanese construction workers were arguably victims of human trafficking and falsely recruited for exploitative use and/or involuntary labour, under conditions defined as “human trafficking” or “modern slavery.
12- 1:30pm Do we want others to think that landscapes by the Group of Seven are representing Canadian Art? Or is it Northwest coast totem poles by the native Gitxsan people? The Vancouver Olympic Committee certainly seemed to think the later and art by First Nation people truly represented Canadian identity, judging by the design of the opening ceremony at the 2010 Winter Olympic. The speaker will suggest that such was not always the case.
The NIMBY Gauntlet: The Process of Socially Excluding Native Renters in Lethbridge?
Yale Belanger
Thursday, April 15, 2010 1:00 PM
Housing options remain limited for Aboriginal people in Lethbridge. Ongoing research shows that NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) may be regularly practiced by landlords, and plays a central role in denying Aboriginal renters access to accommodations. In this presentation, the speaker examines the systemic nature of what can be described as the NIMBY Gauntlet. Lethbridge landlords, under the guise of the NIMBY Gauntlet, arguable use this mechanism to bring about discrimination against potential Native tenants.
Racism and discrimination in Lethbridge: What needs to be done?
various speakers
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 1:00 PM
7-9pm The Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle (LARC) has undertaken several initiatives to address racism and discrimination in Lethbridge. Their work has been informed by dialogue with over 100 community members at potluck meetings. Through this process, varied and creative recommendations for action at several levels were gathered and published in two reports which have been widely disseminated. A screening of a special series on racism by CTV’’s Dory Rossiter will precede the panel presentation.
Equality between Women and Men in Alberta: How long will it take?
Shannon Phillips
Thursday, April 1, 2010 1:00 PM
12- 1:30pm There is a deafening silence around women’’s issues in Alberta, the only province in Canada with no ministry for the status of women, no policy secretariat, or no advisory council on the status of women. All other jurisdictions have some kind of formal voice, within government, for women. The speaker will present evidence from various sources, including Statistics Canada and other national data sources, that women in Alberta still experience disproportionate levels of poverty, low wages and high levels of economic inequality in comparison with men.
7-9pm Andy’’s Place (AH100) In his new book Canada and Israel: Building Apartheid, the speaker argues that the long term trajectory of Canada’’s foreign policy towards Israel has been clear. Six decades of mostly one-sided support has culminated with Canada (at least diplomatically) becoming the most pro-Israel country in the world during the past four years, under the guidance of a Conservative minority Government, led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Trans(gender) in Alberta? Funding Denied, Fired, Forgotten
Mickey Wilson
Thursday, March 25, 2010 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
12- 1:30pm Transgendered persons in Alberta face significant discrimination as a result of their gender identity. The Alberta government decided last year to stop funding gender reassignment surgeries, a move that the Ontario government has had to retract after losing at a number of human rights tribunals. In St. Albert, substitute teacher Jan Buterman was fired when he revealed he was transitioning from a woman to a man. The Greater St.
From the Front Line In Afghanistan: The Complexity Facing the Canadian Forces
Colonel Greg Burt
Thursday, March 18, 2010 1:00 PM
12-1:30pm This presentation will provide first-hand insight into the challenges of command during a demanding and complex mission, as well as the advances being made by Canadian soldiers and civilians in spite of the difficult conditions in the heart of Kandahar Province. The Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT) in Kandahar Province are comprised of about 200 Canadian soldiers. They are largely responsible for the training, development and mentoring of the Afghan National Army (ANA) 1st Brigade.
Post Secondary Education: How Does It Benefit the World ?
Keith McLaughlin and Kate Nesbitt
Thursday, March 11, 2010 12:00 PM
12- 1:30pm Post Secondary Education: How Will It Benefit Today’s World? The second annual Student Speaker Challenge kicked off on Wednesday, Jan. 13 with a total of eight students competing in this year’s event. Students addressed the question: What is the value of post-secondary education in today’s world? Much of the debate has focused on the need for such education to be utilized promoting much more critical thinking regarding sustainable (world) development, i.
Post Secondary Education: How Will It Benefit Today’s World? The second annual Student Speaker Challenge kicked off on Wednesday, Jan. 13 with a total of eight students competing in this year’s event. Students addressed the question: What is the value of post-secondary education in today’s world? Much of the debate has focused on the need for post-secondary education to further promote critical thinking regarding community building and sustainable (world) development, i.
12-1:30pm The Lethbridge Association for Community Living (LACL) is founded on the belief that all people are entitled to all the rights and benefits of citizenship. This includes the right to participate and be involved in the community. The citizenship that many of us take for granted can be a daily struggle for some people as they try to overcome a legacy of discrimination and isolation. Awareness is fundamental to creating a welcoming inclusive community that values the contributions and potential of all of its citizens.
Should we Teach Gambling 101 in Learning Institutions?
Dennis Connolly
Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:00 PM
12-1:30pm Not everyone agrees that we should teach gambling and probabilities to students. Some worry that we might initiate or encourage gambling addictions among a percentage of students. This is a genuine concern, but overall, the speaker believes the benefit to the majority of students outweighs the possible negatives, because everyone gambles. You do not have to go to a casino, bingo hall or a lounge to gamble. Everybody gambles daily, be it for large, significant amounts, small change at a golf game or in relationships and job choices.
Are Albertans Ready for the Wildrose Alliance Party and Vice Versa?
Danielle Smith
Thursday, February 18, 2010 12:00 PM
12- 1:30pm The latest polls show that the Alberta Conservative Party, which for the last 39 years has formed our provincial government, is trailing the upstart Wildrose Alliance Party. While the governing Tories presently have a massive majority in the Legislature, lack of support from core groups may open the door for big changes in the next election. In Sep 2009, former Wildrose Alliance leader Paul Hinman led the party to a stunning by-election victory in the long held Conservative riding of Calgary-Glenmore.
Parliamentary Prorogue: Reasonable Pause or Rogue Rule?
Duane Bratt
Thursday, February 11, 2010 12:00 PM
Governor General Michaëlle Jean has prorogued Parliament again this year, postponing the opening date from January 25 to March 3, in response to a request from Prime Minister Harper. Professor Duane Bratt will discuss the constitutional implications and role of prorogation in the context of last year’s prorogation and the place it might have in managing ongoing minority governments. Speaker: Professor Duane Bratt, Mount Royal University Duane Bratt teaches political science and public policy in the Department of Policy Studies at Mount Royal University.
7-9pm Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery Who actually controls the Northwest Passage? Who owns the trillions of dollars worth of oil, gas and natural resources beneath the Arctic Ocean and how will responsibility for the environmental impact be divided, if such resources were to be developed? Which territorial claims will prevail, those of the U.S., Russia, Canada or the Nordic nations and why? Furthermore, in an age of rapid climate change, is it possible to adequately protect the fragile Arctic environment while seizing the economic opportunities presented to us, should the massive melting of sea ice continue?
What is the Future of our Lethbridge Seniors Centres?
Randy Smith
Thursday, February 4, 2010 12:00 PM
The City of Lethbridge developed an Integrated Strategic Plan (2007 to 2010) entitled “Towards a Sustainable Future”. Key phrases from that document are Sustainable, Creative and Inclusive. Many times since then we have heard the words “Quality of Life” as a key strength of our City! Our provincial government promotes the concept of “aging in your own home”. We all know that quality of life for seniors is staying connected, being active and being part of the community.
Climate Cover-Up: The Crusade to Deny Global Warming?
Richard Littlemore
Thursday, February 4, 2010 12:00 PM
Scientists are often so focussed on measuring the evidence required to determine how things work that they either forget or do not have time for the needs of public education, and the directions the nation will take in applying the knowledge gained by science. James Hoggan and Richard Littlemore have recently produced a book entitled “Climate Cover-Up”, in which they examine the powerful public relations forces brought to bear against mainstream climate science, physics and chemistry, in order to blunt the message that we need to take steps to avoid future harm.
International Banks Squeeze on Canadian Non Bank ABCP Owners?
Diane Urquhart
Thursday, January 28, 2010 12:00 PM
International Banks Squeeze on Canadian Non Bank ABCP Owners? Did international banks attempt to extort $60 billion from the Quebec Caisse Pension Fund and the Alberta, Ontario and Federal Governments? Public money ultimately provided $5 billion of emergency funding in Dec. 2008, in order to bring the ABCP Restructuring Plan to a close. Canadian bankruptcy laws were changed after the Non Bank ABCP market froze, giving international banks undue bargaining power in the ABCP restructuring process.
Financial Fraud: Will Strict Investment Rules Provide the Fix?
Diane Urquhart
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:00 PM
7-9pm in Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery Alberta may have been the location of the largest Ponzi scheme in Canadian history, namely the Brost and Sorenson Ponzi Fraud, but other provinces have had their share of toxic investment schemes as well. Despite such, Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec are not planning to support Ottawa’s plan for a national securities regulator. Effective policing of financial fraud is a necessary ingredient for the stability of Canada’’s financial system.
When Jesus Became a Christian, Did He Cease to be a Jew?
Tad Mitsui
Thursday, January 21, 2010 12:00 PM
Renaissance religious art poses two questions: In depicting Biblical personalities, why is there no nude female and why aren’t all the Jewish male figures circumcised? Obviously, it appears to show male chauvinism and anti-Semitism by the Christian church that lasted many centuries. Is this no longer a problem today? It will be argued that religions have been guilty of provoking and perpetuating xenophobia and racism for a long time. The Christian church is no exception.
Got Thirst? Will Alberta's new water policy leave you high and dry?
Sheila Muxlow
Monday, January 18, 2010 12:00 PM
7-9pm in Lethbridge Public Library Community Room Alberta is on the brink of a serious water crisis and the provincial government is developing new policies to manage this precious resource, which will become scarcer in the future. Most residents of Alberta will be directly impacted by new water legislation as it is a resource that provides us with everything from lush ecosystems, fertile farmland and flourishing communities. The speaker will discuss Alberta’s water, including a critical look at the First in Time, First in Right (FITFIR) water allocation and the government proposals to use market based mechanisms as solutions to Alberta’s water worries.
Open access to the Grid, or Grid lock? A look at the AESO
Leanne Dawkins
Thursday, January 14, 2010 12:00 PM
12-1:30pm Under The Electric Statutes Amendment Act (formerly Bill 50) passed into law in December 2009, the Government of Alberta is responsible for approving the need for critical transmission infrastructure. The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is responsible for identifying the need for transmission system development, within a market system intended to provide competitive electricity supply to customers throughout the province. Governed by an independent board that provides advice and direction for market participants, the AESO is a not-for-profit entity.
The Conservative Government of Alberta arguably has a history of fabricating crises in Medicare. From full frontal assault in 1994, through Bill 11 in 2000, past the Third Way in 2005 to the Super Board in 2009; closing beds, jeopardizing the health of our seniors and tossing the mentally ill into an already overloaded community network on the way; the agenda seems similar: Create a crisis and then try selling privatization as a solution.