Emergency Shelter Space: Is Lack Thereof Putting Women at Risk?
Kristine Cassie
Thursday, December 17, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Violence against women and children is an issue in most countries, provinces, cities and indeed anywhere. It certainly exists in Lethbridge, yet the resources to help those affected can’t keep up with demand. Last year 535 women and children used the 24 emergency beds at Lethbridge and District YWCA Harbour House, but over 1200 were turned away as all beds were full. It’s the fourth highest shelter turn away rate in the entire province after Calgary, Edmonton and Sherwood Park and 2015 will surpass those grim statistics.
Getting Off the Electric Grid: Is the Sun All We Need?
Erhard Hermann, CME
Thursday, December 10, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Getting Off the Electric Grid: Is the Sun All We Need? Solar Power Systems have been getting a lot more attention in the last few years. While most of the attention has been focussed on “Grid Interactive” systems, there is a growing desire to go “Off Grid”. Is being totally solar powered possible or feasible? Why go “Off Grid”? What are the pros and cons to living “Off Grid”? What makes up a good “Off Grid” system?
Exposing the Developing Brain to Marijuana: What are the Risks?
Diana Dow-Edwards, PhD
Thursday, December 3, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Marijuana is the most highly abused illegal substance during pregnancy and in adolescence and yet, many people are not aware that it is addicting to the user and toxic to the developing nervous system. This talk will present the scope of the problem, an outline of the role of cannabinoids in normal brain function and an illustration of how marijuana causes chaotic neuronal growth early in development. The speaker will review the longitudinal human studies, from both maternal and adolescent smoking, and show some data on the effects of early stress on marijuana responses in animal models and as well, illustrate the role of natural cannabinoids in stress responses.
Sexual Violence & Social Media – What is Cyberviolence?
Erin Leigh and Dillon Black
Thursday, November 26, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram (to name a few) are social media sites that have become the voice of our generation. These Internet platforms are tools used to discover who we are, to connect with each other and think globally, but these can also become spaces that perpetuate toxic norms and violence. The problem of cyber violence and online abuse is the greatest challenge the Internet faces today. While social media sites do not cause cyber violence they do impact the ways in which this violence occurs and they can impact the ways in which this violence is prevented.
Sexual Violence & Social Media – What is Cyber Violence?
Erin Leigh and Dillon Black
Wednesday, November 25, 2015 12:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram (to name a few) are social media sites that have become the voice of our generation. These Internet platforms are tools used to discover who we are, to connect with each other and think globally, but these can also become spaces that perpetuate toxic norms and violence. The problem of cyber violence and online abuse is the greatest challenge the Internet faces today. While social media sites do not cause cyber violence they do impact the ways in which this violence occurs and they can impact the ways in which this violence is prevented.
Off Road Vehicles: Recreation or Wreckreation? The Challenges of Protecting Fragile Ecosystems
Anna Garleff & Becky Cousins
Thursday, November 19, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Off highway vehicles (OHV) pose a unique challenge to our watershed when balancing land use for recreation, tourism, and the environment. OHVs can be an exciting way for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy public land. However, irresponsible OHV activity can upset the delicate balance of natural areas through lasting damage to the landscape including: soil compaction, contamination, and erosion; loss of vegetation; wildfires; wildlife disruption; disturbance to streambeds; disruption of ecosystems via invasive species.
Turning the Ship of Government Around?
Honourable Shannon Phillips MLA
Thursday, November 12, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Since the dramatic election results of May 5th swept the NDP into power after the 44-year long reign of the Progressive Conservative Party, there have been a multitude of changes in the government and in Alberta. The NDP brought in political financing changes, announced the protection of the Castle area, and restored funding to education and health, among many other things. But for some, who have waited their whole life to see this government change, change has been slow.
Land Use and Shrinking Rivers: What's at Stake?
Kevin van Tighem
Thursday, November 5, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
For more than a century the foothills and Front Range Mountains of western Alberta have been recognized as being vital to the water supply for western Canada. Virtually all the water that sustains communities, ecosystems and the economy of prairie Canada comes from this narrow strip of land arrayed along the Continental Divide. For all its importance, however, water management decisions affecting this enormous region have ignored the significance of land health and focused almost exclusively on building dams.
Land Use and Shrinking Rivers: What's at Stake?
Kevin van Tighem
Thursday, November 5, 2015 12:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
For more than a century the foothills and Front Range Mountains of western Alberta have been recognized as being vital to the water supply for western Canada. Virtually all the water that sustains communities, ecosystems and the economy of prairie Canada comes from this narrow strip of land arrayed along the Continental Divide. For all its importance, however, water management decisions affecting this enormous region have ignored the significance of land health and focused almost exclusively on building dams.
After the Sands. Energy and Ecological security for Canadians
Gordon Laxer, PhD
Friday, October 30, 2015 1:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
Hailed as “a myth-destroying blockbuster book” by Ralph Nader, Gordon Laxer’s latest book, “After the Sands” outlines a vision and road map to transition Canada to a low- carbon society: a plan lacking within all of Canada’s major political parties. Despite its oil abundance, Canada is woefully unprepared for the next global oil supply crisis. Canada imports 40 percent of its oil, yet—unlike twenty-six of the other twenty-eight international energy agency members—has no strategic petroleum reserves to meet temporary shortages.
Is Trudeaumania Once More Alive and Well in Canada?
Dr. Harold Jansen
Thursday, October 29, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
When the Liberal Party won the 1968 Canadian election, Pierre Elliot Trudeau rode a popular personal wave called “Trudeaumania” to victory. At the recent October 19 Federal Election, his son Justin Trudeau, appears to have used some of the same “magic”, enabling the Liberals to win a majority and reducing the governing Conservative Party to opposition status along with the NDP, Bloc and Greens. No doubt however that other factors played a role in the conservatives defeat.
Alberta Energy Issues: Possibilities and Dangers?
Leela Sharon Aheer, MLA
Thursday, October 22, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The Alberta Provincial government under Rachael Notley is committed to tackling several issues related to energy. Corporate taxes have already been raised. A royalty review is taking place and several proposed initiatives related to the environment may also affect the petroleum industry. The Wildrose party has raised several concerns about the direction of these measures and Leela Sharon Aheer, the Wildrose energy critic, will explore these questions from an opposition perspective.
Local and Global Food Security: What are the Issues?
Rev'd Canon Erin Phillips and Kaitlyn Kenney
Thursday, October 15, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Think Globally Act Locally, is a common term, but what does it really mean when discussing food security? Canada and particularly Southern Alberta produce an abundance of quality foods, yet, cost competitive imported foods are consumed year-round even when local products are seasonable available. Emphasis on buying local food is on the rise, but the sustainability of small family farms are at risk from large food producers and retailers offering cheap prices.
The Syrian Refugee Crises: What's Happening Here?
Pastor Ryan Dueck
Thursday, October 8, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
In Early September, the Syrian refugee crisis came home to the world with the vivid picture of three year old Alan Kurdi lying face down on a beach at the Greek Island of Kos. However, several months earlier an ad hoc ‘coalition’ of Mennonite and United Church congregations had begun to plan and fundraise for the adoption of a Syrian refugee family. That family (of nine) is now close to clearing the hurdles that will enable them to come to Lethbridge.
Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Canada: What's Happened, why it Matters, and what we can do?
Dr. Shannon Stunden Bower
Thursday, October 1, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Over the past decade, Canadians have witnessed an erosion of our national capacity for evidence-based decision-making. Apparent in communications restrictions on government scientists, funding cuts focused on public interest research, and a diminished role for evidence in policy decisions, this erosion threatens both our well-being as citizens and the health of our democracy. Evidence for Democracy, a national non-partisan, non-profit organization, has emerged as part of efforts to make the case for evidence-based decision-making.
"Refine it where you mine it" – Value added or risky business?
Ted Morton
Thursday, September 24, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
To quote from our new governments election platform, “we’ll reduce our province’s over-dependence on raw bitumen exports and create more jobs with more upgrading and processing here, rather than in Texas.” Previous Alberta governments have had experience with refining and upgrading projects. Professor Ted Morton points out in an article in Alberta Oil Magazine that the “path to hell is paved with good intentions. What started off as a low-cost, low-risk initiative to incentivize more upgrading of bitumen in Alberta has turned into the multibillion-dollar North West Sturgeon upgrader, a project that will leave Alberta taxpayers holding the bag if it doesn’t fly.
Federal Election Forum for Lethbridge
Lethbridge Federal Candidates
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Seniors Centre
The October 19, 2015 Federal Election promises to be an interesting contest. The SACPA forum will be conducted using both formulated and audience questions. Voice your concerns and help frame the issues you consider important, by asking the candidates to explain their views and party policies on those topics. Please plan to attend this forum and please also exercise you democratic right and duty by voting in the advance polls or on October 19, 2015.
Contaminated Water from Fracking: Who are Responsible When Things Go Wrong?
Andrew Nikiforuk
Thursday, September 17, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The fossil fuel industry tout hydraulic fracturing, “fracking”, as a win-win, with slick promises of energy independence, greenhouse gas reduction, and benefits to local communities. Yet the questionable technology, which blasts massive volumes of water, sand, and chemicals into rock and coal formations, has sparked a huge public outcry. The speaker will describe why fracking is, at best, controversial and tell the inspiring story of one woman’s stand to hold government and industry accountable for the damage fracking can leave in its wake.
Dying with Dignity: Are Politics Being Played with End of Life Choices?
John Warren
Thursday, September 10, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada sent a powerful message heard around the world. In a unanimous decision, the justices of the high court struck down the federal prohibition on physician assisted dying and decided the old law violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In keeping with Canadian values of compassion and individual freedom, the decision could reshape how we experience death and dying in the future.
2015 Annual General Meeting of Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs
Knud Petersen
Thursday, June 18, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Approval of agenda and appointment of Secretary Adoption and discussion of Minutes – June 19, 2014 Annual Reports: Chairperson Finance Committee (Treasurer’s Report and Budget for 2015-2016) Break for lunch at approx.12:30 - 1 pm followed by more reports Program Committee SACPA on Campus Program Committee Policy and Bylaw Committee Administrative Manager Personnel Committee Nomination Committee Appointment of Auditors and discussion on SACPA’s future direction, including an update on a planned 50th anniversary book.
What are Albertans Likely to Experience with an NDP Government and what are the Chances of Yet Another Political Dynasty?
Dr. Duane Bratt
Thursday, June 11, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Among many promises, one of the first items on Premier Rachel Notley’s agenda, besides a revised budget, may be campaign finance reform. Currently, individuals, corporations, and unions have a $15,000 limit on campaign donations to political parties in non-election years, and $30,000 in election years. Removal of corporate and union donations and lowering the limits, could see a ceiling of $1,500 per person, per year thereby putting an end to Alberta’s slanted election finances while closely resembling laws at the federal level and in many provinces.
How are Lethbridge Property Owners Affected by the Provincial Governments Downloading of Costs?
Stan Dilworth
Thursday, June 4, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Lethbridge homeowners may be facing an unexpected future tax hike. Cancellation of provincial grants linked to social housing will cost Lethbridge residents over $870,000 unless Alberta’s recently elected NDP government decide to reverse this shortfall. The Alberta government’s decision to download those costs on to city taxpayers came at the same time they cancelled increased funding to school boards in the province, including Lethbridge, despite increased student enrolments. The speaker will outline the many tax incentives provided to large industrial property owners that are hidden in the Province’s regulated assessment process and explain how this affects you as a taxpayer.
To Pray or Not to Pray: What are the Ramifications of the Recent SCC Ruling on Prayers at Municipal Council Meetings?
Dr. James Linville
Tuesday, June 2, 2015 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
SACPA in Partnership with the Lethbridge Public Library presents: To Pray or Not to Pray: What are the Ramifications of the Recent SCC Ruling on Prayers at Municipal Council Meetings? Ideally, Canada does not discriminate on grounds of religion although many people complain that it falls short in practice. In ruling against the Saguenay city council’s recitation of prayer before its meetings the Supreme Court of Canada recently declared that a religiously neutral state may not “favour or hinder any particular belief or non-belief under the guise of cultural or historical reality or heritage.
Bridging the Generational Gap: Empowering Youth to Empower Community?
Byron Dent, Luis Busca and TBA
Thursday, May 28, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The generational gap presents the idea that understanding between different age groups is limited due to differences in experience and language. This concept has given rise to stereotypes at both ends of the spectrum: Youth are seen as “lazy” and “unpredictable”, whereas older generations are perceived as “stubborn”, “authoritative”, and “strict”. These perceptions are counteractive to building a healthy community: They build mistrust, limit dialogue, and hinder the ability to build powerful alliances between those with experience and those with fresh ideas.
Religion in Canada as a Growth Industry
Dr. Reginald W. Bibby
Thursday, May 21, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Since the 1960s, religion in Canada has been viewed by most observers as in a state of decline, as seen in attendance drop-offs and organizational retrenchment. It has been widely assumed that the secularization patterns found in Western Europe and other advanced settings have taken root here, the apparent price of a country coming of age. We now know that such an interpretation has been a misreading of religious trends. A new comprehensive national survey carried out in March of this year by Angus Reid in partnership with Reginald Bibby has found that the religious situation is characterized not by relentless secularization but by polarization.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in Canada: Will an Inquiry be Helpful?
Dr. Linda Many Guns and Lauren Crazybull
Thursday, May 14, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Canada may not be seen as a place where widespread human rights violations against their indigenous population occur on a regular basis by the international community. However, Canada’s indigenous population is arguable over-policed and under-protected with both men and women incarcerated at rates much higher than the non-indigenous population and face police violence and deaths in custody all too often. Mainstream media is no longer able to ignore the ongoing violence against indigenous people and more specifically the targeting of indigenous women, transgender and two-spirited people.
It Takes Two to Tango: On The Muslim Question in Canada
Dr. Abdie Kazemipur
Thursday, May 7, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The recent occurrence of some violent events in the Muslim world, as well as the involvement of Muslim individuals in some terrorist attacks in Western Europe, North America, and Australia, has raised serious questions about the ability and/or willingness of Muslims to live in peace and harmony with people of other religious backgrounds. In a rush to answer those questions, various people, both Muslim and non-Muslim, have offered responses that are overly simplistic, empirically inaccurate, and visibly biased.
Remote Sensing: What can it tell us about climate change?
Dr. Craig Coburn
Thursday, April 30, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Climate change is one of the most important challenges facing our civilization. All major national and international efforts towards monitoring fluctuations in long-term climate normals involve the use of remote sensing science to provide Earth observation data to measure key climate variables. These data are the basis for many of the decisions made by governments. The quality of these measurements is critical so that policy makers and other concerned stakeholders can rely on evidence-based scientific facts in support of efforts to manage our impacts on our planet’s climate system.
How did Alberta Arrive at its Present Political and Financial State?
Dr. Anthony Sayers
Thursday, April 23, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Since 1971, Alberta has been ruled by a majority Progressive Conservative Government, the longest unbroken run in government at the provincial level in Canada. When the PC’s replaced Social Credit in 1971, that party had been in power for 36 years. Under the leadership of Premier Peter Lougheed, Alberta prospered, due to substantial growth in the resource sector coupled with an increased share of revenues from oil and gas. Also established was the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, a non-renewable resource fund designed to be of long-term benefit to Alberta.
Alberta Provincial Election Forum for Lethbridge East
Lethbridge EAST Candidates
Wednesday, April 22, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The May 5, 2015 Alberta Provincial Election promises to be an interesting contest and ought to attract more attention than normally would be expected of such. The SACPA forum will be conducted using both formulated and audience questions. Voice your concerns and help frame the issues you consider important, by asking the candidates to explain their views and party policies on those topics. Please plan to attend this forum and please also exercise you democratic right and duty by voting in the advance polls or on May 5, 2015.
Alberta Provincial Election Forum for Lethbridge West
Lethbridge WEST Candidates
Tuesday, April 21, 2015 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library
SACPA in Partnership with the Lethbridge Public Library presents the 2015 Alberta Provincial Election Forum for the Lethbridge West constituency. The May 5, 2015 Alberta Provincial Election promises to be an interesting contest and ought to attract more attention than normally would be expected of such. The SACPA forum will be conducted using both formulated and audience questions. Voice your concerns and help frame the issues you consider important, by asking the candidates to explain their views and party policies on those topics.
Lethbridge has a detailed dog bylaw: How about cats?
Rob Miyashiro
Thursday, April 16, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Many municipalities and cities across Canada have detailed dog and cat bylaws, including spay and neutering programs. Arguable, there are many benefits to licensing cats and dogs with Animal & Bylaw Services. A pet’s licence can be their ticket home if they are ever lost. Likely because of pet licensing, Calgary, for example, has the highest return to owner and lowest euthanization rate in North America. The revenue generated from licensing helps feed, shelter and care for the pets in facilities and supports cat and dog adoptions, school/educational and volunteer programs.
Fusion Energy - Status and Prospects
Dr. Allan Offenberger
Thursday, April 9, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Learning to harness fusion in a controlled way – recreating the sun on earth, as a clean source of energy – is the holy grail of international energy programs. According to Dr. Allan Offenberger “A sustained fusion burn is no longer an academic dream but will be realized in the near future.” Dr. Offenberger will outline several quite promising options and update us on their progress and status. Dr. Offenberger is particularly interested in getting Alberta researchers and industry involved in fusion development.
Fusion Energy - Status and Prospects
Dr. Allan Offenberger
Wednesday, April 8, 2015 1:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
Learning to harness fusion in a controlled way – recreating the sun on earth, as a clean source of energy – is the holy grail of international energy programs. According to Dr. Allan Offenberger “A sustained fusion burn is no longer an academic dream but will be realized in the near future.” Dr. Offenberger will outline several quite promising options and update us on their progress and status. Dr. Offenberger is particularly interested in getting Alberta researchers and industry involved in fusion development.
What is transfeminism? What can it bring to feminism in general? How do you define cissexism? Why is it relevant to address cissexism?
Sophie Labelle
Thursday, April 2, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
From a trans point of view, what are the structural oppressions and barriers cissexism put before trans lives? How can we change structures so that they become more accepting and welcoming of trans and gender non-conforming individuals? How do we make environments safer for trans and gender non-conforming youth? How can we define trans history? What are its roots in civil rights movements? Is the T still relevant in LGBT? What kind of discussion between LGB movements and trans communities do we wish for?
Should Canada Restore Diplomatic Relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran?
Dr. Anthony Hall
Thursday, March 26, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
In announcing the severing of Canada’s formal diplomatic relations with the government of Iran in 2012, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird described the Persian country of about 80 million people at the crossroads of Eurasia as “the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world”. Iranian diplomats in Ottawa were declared “personae non gratae” and compelled to vacate their ambassadorial seat. The University of Lethbridge Professor of Globalization Studies, Dr.
Indefinite Detention without Charges: In Canada? Really?
Sophie Harkat
Thursday, March 19, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Imagine spending years in prison without being charged with a crime or knowing exactly what you’re accused of. This presentation is a sobering examination of the Canadian government’s use of security certificates, a Kafkaesque tool that allows for indefinite detention without charges, based on evidence not revealed to the accused or their lawyers. Since 1999, this rare and highly controversial device has been used to detain at least five men for nearly 30 years combined.
Indefinite Detention without Charges: In Canada? Really?
Sophie Harkat
Wednesday, March 18, 2015 1:00 PM
University of Lethbridge
Imagine spending years in prison without being charged with a crime or knowing exactly what you’re accused of. This presentation is a sobering examination of the Canadian government’s use of security certificates, a Kafkaesque tool that allows for indefinite detention without charges, based on evidence not revealed to the accused or their lawyers. Since 1999, this rare and highly controversial device has been used to detain at least five men for nearly 30 years combined.
Are Ethics, Integrity and Democracy Alive and Well in the Canadian Public Service?
Ian Greene, PhD
Thursday, March 12, 2015 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Democracy is for all intentional purposes based on mutual respect, which means free and fair elections, human rights, and ethical government. How well are we doing with current standards of ethics in politics and the public service, how successfully are they enforced, and how could they be improved? These standards involve conflicts of interest, lobbying, election financing, whistleblowing, expense claims, and public sector accountability. This presentation will contextualize some of the past and present scandals involving both Canadian public servants and elected politicians.
What are the Benefits of Community Radio and Independent Media?
Benjamin Maine and Aaron Trozzo
Thursday, March 5, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
CKXU began as CKUL in 1972, when a public address system was set up in Section A of University Hall at the University of Lethbridge to broadcast musical content inside the building during the day. The station was managed by the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union. The CKUL Radio Society was incorporated in Oct. 1977, to govern the affairs of the station, and a year later the CRTC granted the society a license to broadcast on 530 AM
Civil Liberties: Are they at risk?
Raul Vergara and Sandon Law
Thursday, February 26, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
What is meant by civil liberties? According to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, civil liberties are protecting those freedoms that are considered fundamental in a democratic society. These fundamental freedoms include freedom of opinion, thought, belief and expression, freedom of the press, freedom of conscience and religion, and freedom of association and peaceful assembly. It is almost impossible to imagine how a democracy would work without protection for these most basic rights and freedoms, and yet they continue to be under attack in many ways.
Are Lethbridge Children Lagging behind the Province and Canada in Kindergarten Performance because of Inadequate Funding and Support?
Robbin Gibb and LaVonne Rideout
Thursday, February 19, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
ECMap was an Alberta Government funded 5-year project that worked to raise community awareness of the results of an intensive study on the readiness of Alberta’s children for kindergarten. The Government invested 26 million dollars to gather Early Development Instrument (EDI) data, interpret it, and share the results with communities province-wide. We learned that Alberta’s kindergarten children are behind the Canadian average in their performance, with children in Lethbridge behind the Provincial average.
Why are Gay-Straight Alliances in Alberta Schools Political "Hot Potatoes"?
Robert Cey, PhD
Thursday, February 12, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
A motion to mandate that Alberta schools support the creation of student-led gay-straight alliances (GSAs) in schools where students have requested it, was defeated in the Alberta Legislature early last year. In late 2014 two Bills dealing with the same student-led gay-straight alliances were brought before the legislature. The first, Bill 202, was a private members Bill, which prompted the Government to draft its own, Bill 10. By the time the dust settled and amendments were attempted, neither Bill was passed as Premier Prentice stepped in and put the Bills on hold pending further studies.
What are the Barriers to Curbside Organics Recycling?
Kathleen Muretti
Thursday, February 5, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
Lethbridge residents could send a lot less garbage to the landfill if a city-wide curbside organics recycling program were to be implemented. Diverting residential food and yard waste from the landfill could save not only valuable landfill space, it could also eliminate much of the methane that organics generate in a landfill. It is well known that recycling organics is better for the environment in many ways as it turns waste material into new and friendly products of value, with the possibility of also creating biogas capable of generating power.
The Costs of Homelessness: What are you willing to pay?
Audrey Skoog
Thursday, January 29, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
On March 16, 2009, the Alberta Government announced an ambitious plan to end homelessness in this province, the first to make such declaration in Canada. This plan saw a shift from relying on emergency shelters to manage the problem and instead use Housing First principles to create not only housing stability but diversion from future homelessness. From a financial perspective, simply managing homelessness was projected to cost the Alberta Government more than six billion dollars over 10 years.
Canada's New Prostitution Bill: Will it Stand Up in Court?
Wade Hlady
Thursday, January 22, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
The Canadian Government recently passed Bill C-36, the “Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act” in response to a decision by the Supreme Court of Canada that found many parts of the existing law concerning prostitution in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and therefore unconstitutional. At first glance, the Government seems to have accomplished exactly what they intended with this controversial new law regarding prostitution, but many will argue the new legislation is less about policy and more about politics.
What did Danielle Smith and the Wildrose Floor Crossers Forget?
Lisa Lambert
Thursday, January 15, 2015 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen
In December 2014 Danielle Smith and eight members of her caucus announced that they were crossing the floor to join the Progressive Conservatives and Premier Jim Prentice. The announcement elicited a great deal of vitriolic responses from the public and reignited calls for floor crossing to be banned or at least for floor crossers to require a by-election to sit as a member of another party. The speaker will argue that floor crossing is a necessary part of the parliamentary process and must not be limited but that the floor crossers from the Wildrose Party, especially leader Danielle Smith, need a strong lesson in another piece of parliamentary democracy: a loyal opposition.
Russia’s annexation of Crimea has called into question the future of Arctic cooperation. After years of working together on pollution prevention, search and rescue, shipping and fisheries management, people are asking: Can we trust Russia to behave differently in the North than it is behaving in the South? Michael Byers has just returned from a term as a Visiting Professor at the University of Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia. His presentation will address the issue of Arctic sovereignty, peace and security in a time of geopolitical tension and rapidly advancing climate change.