Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

How did the hugely successful Henderson Lake Dragon Boat festival get started? With Karen Johnson and Wendy Aitkens

This year marks the 24th ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival. The speakers will share some of the festival’s early beginnings. What is it about, and how did it start? The abreast of Bridge Dragon Boat Team has, for 25 years, provided a social and recreational environment that embraces a full and active lifestyle for cancer survivors. An overview of their history and how that helped to inspire the development of the Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival will also be discussed.

Speakers: Karen Johnson and Wendy Aitkens

Karen Johnson is the Festival Chair for Dragon Boat Canada, President of the Dragon Boat Association of Southern Alberta, and coaches the Coulee Cruisers and the u24 Junior Cruisers. She joined the sport as a team-building activity with other City of Lethbridge employees in the first year of the festival, 2002, Dragn’ R Butz. Finding a new passion for the sport, Karen was instrumental in starting Team ID just after the 2003 festival in hopes of paddling through a longer season and traveling to other festivals. Karen was the assistant coach of Team ID for the 2007 and 2008 seasons. In 2008, the Rotary Festival made a concerted effort to improve the skills of local dragon boaters and decided to “beef up” the training provided to the festival teams. With fellow coach Dave Hunt, Karen agreed to take on the Head Coach. Karen has been the ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival race chair since 2010.

Wendy Aitkens was conscripted into the abreast of Bridge Dragon Boat Team in 2007. She had never even seen a dragon boat, but the first time she rode in one, she was impressed by the women around her and decided to join. She has been active on the Board and in the boat since. In her other life, she worked in the museum community at Fort Calgary and the Galt Museum & Archives, and currently volunteers at the Lethbridge Military Museum.

What are the pillars of ULethbridge’s new Strategic Plan? With Dr. Digvir Jayas

An inclusive and engaging journey that brought together all aspects of its internal and external communities has culminated with the recent release of the new strategic plan for University of Lethbridge — a shared vision that addresses the changing landscape of post-secondary education provincially, nationally and globally. The new plan for Iniskim; the Blackfoot name gifted to the University of Lethbridge, defines its values and commitment, and sets the course for the next 10 years.

The values, as enunciated in the Strategic Plan, informs what the University does and supports strategic directions such as relationships, belonging, respect, courage, quality, access and sustainability. The speaker will discuss how the plan provides for a long-term framework to enhance academic excellence, research innovation and community engagement, setting the University on a path to continued success, one that will create an even better student experience and enrich the University’s substantial contributions to bettering society.

Speaker: Dr. Digvir Jayas, ULethbridge President & Vice-Chancellor

Born and raised in India, Dr. Jayas earned a Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, and went on to complete a graduate degree and PhD in agricultural engineering at the Universities of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, respectively. He began teaching at the University of Manitoba in 1985, eventually ascending to the position of Vice-President (Research and International), which he held for 12 years.

An internationally renowned researcher, Dr. Jayas studies the drying, handling and storing of grains and oilseeds, and digital image processing for grading and processing operations in the agri-food industry. From 2002 to 2009, he was a Tier I Canada Research Chair in Stored-Grain Ecosystems, and in 2009 was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. In 2018, Dr. Jayas was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. He is the 2023 recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in Manitoba and will be invested into the Order of Manitoba this summer, recognizing his significant contributions to the Manitoba agri-food industry.

Lethbridge as a living City: How can green infrastructure and water-wise design help our community adapt to a changing climate? With Kathleen Sheppard and Amber Murray

This talk will give a brief history of Environment Lethbridge, the Living Cities initiative, the Lethbridge Living Cities Pathway (and why we need it), and Environment Lethbridge’s role in pursuing the Pathway through education and engagement with citizens in the community.

Speakers: Kathleen Sheppard and Amber Murray

Kathleen Sheppard joined Environment Lethbridge as Executive Director in November of 2015. Originally from southern Alberta, Kathleen has more than 25 years experience working for non-profit organizations in BC and Alberta. Prior to coming to Environment Lethbridge, she was the Executive Director for Social Planning Cowichan, located in Duncan, BC. Her previous experience includes work in land conservation, wildlife rescue, wilderness protection and environmental sustainability.

Amber Murray is an Urban Watershed Ambassador with Environment Lethbridge. She has over 20 years of experience in landscape management and design in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, including turfgrass management, aesthetic gardens, edible landscapes, permaculture design, resiliency farming, deer resistant gardens, composting, plant retail, and water harvesting. When she’s not working in the dirt, she can be found writing and/or speaking about the dirt.

Finding Opportunity in the Storm – Impacts of Tariffs and Trade on Southern Alberta. With Trevor Lewington

Lethbridge and southern Alberta are considered particularly vulnerable to a trade war with the United States, especially due to their strong trade ties with the US, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce identified Lethbridge as the 10th most vulnerable city in Canada to potential U.S. tariffs. To mitigate the negative effects on this region, a Lethbridge Region Economic Resilience Task Force has been established, focusing on developing strategies to support businesses in the region and ensure they can navigate the challenges posed by the tariffs, implemented by US President Donald Trump.

The Lethbridge Region Economic Resilience Task Force is made up of nine organizations, including Economic Development Lethbridge and SouthGrow Regional Initiative, that are looking to find ways to navigate the impact of these tariffs. The speaker will define the role of that task force, including the gathering of information specific to this region and hear from industry what their concerns are. The task force will also advocate to all three levels of government for changes in policies that may help businesses overcome this crisis. Due to the dynamic nature of the current situation, as it can change on an hourly basis, the task force has to be responsive and try to figure out what is going to make the biggest difference.

Speaker: Trevor Lewington CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL)

Trevor Lewington is the Chief Executive Officer for Economic Development Lethbridge. Together with a 31-member volunteer Board of Directors, Trevor is proud to work with a talented team that develops and delivers on initiatives to promote the Lethbridge region as an excellent place to live, work, experience, invest and do business. Trevor holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Human Resource Management, completed a Change Leadership Certificate with Cornell University and is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) through CPHR Alberta. He also holds a Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP) designation from the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation as well as the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

With over 20 years of executive management experience in the food processing industry, in addition to many years living the trials and tribulations of a small business owner combined with additional roles in the public sector, Trevor strives to provide a broad-based perspective and collaborative approach which will enhance initiatives that drive continued economic growth in southern Alberta. Trevor was recognized by Economic Developers Alberta for “outstanding dedication and service” to the profession as “2019 Economic Developer of the Year.” Trevor is very engaged in his community and currently serves in the role of Mayor in the Village of Stirling.

What does the recent federal election results in Alberta and Saskatchewan tell us about Canadian unity? With Dr. Duane Bratt

Many Canadians may be seeing red, but nearly as many are seeing blue. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Mark Carney will form a new minority government in Canada after his Liberal Party secured the most seats in parliament in the recent federal election, completing a remarkable political turnaround amid a growing confrontation with President Trump and the United States.

Although opposition leader Pierre Poilievre lost his own seat, the Conservatives grew their proportion of the popular vote substantially and made inroads in Ontario with 44 per cent of the vote there. In Saskatchewan and Alberta, only a few Liberals were elected and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has already amplified her hostility towards Ottawa. The speaker will evaluate the election results and speculate on whether or not Mark Carney can keep the minority independence movement in the West from gathering steam.

Speaker: Dr. Duane Bratt

Duane Bratt is a political science Professor in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University (Calgary, Alberta). He teaches in the area of international relations and Canadian public policy. His research interests include Canadian nuclear policy, Canadian foreign policy, and Alberta politics.

Recent publications include: co-editor of Blue Storm: The Rise and Fall of Jason Kenney (University of Calgary Press, 2023), co-editor, Orange Chinook: Politics in the New Alberta (University of Calgary Press, 2019), co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy: Classic Debates and New Ideas 3rd edition (Oxford University Press, 2015) and author of Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2012). Current projects include a book on the politics of covid in Alberta. Duane is also a regular commentator on political events.

Receding Glaciers - Vanishing Glaciers. With Hester Jiskoot

The United Nations declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and proclaimed 21 March the annual World Day for Glaciers. Related initiatives are highlighting the importance of glaciers worldwide, including their role in freshwater supplies and sea level rise, and the increasing threats of glacial hazards, while illustrating the impacts of climate change on the critical role that glaciers play in our Earth’s systems.

Professor Hester Jiskoot will present the trends and future projections in receding glaciers and ice sheets worldwide and the related implications for humanity. Examples of vanishing glaciers will be exposed, as well as ways to slow down the melt and to ultimately preserve glaciers. She will also speak to the sheer beauty of the cryosphere and the importance of snow and ice for the Canadian identity, all while mourning several iconic Canadian glaciers that are now drowning in their own tears. The presentation will be richly illustrated with photos.

Speaker: Dr. Hester Jiskoot

Dr. Hester Jiskoot is Professor of Physical Geography & Glaciology in the Department of Geography and Environment at the University of Lethbridge. With a BSc and MSc from the University of Amsterdam (Netherlands) and a PhD from the University of Leeds (UK), her main research interests are in glacier-climate-landscape interactions, with an emphasis on ice flow dynamics and glacier edge effects. Since 1991, Prof. Jiskoot has been a member and leader of glaciological expeditions to Arctic and Alpine regions, while in 2019 she sailed the Northwest Passage on a historic ketch.

At the University of Lethbridge, Professor Jiskoot leads the Glaciology and Geoscience Lab and teaches courses in physical geography and the geosciences. She has been funded broadly, is well- published and collaborates with glaciologists worldwide. Currently Chief Editor of the International Glaciological Society’s scientific publications Journal of Glaciology and Annals of Glaciology, Prof. Jiskoot has previously been in various executive functions of national geographical associations. Prof. Jiskoot is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

The evolution of tea - are there any health benefits drinking specific varieties? With Sampath Walgama

Tea’s origins are widely believed to be in China, with the tea plant, Camellia Sinensis, native to the southwest of the country, particularly the Yunnan province. It’s an aromatic beverage prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over cured or fresh leaves of Camellia Sinensis. While tea has been initially considered as a “beverage” it is no longer considered just a “beverage” by itself but rather a drink with medicinal value. The speaker will introduce the history, tea manufacturing process, the types of genuine tea varieties, and the distinction between these genuine teas and “non-tea” types.

Speaker: Dr. Sampath Walgama

Sampath is originally from Sri Lanka (Ceylon), a country famous for the quality teas it produces. He graduated from University of Colombo, Sri Lanka specializing in Environmental Science and pursued his studies at the University of Queensland, Australia to obtain a PhD in Agriculture with a focus in Entomology. He worked at Sri Lanka’s Tea Research Institute as an Entomologist, gaining overall knowledge of Tea Science.

Sampath migrated to Canada in 2010 to do a Postdoctoral Program at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Lethbridge). He made Lethbridge home and continued at the Lethbridge College as an agriculture Instructor. He then moved North to Fort Vermilion for a Research Manager position at the Mackenzie Applied Research Association (MARA). He is enthusiastic about tea and despite the fact he doesn’t have an opportunity to work on tea, he continues to study, learn and talk about tea because of his passion and enthusiasm.

Storage losses in all kinds of agri food crops are substantial - are they largely preventable? WIth Dr Chandra Singh

At least one-fifth of all food produced in Canada is (avoidably) lost or wasted during harvesting, packing, storing, handling, transporting and processing. Lethbridge Polytechnic received grants in 2021 from different sources to study the issues and the speaker will provide evidence of promising results.

Lethbridge Polytechnic was also on the receiving end of part of a large grant this year that will be applied towards using cellular agricultural research to improve food security across Canada well into the future. In particular, sugar beets will be used as an energy source for cell culture medium to facilitate this research to possibly diversify the long-term market for sugar beet producers in southern Alberta.

Speaker: Dr. Chandra Singh

Chandra Singh joined Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE) in 2019 as the first Applied Research Chair in Agricultural Engineering and Technology. As a Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) funded research chair, Singh and his team focuses on minimizing post-harvest losses, adding value to local crops and developing products and technological solutions to meet the needs of Alberta’s agri-food industry.

Raised on a small family farm in India, Singh completed an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Engineering, a master’s degree in Postharvest Engineering and a PhD in Biosystems Engineering, giving him a rare and sought-after combination of expertise in both equipment and technologies, as well as an understanding of the science of agriculture. Before arriving at Lethbridge Polytechnic, he was an Associate Professor of Engineering at the University of Southern Australia jointly co-appointed by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Australia’s national research organization.

In November 2023, Singh appeared virtually before the Senate’s Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (AGFO) to share his expertise on grain drying and grain storage as it pertains to Bill C-234.

 

What will it take to make Lethbridge the healthiest city in Canada for all to live, thrive and age well? With Jason Shriner & Kathy Lewis

This is the Question that inspires Imagine Lethbridge, a grassroots organisation of residents passionate about a prosperous and sustainable future for our community. To answer this question, Imagine Lethbridge centres its thinking, activities, and processes around a unique and fresh perspective on economic activity known as regenerative economics by academics, and affectionately called “Doughnut Economics” by communities worldwide adopting and applying its principles.

Our speakers will present the core principles and visual framework of Doughnut Economics, and share perspectives from a global, provincial and municipal viewpoint on practical considerations for ethical community prosperity and sustainability. Imagine Lethbridge is pleased to coordinate its work with the City of Lethbridge’s strategic goals including being: economically prosperous, healthy and diverse, culturally vibrant, well designed, environmentally responsible and regionally supportive, but are there barriers?

Lethbridge is a great place to live, and we have much to be grateful for and proud of. Can we make our city even better? What does “the Lethbridge we want” look like in the future? How can we make this happen? Today we explore how each of us can take responsibility to shape our city.

Speakers: Jason Shriner & Kathy Lewis

Jason Shriner owns and operates a land use consulting and commercial property management company called Impresario Inc. He is a lifelong contributor to our city. He currently sits on the City of Lethbridge Subdivision & Development Appeal Board, the U of L Senate, Food for Thought, and Art Acquisition committees, Co-Chairs the Upper Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association, and is a member of the steering committee for Imagine Lethbridge.

Kathy is a long-time resident of Lethbridge. She has been an active member in the community since moving here; serving on many community boards and as a community volunteer with many organizations. She is concerned about poverty, inequity and the ‘diseases of despair’ that have gotten worse in our community over the past few years. While there are many, many positive things about Lethbridge, there is always room for improvement. Learning about movements such as Blue Zones*, Healthy Cities, Reimagine Nanaimo and the Doughnut Economy, has provided the stimulus for her to take action to work in the community to make a positive difference. She is a past board member of Healthy Lethbridge and is a founding and active member of Imagine Lethbridge.

Land Use Bylaw Renewal: Shaping the Future of Lethbridge. With Genesis Molesky and Ross Kilgour

The Land Use Bylaw is the rule book that regulates development on private land in the city and the last time it was comprehensively reviewed and rewritten was 1986. The Land Use Bylaw Renewal project is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a city and establish regulations to shape the future of Lethbridge.

This presentation will examine how the Land Use Bylaw shapes where we live, work, and play, and how the new Land Use Bylaw will be created. This is a great opportunity to ask any land use-related questions and share your past experiences and ideas for the future.

Speakers: Genesis Molesky and Ross Kilgour

Genesis works as a community planner with the City of Lethbridge and has 8 years of experience in land use planning. She completed her undergraduate studies in urban and regional planning at the University of Saskatchewan. In her role with the City of Lethbridge, she works on all levels of long-range planning projects from guiding parcel-specific redevelopment proposals to developing neighbourhood and city-wide planning policy documents.

Ross earned his degree in Urban & Regional Planning in Edinburgh, Scotland. He then worked in London, England, first as a planner for the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea before moving to the private sector with Firstplan Ltd. After immigrating, Ross joined the City of Lethbridge where he is a Senior Community Planner, focusing on the redevelopment of older neighbourhoods and the City’s heritage program. Ross’ passions in urbanism include sustainability, equity, planning/zoning reform, and enabling walkable neighbourhoods.