Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

hess for Life at University of Lethbridge - How might chess help those involved in the criminal justice system? with Dr. Lance Grigg, Joel Fortier & Jade Oldfield

Friday afternoons in a southern Alberta classroom, youth may be learning how to keep their troubles in check. Leaning over chess boards at the ULethbridge, teens and young adults who are at-risk or have been convicted of various crimes are taught to think, think again, then think some more as they move their pawns, kings, queens and rooks across 64 black and white spaces. The founder of Chess for Life says the program helps them learn how to accomplish short-term goals, like completing community service hours, following a curfew and staying out of trouble.

In 2018, Alberta Justice approved a request to make Chess for Life an official referral program for probation officers to recommend for young offenders sentenced to community service. Since then, participants have gone on to secure full-time jobs, enrol in post-secondary education and rekindle broken relationships. The speakers will recount how that came about and argue there is a lot of opportunity to think about chess in ways that go beyond the board itself and expanding the program to correctional facilities across Alberta has been beneficial.

Presenters in order of appearance:

Dr. Lance Grigg: introduction and brief history of Chess for Life at University of Lethbridge, Joel Fortier (senior undergraduate student at U of L): Overview of Chess for Life sessions on campus and the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, Jade Oldfield (doctoral student in Neuroscience):current research project on the impact of Chess for Life on executive functions, program expansion opportunities across Alberta.

What story do we create about the homeless? With Yale Belanger

When we think about how storytelling shapes our understanding of community, we often turn to historians, musicians, and other public commentators to help us make sense of our shared narrative. However, the role of policymakers and journalists in shaping this understanding is often overlooked. 

This presentation explores how two key institutions—the Lethbridge Herald and Lethbridge City Council—have shaped public discourse about local homelessness. The speaker will explore how their framing of this issue has influenced the community's ability to respond.

Speaker: Yale D. Belanger, Ph.D. 

Dr. Yale Belanger is Professor of Political Science at the University of Lethbridge, and Member of the Royal Society of Canada, College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists (2017-2024). He has written numerous articles, book chapters, and reports about housing and homelessness.

How does Biological Technology play into the practice of Sustainable and Regenerative Farming? With Joshua Day Chief

Sustainable practices, by definition, seek to maintain the same, whereas regenerative practices recognize that natural systems are currently impacted and it applies management techniques to restore the system to improved productivity. Regenerative and sustainable actions can use essentially the same practices, the difference is the application and the management of those tools.

Farmers are faced with skyrocketing input costs, declining product efficiency and industry pressure to implement sustainable and regenerative practices. The speaker will argue that revolutionary biological products have the ability to increase input efficiency, reduce reliance on chemical products, restore soil health and enable farmers to produce higher quality crops, sustainably.

Speaker: Joshua Day Chief

Joshua Day Chief is Chief Executive Officer of AdvancedAg (AAG). Since 2013, he has propelled the company’s growth through groundbreaking research projects that have helped redefine biological technology in the agriculture industry. Collaborating closely with dealers, suppliers, and end-users, Joshua addresses soil and water remediation with a collaborative team approach, positioning AAG as a global leader in sustainable agricultural solutions.

Joshua advocates for a future where Canadian agriculture thrives sustainably. As a visionary leader, environmental advocate, and community builder, Joshua is steering AdvancedAg towards a future where innovative solutions coexist with the principles of sustainability. An unwavering advocate for environmental stewardship, Joshua’s leadership extends beyond AAG. Recognized with the Honouring Excellence – Rising Star Award in 2020 by Lethbridge College, Joshua was later elected to serve on the Lethbridge College Board of Governors, contributing to the development of future leaders. In 2018, he received the Alumni Achievement Award from the Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Corporation, solidifying his commitment to advancing environmental technologies.

A Panel Discussion - Coal Mining in the Oldman Watershed: Are there Potential Risks?

There is significant interest in establishing metallurgical coal mining operations throughout the eastern slopes of Alberta. The areas residing within the Oldman watershed are no exception. Currently, there are four companies exploring potential mining operations in the region. All of the currently proposed coal mines are open-pit “mountain top removal” mines and are located in the Crowsnest Pass area. Coal mining exploration is also happening along the Livingstone Range and in the Bighorn area west of Red Deer.

On May 15, 2020, the Government of Alberta announced it was rescinding the long-standing provincial Coal Policy, which was implemented by the Peter Lougheed Government in 1976. Since then, Crown coal rights have been sold on land where coal mining was previously not considered, in order to protect the watershed and wildlife.

On March 4, 2022, the Government of Alberta announced restrictions on coal development in the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies. The restrictions on new development will be in place until directions on coal activities are incorporated into updated regional land-use plans.

On January 15, 2025 Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean wrote to AER that he had decided to cancel three previous ministerial orders from 2021 and 2022 to reduce regulatory confusion. The letter went on to say that the AER must lift the suspension on all coal project approvals that were put on hold under the rescinded orders. Expiry dates for the approvals would also be extended to account for the time they were suspended, the letter states.

Panel members: Chris Spearman, Agri Food Processing, Mandy Olsgard, toxicologist, Gavin Fitch, Environmental Lawyer, Elliot Fox, Kainai First Nation (Blood Tribe)

 

How do Neighbourhood Connections support a Stronger, more Resilient City? With Jerry Firth

Neighbourhood connections are the foundation of a resilient city. They enhance safety, well-being, and local engagement, strengthening Lethbridge as a whole. This session explores why these connections matter, insights from the Neighbourhood Engagement Project, and the role of neighbourhood associations—like the League of YQL Neighbourhoods—in fostering community.

Beyond discussion, this is a call to action: whether by engaging with neighbours, supporting local initiatives, or simply being a friendly presence, small efforts make a big impact. Let’s build stronger communities together.

Speaker: Jerry Firth, Community Development Officer

Jerry Firth is a co-founder and the Chair of the League of YQL Neighbourhoods and the Lethbridge Uplands Neighbourhood Association. He previously worked as the Neighbourhood Development Coordinator for the City of Lethbridge, fostering his passion for connecting neighbours. Jerry now works as a Community Development Officer with the Community Engagement Branch of Alberta Arts, Culture and Status of Women, supporting the non-profit sector and is the President of the Rotary Club of Lethbridge Mosaic.

He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary. Jerry enjoys dad jokes and is a street-performing mime known as “Rufus”. He is married to Tammy and has two children, Addy and Caydence. Family and community are at the heart of everything Jerry does.

With the threat of US trade tariffs, are Canada’s political leaders responding effectively? With Shannon Phillips

Canada has experienced a disruptive start to 2025, with PM Justin Trudeau stepping down as Liberal leader, prompting a leadership campaign and a prorogued parliament . With a federal election looming, Canadians, among other problems, are facing affordability issues and to top it off, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 25-percent tariffs on a wide range of imports from Canada and 10-percent tariffs on oil and gas.

Those US tariffs were set to begin Feb 4, but have been delayed by at least 30 days as the countries work together on border security and trade imbalance. However, for many Canadians, the potential for a trade war between two longtime allies continues to fuel anger, despair and confusion over what may be coming next.

The speaker will try to make sense of it all, while analyzing the response from governments and political leaders including Liberal leadership contenders.

Speaker: Shannon Phillips

Shannon brings over two decades of experience in public policy, governance, and leadership in energy and the environment to her role as a partner at Meredith Boessenkool & Phillips. Her experience includes serving as the Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office in Rachel Notley’s government, where she was responsible for climate policy, conservation expansion, and Indigenous reconciliation efforts. She also established Alberta’s first standalone Ministry for the Status of Women.

From 2015-19, Shannon was the driving force behind Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan. Phillips led the coal phase-out, renewable energy expansion, and energy efficiency programs that boosted Alberta’s GDP and created jobs across the province. Shannon also represented Alberta on the national and international stage, including leading delegations to UN climate conferences in Paris and Marrakech. Phillips won three elections as a progressive woman candidate in Southern Alberta – an accomplishment most would have dismissed as far-fetched just a decade ago. She is an experienced and successful campaigner, organizer and grassroots leader. She continues to focus on mentorship and training of a new generation of activists and candidates.

Shannon is a strong communicator in both of Canada’s official languages, a skill that serves her well in her extensive policy and advocacy work on the national and international stage. Deeply committed to her community, Shannon continues to strengthen her relationship with the Blackfoot people of southern Alberta and is a Blackfoot Headdress holder and recipient of a Blackfoot name. In addition to her work in the community, Shannon serves as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Department of Political Science at the University of Lethbridge and was recognized as a YWCA Woman of Distinction in 2017. Shannon enjoys spending time with her two sons outdoors, particularly in the Canadian Rockies.

Why will your food prices remain elevated? With Derek Melting Tallow

Since 2017, the Secure Your Food Program (SYF) has known that food prices will rise due to systemic issues. Other contributing factors such as history, war, climate change, etc., will also keep prices elevated for the foreseeable future. SYF can confidently summarize for you and your family why this is happening and why it’s important to prepare during these volatile times. SYF works at all levels of society to improve food security. Food security is your access to nutritious foods to support healthy living. SYF employs sustainable and mitigative food security solutions for individuals, families, large groups, and municipalities.

The Secure Your Food Program is consulted on growing projects, designs food systems, advises on food initiatives, collaborates with local groups, advocates for vulnerable populations, and participates in academic and community research, all focused on food. Due to its wide range of activities and sought after solutions, the Secure Your Food program is transitioning to a Not-for-Profit society in 2025. The program was so successful that it has grown from a plan to a myriad of options to increase food security.

Speaker: Derek Melting Tallow, Program Director of Secure Your Food (SYF) Program.

Derek Melting Tallow grew up in Raymond and is ½ Blood, ¼ Shoshone, and ¼ Navajo First Nations. Derek graduated from Raymond High School and then attended the University of Lethbridge (BA - 2010) and developed an interest in public health and disaster management. Derek completed his Social Work Diploma (2017) at Mount Royal University and is a regular presenter at the IFW’s Joint World Congress on social work, social policy, and education.

The presenting topic is social work and disaster management, of which Secure Your Food (SYF) was created using these perspectives. Secure Your Food was created as a sample program to address food insecurity while Derek performed his final social work practicum at the City of Lethbridge’s Community Social Development.

Growing a City presents Challenges and Opportunities - How is Lethbridge Managing? with Mayor Hyggen

Recently, Mayor Hyggen presented his annual State of the City address for the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and he highlighted our rapid population growth and the challenges and opportunities. What are our current needs? What do we foresee in the near future and beyond? How do we pay for it? Who should pay for it? The speaker will talk about the issues, costs, priorities and realities.

Speaker: Blaine Hyggen, Mayor of Lethbridge

Blaine Hyggen was first elected to City Council in 2013 and was elected Mayor in 2021. He has owned and operated various businesses throughout the community for the past 28 years. He studied Business Law and Accounting at Lethbridge Community College.

Some of Blaine’s past and current volunteer experience includes: School Councils, Lethbridge Figure Skating Club, Lethbridge Volleyball Association, Lethbridge Oldtimers Sports Association and The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club, to name a few.

Blaine’s family is his number one priority. His wife Jennifer is a Registered Nurse and they have two daughters: Jayden and Jelayna. Blaine enjoys attending local theatre and staying active by running, biking and playing hockey.

As a proud parent and successful business owner, Blaine loves Lethbridge and wants to see it remain the best city for families while ensuring it is a great place to do business.

The disappearing Alberta Advantage – what can be done to reverse Alberta’s collapsing standard of living? With Gil McGowan

Overwhelmed hospitals. Overcrowded schools. Threats from Donald Trump. Coal mines that could contaminate our water supply. If all that wasn’t enough for Albertans to worry about, Alberta wages and living standards are also falling. Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan will explain what’s behind the disappearance of the Alberta Advantage – and what we can do about it.

Speaker: Gil McGowan

Gil McGowan is a passionate labour leader, advocate for workers’ rights, and dedicated champion of social and economic justice. Since 2005, he has served as the president of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL), Alberta’s largest labor organization, representing more than 175,000 unionized workers from diverse industries across the province.

Under McGowan’s leadership, the AFL has been a powerful voice for workers, spearheading campaigns to improve workplace safety, secure fair wages, and protect public services. His leadership has been pivotal during times of economic and political change in Alberta, particularly in advocating for workers affected by the province’s shifting energy and economic landscapes.

With decades of experience in labor activism, McGowan continues to inspire and lead efforts to build a more equitable and inclusive Alberta, ensuring that workers have a strong voice in shaping the province’s future.

What are the Roles and Rules of Community Television? With Ryan Cradduck

Community television programming is considered an important source for information and provides a reflection of local realities that few other television services currently showcase. All programming on Rogers TV must be “Community Programming”, which is defined by CRTC regulations as programming that refers directly to the community, which could be defined as the station’s contours, broadcasting distribution undertakings service area, municipality, census metropolitan area or census agglomeration; and is produced by the personnel of the local station, independent local producers or members of the community for the local station.

The CRTC oversees broadcasters and television service providers and has determined that the role of the community channel should be primarily of a public service nature, facilitating self-expression through free and open access by members of the community. The speaker will delve into more of the details, but among other policy goals, the Community Television Policy states that the community channel should engender a high level of citizen participation and community involvement in community programming and provide a reasonable, balanced opportunity for the expression of differing views on matters of public concern.

Speaker: Ryan Cradduck

Ryan is an experienced producer with a demonstrated history of working in the telecommunications and retail industries. Skilled in Management, Customer Service, Voiceovers, Creativity Skills, and Knowledge Sharing. Strong arts and design professional with a Diploma focused in Broadcast Journalism from Lethbridge College.