Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

With the UCP Government running behind NDP in the Polls halfway through its Mandate, what can they do to re-earn the trust of Albertans? With Duane Bratt

Following their convincing election victory April 16, 2019, Alberta’s UCP Government led by Jason Kenney, has seen a steady decline in their support from Alberta voters, particularly in Calgary and some urban centers, where the opposition NDP and other parties have made gains according to the latest polls. While it can be argued that the COVID-19 pandemic has made life difficult for all provincial governments in Canada, it appears Jason Kenney and his party has suffered more damage than most.

Right from the start of UCP forming government, many of their stated policy changes and initiatives did not age well for a variety of reason, some of which may have been out of their control. But severely lowering the corporate tax rate without creating the promised jobs hasn’t worked out so far and neither has picking fights with doctors, healthcare providers and public service workers during a pandemic. Massive funding cuts to universities and colleges, opening up for coal mining in the Eastern Slopes and blaming others for pretty much anything that’s gone wrong, hasn’t been a winning strategy either. The speaker will contextualize what the Alberta UCP’s will need to do if they are to re-emerge as a voter favorite in the next election. 

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 was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (Ph.D. 1996). He teaches in the area of international relations and Canadian public policy. His primary research interest is in the area of Canadian nuclear policy.

How can Past and Present Injustices against Indigenous Peoples be Reconciled?

In the post 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) era of reconciliation, many Canadians are wondering what reconciliation might mean to their community. Among other injustices, Residential Schools and the “Sixties Scoop” particularly, generated many negative impacts on Indigenous families and communities, which continue to challenge their well-being today. However, much of Canada’s early history and relationship with Indigenous peoples is still hidden, and that secrecy is likely a serious barrier to reconciliation in Canada.
How to implement the TRC calls to action are now under consideration by most levels of Government. Should the truth of Canada’s shameful treatment of Indigenous Peoples for example be told as part of the K12 school and post-secondary curriculum? The speaker will shed light on these issues and as well, address Canada’s current dilemma of protest and blockades, which arguably are caused by, for far too long, having ignored Indigenous rights and their ability to decide what happens on their land.

The Need for More Voices in the Public Sphere for Albertans

Join Acting Leader Jacquie Fenske of the Alberta Party for a conversation about the need for a choice in Alberta politics. The speaker will discuss what doing politics differently really means, grassroots politics, and the state of the Alberta Party. Speaker: Jacquie Fenske – Acting Leader of the Alberta Party Jacquie Fenske is the Acting Leader of the Alberta Party. She previously served as a PC MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville, and as a Strathcona County Councilor. She is a managing partner for the family business, Fifendekel Pie Shop Café. Date and time: Thursday May 6, 2021 at 10:00 am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/vFAK08JMVpQ In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go to the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernAlbertaCouncilonPublicAffairs

Post Pandemic Recovery: What are the Main Issues Facing Alberta?

Alberta is arguably in the midst of a generational economic shift as we face the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead to the post-pandemic recovery, what should Albertans expect from their Government with regards to the serious economic challenges we face as a province. Alberta's government recently tabled Budget 2021 during this public health and economic crisis that has led to reduced revenue and increased costs. The speaker will argue that this budget is a responsible approach to spending, while creating more investment in priority areas like health care and job creation. As the COVID pandemic continues to affect all Albertans, the budget provides for key funding to healthcare and education as well as investments in Alberta's natural resources, tech and farming sectors beyond COVID-19. Speaker: Nathan Neudorf, Alberta MLA for Lethbridge East Constituency Nathan Neudorf was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Lethbridge-East on April 16, 2019. Nathan currently chairs the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future, and also sits on the Standing Committees on Public Accounts, Families and Communities, and Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services. Additionally, Nathan is the Provincial Representative to the Council of State Governments Midwest and West. Nathan has extensive experience in commercial construction. He has his civil and structural engineering diploma and is a red seal journeyman carpenter and gold seal project manager. As an active community volunteer and leader, Nathan served as the past president of the Lethbridge Construction Association and on the board of directors for the Alberta Construction Association, Alberta Construction Safety Association and Worker’s Compensation Board. Nathan lives in Lethbridge with his wife, Deanne, their five children, and their two Beagles. . Date and time: Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 10 am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/fYA8R08ilMY In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernAlbertaCouncilonPublicAffairs For further info visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

Public Consultation and Alberta Politics: What’s Going On?

The fate of liberal democratic governments hinges importantly on building and sustaining political support for their agenda. Public consultation is one tool governments may use to secure this support. Public consultation, a very broad concept, may be regarded generally as the effort political and government leaders make, to seek input or comments from non-governmental actors. Consultations may be more or less inclusive, more or less wide-ranging. They may solicit the opinions of the public generally or only of selected stakeholders (individuals or groups with a particularly important interest or concern in an issue). Public consultation also is risky. Governments may not receive the feedback they expect or would like to receive from whatever version of the public they consult. For this reason, governments may be tempted to shape consultation processes in ways privileging their preferred policy approaches. This presentation will focus on the government’s public consultation approach regarding the development of coal mining in Alberta. Specifically, the speaker will discuss the current UCP government’s communications and public consultations on the future of the Eastern Slopes, and the recent controversy over the Terms of Reference for the Coal Policy Committee. Speaker: Dr. Ian Urquhart Dr. Ian Urquhart is the Conservation Director of Alberta Wilderness Association and a Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Alberta. His 2018 book Costly Fix: Power, Politics, and Nature in the Tar Sands was shortlisted for the Canadian Political Science Association’s Donald Smiley Prize, the award given to the best book published relating to the study of Canadian government and politics. Date and time: Monday April 26, 2021 at 10:00 am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/JE85PrsxKO0 In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernAlbertaCouncilonPublicAffairs/videos For further info visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

The Wildrose Independence Party: What is their Vision for Alberta?

With Alberta running an $18 billion deficit in its 2021-22 budget and more than $100 billion in accumulated debt, it appears obvious that fiscal changes are needed – spending cuts or revenue increases or both? The speaker will argue fundamental changes are needed and that his Wildrose Independence Party (WIP) plan to be a strong contender in Alberta’s next provincial election. Should they gain power, WIP would assert Alberta’s independence and redefine its relationship with Canada, create a “Constitution of Alberta” and affirm all individual freedoms and rights. An Alberta Police Force, an Alberta Revenue Agency, an Alberta Pension/Employment Insurance Plan, and an Alberta Immigration policy would be established. Under the guidance of WIP, Alberta would refine its own Environmental policies while continuing to develop and transport our natural resources responsibly. New trade agreements with other provinces and nations would be prioritized, as would improved access to immediate and high quality health care, hospitals and staff. World class educational facilities and staff would also be emphasized and WIP commits to hold a referendum on independence from Canada at an appropriate time – the speaker will elaborate. Speaker: Paul Hinman – Interim leader of the Wildrose Independence Party Serving the people of Alberta for over 17 years as an MLA or political advisor, Paul Hinman’s mission has always been to get Alberta’s house in order by advancing good governance through principled policies. Hinman was elected to his first term as the Member of Alberta’s Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the Alberta Alliance Party in the constituency of Cardston-Taber-Warner serving from 2004-08. He later served as MLA for Calgary-Glenmore from 2009-12, representing the Wildrose Party. Date and time: Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 10 am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/-P9TmSL6tuY In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUQ5mUHv1gfmMFVr8d9dNA

Current Challenges for Alberta’s and Canada’s Farmers

Agriculture is an important sector of Canada’s economy supplying the much larger food production and processing industries. The Alberta Federation of Agriculture is Alberta's largest producer funded general farm organization. It is an organization comprised of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural enterprises that wish to have a voice in shaping the future of farming operations. Unlike many other farm organizations, there are no check-offs. Nearly 85% of the money raised each year comes from membership and membership services. There are many challenges facing Alberta’s and Canada’s farmers. Among the topics that will be covered include research and funding, carbon tax, business risk management, Ag Stability changes, Canadian Grain Act review, seed modernization, and rail road crossings. Speaker: Mr. Lynn Jacobson, President, Alberta Federation of Agriculture Mr. Jacobson’s farm is located in Enchant Ab, mostly irrigated. He is a board member of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. He currently participates in various committees, and boards including the Marketing of Agriculture Products Council of Alberta, Canadian Energy Regulator, Land Matters Committee, and a Co-operators Insurance delegate. In the past he was an Alberta Wheat Pool delegate, President of the Alberta Soft Wheat Producers Commission, and Alberta Wheat Commission director. Date and time: Thursday April 15, 2021 at 10 am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/jgH7L2wsU3E In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernAlbertaCouncilonPublicAffairs

Coal Dust, Wind and Human Health: What are the Risks of Open-Pit Coal Mining in Southwest Alberta?

Everyone living in Southern Alberta are familiar with our winds. Those residing in “Chinook Country” have heard Environment Canada’s frequent wind warnings, particularly between November to April. It would follow then, that Benga Mining Ltd (Riversdale) would, as part of their application, have completed comprehensive and accurate assessments of wind speed, dust particle size etc., as part of their Environmental Impact Assessment for their Grassy Mountain Open-Pit coal mining proposal. But have they? The speaker will argue Benga’s Environmental Impact Assessment contains flaws and inaccuracies in methodology and the time-frame of data collection. This resulted in underestimating the amount and movement of micro dust particles and the distance micro and larger dust particles would be carried by the winds, resulting in errors in the data of Environmental Impact Assessment submissions. Finally, the speaker will discuss the research on short and long-term health outcomes for people living in communities close to coal mines. Speaker: Allan Garbutt. PhD, MD (Retired) Allan was born and raised in Calgary, though he does admit to short sojourns to Edmonton and Fort Macleod. He received a B.Sc. in Honors Zoology at U of A, which was followed by both an M.Sc and Ph.D from the University of Guelph. Allan’s research area was the reproductive biology of Ruffed Grouse. After receiving his doctorate, Allan worked in environmental consulting in Edmonton for several years. He transitioned to the University of Western Ontario in 1987, and received his MD in 1991, and took a rural family medicine residency at the University of British Columbia, with his final year spent in Fernie, BC. After completing his family medicine residency, he began practice in Crowsnest Pass, and remained there until retirement in 2018. During that 25-year span, Allan was very active with the Section of Rural Medicine, and also participated on various committees for the Alberta Medical Association. Date and time: Thursday April 8, 2021 at 10 am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/ev3kpUTd448 In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernAlbertaCouncilonPublicAffairs

LAUGH UNTIL IT HELPS! If you can laugh at it, you can survive it!

The Science is in! What you always knew instinctively to be true, laughter and play have been proven to be beneficial to your health. Laughter and play activate your immune system and increases your energy for getting well and maintaining health! When we talk about stress, usually we focus on our tight muscles, aching heads and sleeplessness. Yet, the speaker advocates that what we really should be concerned about, is our breathing. The act of laughter is the science of breathing. In times of stress, we take shallower breaths; therefore, we take in less oxygen. The longer we feel anxious, the longer our body is going to be operating without its optimal supply of air. Over time, this weakens the immune system, opening the door to all sorts of problems. Ailments such as heart disease, high blood pressure, peptic ulcers and insomnia all have some connection to stress. The speaker asks “when was the last time you really laughed out loud? How about at least a good chuckle? Do you play every day?” If you can’t remember, it’s been too long. And your body is no doubt paying the price. So, don’t be a Fool . . . Join us on April 1st and learn the benefits of laughter and play every day! Speaker: Cheryl Ann Oberg, CHP, CLYT – Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, Professional Speaker, Professional Therapeutic Clown Cheryl is a leading authority on the relationship between healthy humour & laughter and is known for her energetic, entertaining & content-rich programs. Cheryl has been honoured as a “Woman of Vision”, “Star of the Millennium” and “Canadian Wave Maker”. Since becoming a Certified Laughter Leader in 2001, Cheryl has shared her gift of humour & laughter with many, as a keynote speaker, with families & children in hospitals, seniors living in care facilities, corporate teams in the workplace, youth in career forums & schools. Thousands of people have enjoyed the benefits of learning how to have more joy, laughter & play in their everyday life! As Cheryl says, “Let there be laughter and let it begin with you!” Date and time: Thursday April 1, 2021 at 10:00 MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/AAjRuZ-YfGs In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernAlbertaCouncilonPublicAffairs For further info visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

The People’s Party of Canada: What is their Vision for Canada – and Alberta?

Freedom, Responsibility, Fairness and Respect are the principles that guide and inform the policies of the People’s Party of Canada (PPC). The speaker will contend that we must bring together common sense, populism, classical conservatism, and libertarianism to create solutions adapted for the challenges of the 21st century. The mission of PPC is to offer Canadians a real principled alternative to the current establishment parties, which arguably rely on pandering and vote-buying schemes to further their interests and those of lobbyists rather than those of the people. The PPC envisions a bright future where the government puts Canadians first instead of pleasing other countries and global organizations. The PPC believes the government has to get out of the way and allow individuals to make decisions rather than controlling the economy and every aspect of your life. The balance of power and jurisdiction between Ottawa and the provinces are constant sources for internal squabbling. The speaker will detail the importance of limiting federal interference in provincial affairs and advocate for more autonomy on taxation and financial decision making for provinces on health care, education, housing, provincial police, pension plans, human resources & immigration selection and infrastructure. Speaker: Maxime Bernier, People’s Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier, a four-term former Conservative MP first elected in 2006, and Cabinet Minister in Stephen Harper’s government, formed the PPC in 2018 after realizing that the Conservative Party of Canada was too intellectually and morally challenged to reform, having abandoned conservative principles/values over time. Mr. Bernier is known as a dependable politician who speaks his mind. A man of ideas, his belief in personal responsibility and freedom is at the heart of his political vision. In his public statements, he expresses those values and his unwavering commitment to reducing government excesses. Date and time: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 11 am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/UHOT3VGtx-g In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Visit SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernAlbertaCouncilonPublicAffairs/videos