Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Lethbridge Overdose Prevention Society: Radical Love at the Boundary of Law

Lethbridge was once home to the busiest supervised consumption site in North America, operated by ARCHES. On August 31, 2020, this supervised consumption site was permanently closed. As the number of overdose deaths in Lethbridge continued to climb at record-breaking rates, harm reductionists and people who use drugs were left wondering where to go. In September 2020, a handful of former ARCHES employees and clients got together and formed the Lethbridge Overdose Prevention Society (LOPS) with the mission to keep our neighbours, friends, and loved ones alive. LOPS launched a GoFundMe fundraiser, and within 24 hours saw over $10,000 in donations. With this generous support from the community, LOPS purchased a tent, some furniture, a space heater, and harm reduction supplies. With no time to waste, LOPS set up in a local park and began to provide services. As the first unsanctioned overdose prevention site to operate in Alberta, the process has not been without significant challenges. LOPS continues to tackle these challenges head on, and they are committed to doing what it takes to keep Lethbridge citizens safe as the overdose crisis, COVID-19 pandemic, and a looming HIV outbreak threaten the lives of those we hold dear to our hearts. Speaker: Kaley Ann Boudoin Kaley Ann Boudoin has worked with various harm reduction groups across Alberta since 2015. In September 2020, she was one of the founding organizers of the Lethbridge Overdose Prevention Society, a volunteer group providing harm reduction services including street outreach and an overdose prevention site. Currently, Ms Boudoin volunteers as the Community Engagement Lead with the Lethbridge Overdose Prevention Society. Date and time: Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 10 AM MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/Gwh3VHuU4Gc 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. For further info visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

A Bump in the Night: Lethbridge Ghost Stories

Ghost stories are part of our community's folklore, teaching us about ourselves and our history. Discover some of the ghost stories of southern Alberta in this light-hearted look at the things that go bump in the night. Speaker: Belinda Crowson Belinda Crowson is a story teller, tour guide and author who researches and shares Lethbridge's history and stories. She is the president of the Lethbridge Historical Society, for whom she has written several books, and sits as a member of Lethbridge City Council. Some of her books include: We Don't Talk About Those Women; Vice, Virtue and Lust: Lethbridge's Cemeteries and Squirrel Whiskey. Her books are available via the Lethbridge Historical Society website at (lethbridgehistory.org). Date and time: Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/Ilo3FbQnNjw 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.

Thank you for Your Service: How well are we Recognizing and Supporting Canadian Armed Forces Veterans as they re-enter Society?

As we approach the 75th Veterans Day ceremonies since World War II, we hopefully prepare ourselves to remember past and current Canadian Armed Forces veterans who have served both in Canada and in numerous conflicts around the world. While many civilians are familiar with the battles of World War I and II, they are typically less familiar with the other important and challenging missions the Canadian Military have served in, such as Korea, Rwanda, Bosnia, Namibia, Haiti, Cyprus, and Afghanistan, to name just a few. While members of the Canadian Armed Forces receive excellent training and are proud of the work they have done, many of them encounter significant challenges when they are released and re-enter civilian society. The speakers will address these various challenges veterans face (financial, vocational, emotional, physical injuries, psychological, relationships, PTSD, etc.), the kinds of services and support that are available for veterans, and how we as civilians can best recognize and support the veterans in our communities. Speaker: Brad Hagen and Wayne King Brad Hagen is a Registered Psychologist with College of Alberta Psychologists since 2009 and has a Masters in Counselling (Counselling Psychology) along with a Ph.D. (Interdisciplinary); M.Sc. (Nursing); B.Sc. (Psychology). He has over 25 years of experience in teaching and conducting research at Universities in Western Canada, in the areas of mental health, nursing, addictions, and psychology. Currently a Professor Emeritus at the University of Lethbridge. Wayne King joined the RCAF in 1959. After completing his education at the University of Alberta, he began training as a pilot. His first operational tour was in Air Defence Command flying the CF101 Voodoo aircraft at RCAF Station Bagotville in Quebec. Following that, he was trained on the CC130 Hercules aircraft and became engaged in worldwide logistical and tactical support. An exchange tour with the USAF followed on the CC141 Starlifter aircraft which involved worldwide strategic and tactical air support including Vietnam. Wayne eventually assumed command of 429 Squadron in Winnipeg. He was later promoted to Colonel and posted to National Defence College in Kingston, Ontario. He retired from the military in 1982. Date and time: Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 10am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/y6t8COvY_e8 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 For further info visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

This is no ordinary World Food Day. Addressing Global Hunger in a time of COVID.

October 16 is World Food Day. This year’s theme of the Food & Agriculture Organization is: Grow, Nourish, Sustain Together. But this is no ordinary World Food Day, hunger is on the rise due to conflict, climate change & now COVID-19. The battle against COVID-19 is shifting across the globe, making the poorest poorer, and the hungriest hungrier. It is multiplying misery by preying on the weak & vulnerable, pushing millions out of work & into hunger, disrupting vital supply chains & threatening the very fabric of society. COVID-19 is having a devastating effect on smallholder farmers. Despite producing most of the world’s food, they tend to be food insecure themselves forming the majority of people living in poverty globally. Helping raise their incomes and improve their livelihoods holds the key to building sustainable food systems, advancing food security and achieving Zero Hunger. The World Food Programme (WFP) interventions can have a positive influence on food systems including: Home Grown School Meals, which connect local smallholder farmers to the supply chain of school meal programmes; fortification initiatives that help communities access locally produced nutritious food; the creation and rehabilitation of infrastructure in exchange for food or cash-based assistance; strengthening public food reserves; & supporting smallholder farmers through the facilitation of credit, capacity development & access to markets. Many smallholder farmers are women & in order to achieve food & nutrition security for all people, it is critical that effective, innovative & equitable food assistance is created to advance gender equality & women’s empowerment. In 2019, Canada was WFP's seventh largest donor contributing nearly 200 million USD to support WFP's operations in emergencies. WFP is consistently the single largest recipient of Canadian international humanitarian assistance which the WFP receives through Global Affairs Canada. Speaker: Julie Marshall Julie Marshall has worked as the Canadian spokesperson and communications officer for the United Nations World Food Programme for over 14 years. She is based here in Canada but has seen WFP operations first-hand in a number of countries including; Pakistan, Ethiopia, Bolivia, Sri Lanka, Honduras and Haiti. This experience has given her the opportunity to see how the WFP delivers food assistance in emergencies and how working with communities improves nutrition and builds resilience in the countries the WFP serves. Date and time: Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 10am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/xRMna14IW_A 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

Mental Illness Awareness Week Mental Health & Coping & Covid-19

Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 4th-11th; a national campaign created to educate the public on the importance of mental illness, end the stigma of mental illness, and advocate for mental health support. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to the mental health of many people within Canada and made this campaign especially important this year. The speaker will talk about this campaign, the difference between mental illness and mental health, how COVID-19 has impacted people's mental health, and strategies for practicing positive mental health during the pandemic. Speaker: Brad Moser Brad Moser is a Registered Psychologist at Associates Counselling Services. He has been providing professional therapy for children and teens, adults, couples, and families, since 2007. His areas of practice include anger, anxiety, bereavement, childhood and family of origin concerns, depression, identity concerns, marital/relationship distress, men’s and dad’s issues, parenting, self-esteem, separation/divorce, stress, and suicidal ideation. The role that provides the most meaning in his life is dad. He is the proud father of two beautiful boys. He is the host of a radio show on Jess FM called Real Dads. Date and time: Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 10am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/LUd0amvbKck 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

More Coal, Fewer Parks: The Future of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains?

When you think of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, including the Oldman Watershed in Southern Alberta, you probably think of scenic mountaintops, rolling foothills and clear blue streams. You probably don’t think of decommissioned parks or open-pit coal mines, but that’s exactly what the future could hold. On June 1, 2020, the Government of Alberta rescinded the provincial Coal Policy, created in 1976, restricting open pit coal mining and coal exploration in Alberta’s most environmentally sensitive areas in the Rocky Mountains. The area most affected by this change covers 1.5 million hectares of lands that provide drinking water to downstream communities in Alberta and beyond. These areas also provide essential habitats for wildlife and plants, including grizzly bear, elk and native trout and have provided beauty and bounty for generations. This comes on the heels of another government decision in March 2020 to remove protections on 175 provincial parks and recreation areas – approximately one third of all of Alberta’s provincial parks - including some of the most accessible areas for Albertans and visitors to safely experience nature. Collectively these areas provide approximately 4,500 publicly maintained campsites that support outdoor recreation and 60 of these parks are within areas now open for coal mining. The speaker will point out the areas affected while questioning the wisdom of these decisions, bound to damage our environment, water quality and recreation Speaker: Katie Morrison Katie is a Professional Biologist who has been working in the environmental sector for almost 20 years. She holds a B.Sc. in Environmental and Conservation Sciences from the University of Alberta and a Masters of Environmental Design from the University of Calgary. Katie has worked in Canada and Latin America for university research projects, non-governmental organizations and environmental consulting companies. Katie has an in-depth understanding of conservation, ecology, stakeholder consultation and mitigating the environmental impacts of human development. Katie’s academic and professional experience allows her to work on designing adaptive management solutions towards achieving landscape conservation and healthy communities in Southern Alberta. Katie spends her free time gardening, fishing, creating textile art, travelling and exploring wild places with her dog. Date and time: Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 10am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/Ywy8-YRATi0 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

The Politics of Education in Alberta: Is our current Government’s approach to Education encouraging privatization of Schools?

Alberta already has the most choice in K-12 education in Canada, with private school pupils being funded to the tune of 70 percent per pupil compared to public school pupils, more than any other province. Charter schools, started in 1994 by Ralph Klein, receive the same level of per pupil funding as public schools, but are run by private parent or corporate boards. No other province in Canada even has charter schools. Since gaining power in the spring of 2019, Alberta’s UCP Government has lifted the cap on establishing charter schools and is advocating for a voucher system that would increase the per student public funding to Alberta’s private schools from 70 percent to 100 percent. The shift would arguably encourage many more private and religious education schools, more segregation—and more inequality. To top off the “Politics of Education”, Alberta’s Government has paused the previous NDP Government’s work on curriculum changes and is employing panels of “experts”, including an all-male group of advisors, to determine an outcome. The speaker will provide more background on these issues and give her opinions on why a strong public school system is important to the well-being of our Alberta communities. Speaker: Bridget Stirling Bridget Stirling is a PhD student in the University of Alberta’s Department of Educational Policy Studies, where she is interested in children's rights and the politics of childhood. Her doctoral research focuses on education reform movements and education law and policy in Alberta. She serves as a research assistant on Thinking Historically for Canada’s Future, a SSHRC-funded Partnership Grant investigating history education in Canada, where she examines the development and politics of teaching standards in history and social studies education. Bridget holds an MA in Intercultural and International Communication from Royal Roads University. In addition to her doctoral studies, Bridget serves as an Edmonton Public School Board trustee. Date and time: Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 10am MST YouTube Livestream: https://youtu.be/7OZpAe-HP0I 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. For further info visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

Are there Issues with Kids going back to School as usual during COVID-19

Recognized as the provincial organization representing parents on school councils in Alberta, Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA) has worked alongside other education partners and stakeholders to advise the Ministry of Education on matters related to the K-12 Re-entry plan. As schools reopen, ASCA will continue to help parents on school councils fulfill their legislated roles, engage with parents and their school communities, advise their principals, and work with their school boards on education issues including, but not limited to, COVID-19. ASCA strives for the empowerment of school councils locally and provincially, and provides support and messaging for parents on school councils related to matters such as the new funding model, the assurance model, and COVID-19 concerns. Parents are partners in education and President Brandi Rai will explore some of the ways ASCA elevates parent voice through provincial advocacy, as well as how ASCA supports school councils in their work they do in their communities. Speaker: Brandi Rai Brandi has a passion for public education – to ensure it prepares children to be leaders in our world. Education is a foundational pillar in society and having equitable access to public education is vital for Albertans. Married, with five children in grades 5 through 10, and many pets, Brandi lives in Edmonton. She has served as executive on multiple school councils, is involved with fundraising societies, and is a frequent school volunteer, with a lifelong goal of serving others. Brandi is drawn to ASCA’s support of school councils in the province, ensuring that all parents have the opportunity for engagement and the ability to determine their definition of effectiveness within their local communities. Brandi attended her first ASCA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2014, was elected as a Board Director at the 2016 AGM, elected Vice President at the 2018 AGM, and became ASCA President at the 2020 AGM. Brandi steadfastly believes parent voice in education - locally and provincially - is crucial to student success. Date and time: Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 10am Mountain Time YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/k85REGT6hH8 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.

Health Care in Crisis: COVID19 & Beyond

The past few months have certainly been a difficult time for all of us, but as we look around the world and to each other, we can see that this pandemic has shone a light on the importance of Canada’s universal public health care system. This pandemic has made it clear that the true measure of a government's leadership will be made evident through the political choices they make as we deal with this health crisis, and as we move forward to deal with the new political and economic reality that will face us after it is done. Sandra will discuss how during an unprecedented pandemic we are witnessing the dismantling of our universal public health system. How Bill 30: Health Statutes Amendment Act, sets the legal framework for privatization at a time where it has become clear that Alberta must fortify our commitment to a health care system not based on profit, but instead on the shared belief that health care is a human right. Speaker: Sandra Azocar, Executive Director Friends of Medicare Sandra has been a social activist for more than 30 years in Alberta. Her previous experience is working as a child protection worker, a community organizer, and a labour activist. Prior to coming to Friends of Medicare, she served as a Vice President of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE). She was a member of the Board of Directors of Friends of Medicare for 6 years before becoming its Executive Director in 2012. Sandra is an oft quoted voice for public health care. She believes that while we have work to do sustaining and protecting medicare, we should also look to expand the system so that Canadians health needs of all kinds can be met regardless of ability to pay. Date and time: Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 10am Mountain Time YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/P1Fel4qFS4o 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

Is Lethbridge likely to experience response time delays if Emergency Dispatch is centralized in Calgary?

Recently, Alberta Health Services announced ambulance dispatch services will be consolidated across the province, pulling Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer and Wood Buffalo into existing EMS dispatch centres. Lethbridge Fire Department (LFD) has been providing Ambulance/EMS services to citizens since 1912, and have always been the dispatch service as well. They are currently under contract to AHS EMS to provide the EMS service as well as the Dispatch service. The Dispatch service provides coverage not only to the City of Lethbridge, but many other EMS services in the area. LFD has several concerns with Alberta Health Service Emergency Medical Services decision to remove local EMS dispatch from Lethbridge and move it to Calgary. They feel this will create delays in dispatching of Fire units that also provide Advanced Life Support to our citizens. They also have concerns that AHS EMS provided dispatch will eliminate the City EMS units, leaving the service short of units. As well, a lack of familiarity with this area will arguable create additional delays. The speaker will elaborate and explain how crucial quick response times are when trying to save lives. Speaker: Warren Nelson Warren Nelson is the President of the International Association of Fire Fighters’ Local 237, Lethbridge. He has been with the Lethbridge Fire Department for 22 years and involved with their Union since 2001. Date and time: Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 10am Mountain Time YouTube Live link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2XEhTrqhnw 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