Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Created Additional Issues for Canada’s Temporary Foreign Workers?

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a public health emergency. Uninsured individuals in Alberta and Canada are often denied access to health care and can face huge costs to get treatment. There are concerns that these barriers to health care already have had public health implications in the context of COVID-19. Uninsured persons can include newly-landed permanent residents, temporary foreign workers (TFW’s), international students and undocumented residents. COVID-19 assessment centers and related care should arguably be accessible to all people, regardless of immigration status during a pandemic such as COVID-19. Furthermore, TFW’s often work in essential services such as agriculture and health care related jobs. As witnessed at the Cargill Beef Packing plant near High River, safe working and housing conditions were not prioritized and early warning signs were ignored causing a massive COVID-19 outbreak and plant closure. The speaker will explain his advocacy role in bringing these and many other issues facing TFW’s and others to the attention of government, corporations and employers, while arguing that it should not take a serious pandemic or health emergency to implement safe working conditions for any and all employees. Speakers: Marco Luciano Marco is the current Director of Migrante Alberta. He was a student activist and a union organizer and educator before he moved to Alberta in 2013. He was also a co-founder the Canada-wide alliance Migrante Canada Date and time: Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/bqvn33l1IxE 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.

What is the Impact of COVID 19 on Marginalized Communities in Particular?

Municipalities’ emergency responses to the COVID 19 pandemic are raising concerns about the lack of equity and inclusion in the crisis. While many cities have taken various positive steps, such as including diverse voices in emergency response planning, arguably, women continue to fall through the cracks. The disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women, and particularly women experiencing socio- economic marginalization, is well-documented in research from Canada and around the world. In these unprecedented circumstances, cities should be urged to apply an intersectional gendered lens on equity and inclusion to all phases of planning and implementation of COVID 19 emergency responses. This can ensure that any emergency response takes into consideration the full diversity of women, men, and gender-diverse people. The speakers will describe what the City for All Women Initiative (CAWI) in Ottawa has been advocating for during COVID 19. They will also share some of the helpful measures taken by that city. Speakers: Dr. Valerie Stam and Patricia Harewood Dr. Valerie Stam is the Executive Director of the City for All Women Initiative (CAWI) where she coordinates training and advocacy with community leaders for inclusive and equitable change in municipal policies. She is a facilitator and educator with over 20 years experience in intersectional gendered approaches to development, civic engagement, research, and policy both locally and abroad. Valerie has a PhD in Sociology from Carleton University. Her most recent research used participatory theatre to explore how difficult conversations around race can lead to social change. Patricia Harewood is a labour lawyer and a passionate advocate for human rights, especially women’s equality rights and the rights of racialized people. As a member of the Board of the City for All Women Initiative, a volunteer co-host of CHUO’s Black on Black and a Board member at her children’s daycare, the Centre éducatif Les Débrouillards, she especially enjoys collaborating with others to discuss and address systemic barriers faced by historically marginalized communities. She also loves cycling and playing soccer with her children. Date and time: Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/hD9OghKCshs 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.

What Kind of Leadership is Alberta Showing by Laying off Workers during the COVID 19 Pandemic?

The Alberta government has arguably missed an opportunity to show leadership during the COVID 19 crisis by directing provincial school boards to lay off tens of thousands of education workers. Teachers and educational assistants (EA’s) work closely together to facilitate student learning. EA’s were still being utilized to support students in need of accommodations along with those students with inadequate access to technology. The Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) estimates that around 6,000 substitute teachers and up to 20,000 support staff are affected by the funding cut. The ATA stands in solidarity with the support staff affected by this decision. Even though the COVID 19 pandemic is an extraordinary life event, laying off tens of thousands of workers at this time is at best, a questionable direction by the provincial government. While the federal government has stepped up to protect people and the economy through a compassionate stop-gap program, that still leaves many at risk kids without the support needed to succeed. The speaker will explain the shortfalls many students are likely to experience during the currently mandated “learning at home” way of going to school, without the help of EA’s and support staff. The speaker will also explore the future impacts of this decision when schools prepare to reopen at a future date. Speaker: Jason Schilling, President, The Alberta Teachers’ Association Jason Schilling was elected president of the 45,000 member Alberta Teachers’ Association in 2019 following two years of service as vice-president and more than eight years of service as district representative for South West. Prior to his election as President of the ATA, Schilling was an English and drama teacher at Kate Andrews High School, in Coaldale, where he worked for the last 17 years. Schilling’s assignments as president include chairing the CTF (Canadian Teachers’ Federation) Committee, serving as a member of the Strategic Planning Group and the Teacher Salary Qualifications Board, and acting as Provincial Executive Council liaison to the English Language Arts Council. He also represents the Association on the CTF Board of Directors. Date and time: Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/iKljIIm6b10 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.

COVID 19: Is Domestic Violence Likely to Worsen during Social Isolation?

During the current COVID 19 pandemic, Lethbridge YWCA and Harbour House Women’s Emergency Shelter are anticipating the instances of severe domestic violence to increase and staff are incredibly fearful for the safety of women in the community who are in abusive relationships. In a crisis situation people’s fears and anxieties often increase. With a threat to jobs and income, there’s a fear about how their family will survive, and being isolated from their community and normal social interactions, makes it even worse. This leads to situations people aren’t familiar with and those who have been in a violent relationship before, may see the abuse escalate even further. Typically, from what’s know about past crises, people who have never experienced domestic violence before, may be subjected to such during COVID 19. The speaker will elaborate on the local situation and also discuss who are providing the essential funding to this, literally lifesaving, safety net service in Lethbridge Speaker: Shannon Hansen, Chief Executive Officer YWCA Lethbridge Shannon has over 23 years of experience in supporting and advocating for individuals with complex needs in community. Relocating to Lethbridge with her family 2012, Shannon has worked as the Director of McMan Youth, Family and Community Services and as the Housing First Specialist at the City of Lethbridge. Currently, the CEO at the YWCA, the culmination of her career experience is utilized. Taking a person-centred, strengths-based, cultural humility approach, Shannon continues to support individuals experiencing barriers including trauma, domestic and sexual violence, addictions, sexual assault, and FASD. With domestic and sexual violence as part of the YWCA’s programming, Shannon is passionate about connecting the resources and supports to those who need them. Her passion aligns perfectly with the newly developed YWCA Lethbridge and District’s mission (Enhancing lives through personal empowerment and supportive community) and vision (We are an organization created by women that is leading the community with innovative solutions to enrich lives, promote fulfillment, and create happiness). Date and time: Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live Link: https://youtu.be/LV532UIydw4 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.

COVID 19 Mitigation Measures at the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen

The speaker will provide a brief overview of the humble beginnings of Lethbridge Soup Kitchen on Oct 1, 1984 and some of the highlights of its 35 year history. He will also acknowledge the connections and personal relationships that have been built with its vulnerable guests over the years and the incredible number of volunteers now counting nearly 850 people. An amazing amount of generous donors, who supply about $60,000 worth of food each and every month, make it possible for Lethbridge Soup Kitchen to serve more than 6000 meals monthly including breakfast, lunch and supper. Numerous Individuals, churches, companies and service clubs have so far provided much of the financial resources necessary to meet expenses year by year. Arguably, the way in which local media outlets have provided great coverage of the daily hot meals program is very helpful to all involved and will continue to be a key part of this essential service. The speaker will explain adjustments that have been made to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. He will also address the new and innovative meal programs that have been implemented in the midst of this dangerous pandemic. Speaker: Bill Ginther Bill Ginther is currently the Executive Director of the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, a position he has held for almost 3 years, his third post-retirement job. He came to this role after having spent most of his career in International Relief and Development with a focus on food security, primarily in Eastern Africa. Prior to choosing that career path, he completed undergraduate degrees in Sociology, Psychology & Theology from the Universities of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Bill’s REAL “Claim to fame” is that he has been married to his wife Joan for almost 50 years and is a Papa to 12 grandchildren. His deepest desire in life (other than his Christian faith) is to treat and encourage others to respect and enhance the lives of our homeless neighbours here in Lethbridge. Date and time: Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/HANRuTDSALE 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

Responding as a Community to COVID-19

The City of Lethbridge implemented a local state of emergency on March 18, 2020 and is working with community partners to identify areas of need for the community during the COVID 19 pandemic. 16 subcommittees have been formed to address and support the community while this crisis is unfolding. Action taken so far include working closely with Alberta Health Services and the agencies that serve our vulnerable populations to ensure these groups have the needed housing, health care and other supports they require. Other measures include free transit, 90 day utility payment deferrals and property tax options. All City facilities, including City Hall, Fire Stations, Lethbridge Transit, all recreation and culture facilities (pools, arenas, Lethbridge Public Library branches, Galt Museum and the Helen Schuler Nature Centre) are closed to the public until further notice. Lethbridge Police Service have closed public access to their building until further notice as have Lethbridge Animal Shelter. The speaker will unpack many of the safety steps that have been made to address this dangerous pandemic and whether or not more measures may be needed. Speaker: Chris Spearman, Mayor of Lethbridge Along with 38 years of business experience, Chris Spearman devoted 18 years (1992-2010) to serving on the Holy Spirit School Board which included two terms as Board Chair. He is a founding member of the Industrial Association of Southern Alberta, established in 1983. Chris is passionate about environmental issues, supports practical solutions and believes in continuous improvement. His employment experience includes 10 years working with the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and 13 years with ISO 9002 Quality Systems. Chris was a member of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce since 2008 and served on several sub-committees. In addition, he served five years (2008-2013) on University of Lethbridge Faculty of Management Advisory Committee. From 2010 to 2013 he served as a board member for the Aboriginal Housing Society. Chris has also volunteered with several other community organizations including Economic Development Lethbridge (a founding member) and the Rehabilitation Society of Southwestern Alberta (now known as the Ability Resource Centre). Date and time: Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/s8zuiIKU9Nw 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.

COVID 19: Stress and Coping?

The world-wide outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 disease may be stressful for many people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. How you respond to this outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in. People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19, children and teens, people who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors, nurses and other health care providers, or first responders. As well, people who have preexisting mental health conditions, the homeless, the vulnerable and people with substance abuse. The speaker will walk us through the many issues surrounding mental health with particular emphasis on the isolation and loneliness COVID 19 has caused, resulting in extra stress on many families and individuals. Speaker: McMillan James McMillan James is a Registered Psychologist with experience spanning academic and clinical counselling settings. She earned her BA in Psychology and her Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology with a focus on Addiction and Mental Health. During her graduate studies she completed her thesis on the Phenomenological Experience of Athletic Retirement. She is currently in private practice at Associates Counselling Services here in Lethbridge. In addition, Mcmillan provides psychological services for Canadian Back Institute and Lethbridge Integrated Service Court. She is dedicated to supporting clients through a client-centered and collaborative approach relying on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness techniques. Date and time: Thursday, April 2, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/5Dp-mE4vgFM 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 on “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 question of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are “live streaming”. If you watch the video afterwards, you will still be able to see the questions other folks have asked but you won’t be able to chat anymore.

What is it Like Owning a Business in Downtown Lethbridge during the Drug Crisis? (Part 1)

Several businesses in Lethbridge’s downtown and the surrounding area have closed their doors in the last several months. Other business owners say they are feeling the pinch as well, and attribute much of the struggles to what they say are pervasive negative perceptions of the downtown area. Concerns over everything from the opioid/drug crisis and taxation to parking, are the main issues. Those business owners and employees are feeling the pressure of that, but today’s speaker will explain how she, along with other business owners, are fighting back and meeting with with city officials to address the issues Speaker: Erica Pyska As a leader in the business landscape of Lethbridge for over 20 years, Erica Pyska is excited to share some of her experiences and thoughts on the ever-changing dynamic of downtown Lethbridge. Calling Plum Restaurant home for the last 6 years, Erica has insight on growing a business through economic and political shifts, ecological responsibility and hardships, and supporting people (inside and outside of Plum) from all walks of life in our downtown core. A steadfast friend and colleague of many, Erica is proud to call Lethbridge home for her family and businesses. Moderator: Martin Heavy Head Date: Thursday, March 12, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

What is it Like Owning a Business in Downtown Lethbridge during the Drug Crisis? (Part 2 Q&A)

Several businesses in Lethbridge’s downtown and the surrounding area have closed their doors in the last several months. Other business owners say they are feeling the pinch as well, and attribute much of the struggles to what they say are pervasive negative perceptions of the downtown area. Concerns over everything from the opioid/drug crisis and taxation to parking, are the main issues. Those business owners and employees are feeling the pressure of that, but today’s speaker will explain how she, along with other business owners, are fighting back and meeting with with city officials to address the issues Speaker: Erica Pyska As a leader in the business landscape of Lethbridge for over 20 years, Erica Pyska is excited to share some of her experiences and thoughts on the ever-changing dynamic of downtown Lethbridge. Calling Plum Restaurant home for the last 6 years, Erica has insight on growing a business through economic and political shifts, ecological responsibility and hardships, and supporting people (inside and outside of Plum) from all walks of life in our downtown core. A steadfast friend and colleague of many, Erica is proud to call Lethbridge home for her family and businesses. Moderator: Martin Heavy Head Date: Thursday, March 12, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Is the Sun Setting on Alberta’s Conventional Oil and Gas Producers? (Part 1)

Alberta’s conventional oil and gas liabilities have been growing for decades with reported estimates ranging from $58 to $130 billion involving 450,000 oil and gas wells, 400,000 Km of pipelines, 1.4 trillion litres of fluid waste, Only $1.5 billion is held in securities to protect Albertan taxpayers from the risk of being left on the hook for costs. Oil sands liabilities are estimated at another (largely unsecured) $130 billion. If the issue of backlogged and unsecured oil and gas liabilities is allowed to stay quiet, the problem will simply continue to grow, with no true transparency around its scale and scope. Long-term solutions to this problem will need to be both collaborative and practical. However, in order to find such solutions, all stakeholders must have access to accurate information about the true costs to clean up all active and inactive oil and gas infrastructure in Alberta. It was recently revealed Alberta’s oil and gas companies now owe $178 million in unpaid rent and property taxes to farmers and municipalities, not all of which can be explained by a few dozen bankrupt companies. Oil and gas companies that continue operating are also choosing not to pay their rent and taxes. The speaker will argue that Alberta can’t or won’t charge companies market competitive royalties for its oil and gas and can’t or won’t make anyone clean up their mess without them going bankrupt, and the fact the oil patch cannot (or simply refuses to) pay its rent and taxes, all point towards an unfortunate reality: the sun is setting on Alberta’s storied conventional oil and gas industry. Speaker: Regan Boychuk Regan Boychuk is a leading experts on the problem of reclaiming aging oil and gas infrastructure in Alberta. His analysis is informed by years of original research into royalties and liabilities, as well as decades of on-the-ground experience in the oil and gas industry. Born and raised in Grande Prairie, Regan Boychuk is an independent researcher now based in Calgary. He was Research Manager with the University of Alberta’s Parkland Institute and served on the oil sands expert group advising the provincial government’s 2015-16 Royalty Review Panel. Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, March 5, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required