Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Should we be worried that Video & Board Gaming, Comics, Superhero’s and Halloween are growing into Multi-Billion Dollar Industries? (Part 1)

The video game industry generated appox. $135 billion US globally in 2018 and is forecasted to be worth $300 billion by 2025. The global market value of board games, alternatively known as tabletop games, was nearly 8 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 and is estimated to reach a value of $15 billion in 2025. The comic book industry is steadily worth around $1 billion yearly, but over the past decade, superhero movies, most of which are based on superhero comics, have been growing. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, owned by Disney, has grossed $17.5 billion since its 2008 launch, with such franchises as Thor and Captain America. And the DC Extended Universe has grossed $4.8 billion since its 2013 kickoff with “Man of Steel.” Originally started as the Celtic festival known as Samhain, where revelers would light bonfires and wear costumes and masks in the attempt to ward off evil spirits, Halloween has evolved throughout the years to an exciting time for children to dress up as their favorite characters and enjoy parties and trick-or-treating. With the commercialization of Halloween increasing, it has become one of the largest consumer holidays in both the United States and Canada with over $11 billion being spent in 2018. The speaker will elaborate on how and why gaming and comics have evolved to become billion dollar industries. He will also speculate on the social aspect, time commitment and physical recreation values of these activities, including what Halloween means to him and his young family. Speaker: Dylan Purcell Dylan grew up in Picture Butte and attended school there, After high school graduation, he enrolled at Lethbridge College and later at U of L, focusing on furthering his writing skills. He later worked as a journalist in Nanton and eventually became the Lethbridge Herald beloved Sports Editor. In 2016, Dylan stepped away from sports and started working in the comics industry. Moderator: Mary Shillington Date: Thursday, October 31, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (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

Should we be worried that Video & Board Gaming, Comics, Superhero’s and Halloween are growing into Multi-Billion Dollar Industries? (Part 2 Q&A)

The video game industry generated appox. $135 billion US globally in 2018 and is forecasted to be worth $300 billion by 2025. The global market value of board games, alternatively known as tabletop games, was nearly 8 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 and is estimated to reach a value of $15 billion in 2025. The comic book industry is steadily worth around $1 billion yearly, but over the past decade, superhero movies, most of which are based on superhero comics, have been growing. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, owned by Disney, has grossed $17.5 billion since its 2008 launch, with such franchises as Thor and Captain America. And the DC Extended Universe has grossed $4.8 billion since its 2013 kickoff with “Man of Steel.” Originally started as the Celtic festival known as Samhain, where revelers would light bonfires and wear costumes and masks in the attempt to ward off evil spirits, Halloween has evolved throughout the years to an exciting time for children to dress up as their favorite characters and enjoy parties and trick-or-treating. With the commercialization of Halloween increasing, it has become one of the largest consumer holidays in both the United States and Canada with over $11 billion being spent in 2018. The speaker will elaborate on how and why gaming and comics have evolved to become billion dollar industries. He will also speculate on the social aspect, time commitment and physical recreation values of these activities, including what Halloween means to him and his young family. Speaker: Dylan Purcell Dylan grew up in Picture Butte and attended school there, After high school graduation, he enrolled at Lethbridge College and later at U of L, focusing on furthering his writing skills. He later worked as a journalist in Nanton and eventually became the Lethbridge Herald beloved Sports Editor. In 2016, Dylan stepped away from sports and started working in the comics industry. Moderator: Mary Shillington Date: Thursday, October 31, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (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

If we follow the new Canada Food Guide, are we likely to live healthier lives? (Part 1)

The new Canada Food Guide was recently released and includes an online suite of resources that better meets the needs of different users including the general public, policy makers, health professionals, healthcare centres, childcare centres, and schools. The Canada Food Guide has a long history of being used and is promoted by health professionals when supporting Canadians to eat well. The Food Guide can help influence the foods served and sold in Canada’s public institutions like workplaces, healthcare centres, recreation centres, and schools. The speaker will provide guidance on the issues surrounding nutritious foods and beverages that are the foundation for healthy eating and as well, foods and beverages that can have a negative impact on health when consumed on a regular basis. Food skills as a practical way to support healthy eating will also be discussed along with current evidence on topics such as sodium, saturated fat and sugars, supportive environments for healthy eating. Creating supportive environments across settings, such as schools, healthcare centres, recreation centres and workplaces can help increase the influence of the guidelines and build understanding about the key features and content of the Food Guide. Speaker: Heather Mathur Heather is a Registered Dietitian with AB Health Services and has spent the last 22 years working as a Population and Public Health Dietitian. Previous to this position, Heather has worked in Edmonton, Stettler, Coronation and Thousand Oaks, California. Heather graduated from the University of Alberta and completed her two-year dietetic internship at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Heather’s current position concentrates on the social determinants of health with a focus on nutrition throughout the life cycle. Her work involves community development and nutrition education. Heather sits on various committees including Healthy Communities Association of Lethbridge and Area and the Better Beginnings Steering Committee. Heather is registered with the College of Dietitians of Alberta and the American Dietetic Association. Moderator: TBA Date: Thursday, October 24, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (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

If we follow the new Canada Food Guide, are we likely to live healthier lives? (Part 2 Q&A)

The new Canada Food Guide was recently released and includes an online suite of resources that better meets the needs of different users including the general public, policy makers, health professionals, healthcare centres, childcare centres, and schools. The Canada Food Guide has a long history of being used and is promoted by health professionals when supporting Canadians to eat well. The Food Guide can help influence the foods served and sold in Canada’s public institutions like workplaces, healthcare centres, recreation centres, and schools. The speaker will provide guidance on the issues surrounding nutritious foods and beverages that are the foundation for healthy eating and as well, foods and beverages that can have a negative impact on health when consumed on a regular basis. Food skills as a practical way to support healthy eating will also be discussed along with current evidence on topics such as sodium, saturated fat and sugars, supportive environments for healthy eating. Creating supportive environments across settings, such as schools, healthcare centres, recreation centres and workplaces can help increase the influence of the guidelines and build understanding about the key features and content of the Food Guide. Speaker: Heather Mathur Heather is a Registered Dietitian with AB Health Services and has spent the last 22 years working as a Population and Public Health Dietitian. Previous to this position, Heather has worked in Edmonton, Stettler, Coronation and Thousand Oaks, California. Heather graduated from the University of Alberta and completed her two-year dietetic internship at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Heather’s current position concentrates on the social determinants of health with a focus on nutrition throughout the life cycle. Her work involves community development and nutrition education. Heather sits on various committees including Healthy Communities Association of Lethbridge and Area and the Better Beginnings Steering Committee. Heather is registered with the College of Dietitians of Alberta and the American Dietetic Association. Moderator: TBA Date: Thursday, October 24, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (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 are some of the Most Important Things Happening in Lethbridge? (Part 1)

Now that Lethbridge is a city of more than 100,000 inhabitants, there are some perceived “big city” problems that go along with it. Actually, we have had many of them all along, but with a larger population they become more visible. With the Federal election looming in less than a week and a Provincial budget to be unveiled shortly after, the intergovernmental effects on Lethbridge could be substantial and will need unpacking. This year has proven to be a bright spot in the form of grand openings for major capital improvement projects, economic development and the progress being made on revitalizing the Downtown. Aside from the nation-wide substance abuse concerns and the progress being made with the Clean and Safe Strategy, there are a number of challenges and opportunities our Mayor and Council welcome each new week. Come and hear what’s at the top of our Mayor’s list this week. 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 the 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). As the father of four adult children and proud grandpa of six grandchildren, Chris loves spending time with his family, particularly when they gather for special occasions such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and family birthdays. His leisure activities include skiing, walking in our city parks and biking our trails. He enjoys travel and appreciates cultural diversity. Moderator: Dr. Bev Muendel-Atherstone Date: Thursday, October 17, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (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 Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

What are some of the Most Important Things Happening in Lethbridge? (Part 2 Q&A)

Now that Lethbridge is a city of more than 100,000 inhabitants, there are some perceived “big city” problems that go along with it. Actually, we have had many of them all along, but with a larger population they become more visible. With the Federal election looming in less than a week and a Provincial budget to be unveiled shortly after, the intergovernmental effects on Lethbridge could be substantial and will need unpacking. This year has proven to be a bright spot in the form of grand openings for major capital improvement projects, economic development and the progress being made on revitalizing the Downtown. Aside from the nation-wide substance abuse concerns and the progress being made with the Clean and Safe Strategy, there are a number of challenges and opportunities our Mayor and Council welcome each new week. Come and hear what’s at the top of our Mayor’s list this week. 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 the 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). As the father of four adult children and proud grandpa of six grandchildren, Chris loves spending time with his family, particularly when they gather for special occasions such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and family birthdays. His leisure activities include skiing, walking in our city parks and biking our trails. He enjoys travel and appreciates cultural diversity. Moderator: Dr. Bev Muendel-Atherstone Date: Thursday, October 17, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (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 Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

Helping Vulnerable People Recover – What does success look like? (Part 1)

Many people think that successful work with poverty-stricken street people and people living with drug & alcohol addiction/mental health issues will result in a “normal” life for them. That is however, largely a myth. It’s also true people generally assume that successful work with and help for the impoverished and homeless, should be measured by how close clients get to society’s “norm”, meaning money, a house, a job, a family, living a stereotypical happy and “normal” life as a result of that help. The speaker will argue that at Streets Alive, success is measured in different ways. For some, 24 hours of sobriety is a success. For some, having a meal and appropriate clothing so they can survive another day is a success. What might seem like a small success to most people is often a huge success for them. And even a small success for our clients is a huge success for us. Every step is celebrated and encouraged. The work at Streets Alive does aid some clients to be able to get on their feet, get out on their own, and live what one might call a “normal” life. That process of getting them to that point is a series of small steps and every day successes. Some clients will never make it to societies “normal”. That doesn’t mean our work with them aren’t successful. That also doesn’t mean that these clients are not successful. It just means that their successes will look unlike that of others. Success means something different to each of us individually, and everyone’s successes deserve to be applauded, even if those successes do not look like your own. Speaker: Shawna Pinay My name is Shawna and I will talk about my journey with sobriety. When society says addicts will never change, I am living proof of the contrary. I came from being on the streets for 14 years doing whatever it took to get my drugs and alcohol. I went to Streets Alive because they had been working with me for the whole 14 years never giving up on me. When I was ready to change, they were there for me, giving me housing and a safe place to call home. I actually had a bed to sleep in and ongoing love and support. I attended the programs they had to offer and started to learn how to live again sober and clean. I will further explain what it was like to live a so called ”normal” life. With time and getting a job, I was able to move out and have my own place, money and my family back. All the benefits Streets Alive had to offer gave hope back in my life that I wasn’t just worthless and never going to succeed in anything. I am now the assistant director of the Streets Alive Genesis program where I get to work with women in need, bringing them into recovery and seeing them change. Moderator: Collen Quintal Date: Thursday, October 10, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (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

Helping Vulnerable People Recover – What does success look like? (Part 2 Q&A)

Many people think that successful work with poverty-stricken street people and people living with drug & alcohol addiction/mental health issues will result in a “normal” life for them. That is however, largely a myth. It’s also true people generally assume that successful work with and help for the impoverished and homeless, should be measured by how close clients get to society’s “norm”, meaning money, a house, a job, a family, living a stereotypical happy and “normal” life as a result of that help. The speaker will argue that at Streets Alive, success is measured in different ways. For some, 24 hours of sobriety is a success. For some, having a meal and appropriate clothing so they can survive another day is a success. What might seem like a small success to most people is often a huge success for them. And even a small success for our clients is a huge success for us. Every step is celebrated and encouraged. The work at Streets Alive does aid some clients to be able to get on their feet, get out on their own, and live what one might call a “normal” life. That process of getting them to that point is a series of small steps and every day successes. Some clients will never make it to societies “normal”. That doesn’t mean our work with them aren’t successful. That also doesn’t mean that these clients are not successful. It just means that their successes will look unlike that of others. Success means something different to each of us individually, and everyone’s successes deserve to be applauded, even if those successes do not look like your own. Speaker: Shawna Pinay My name is Shawna and I will talk about my journey with sobriety. When society says addicts will never change, I am living proof of the contrary. I came from being on the streets for 14 years doing whatever it took to get my drugs and alcohol. I went to Streets Alive because they had been working with me for the whole 14 years never giving up on me. When I was ready to change, they were there for me, giving me housing and a safe place to call home. I actually had a bed to sleep in and ongoing love and support. I attended the programs they had to offer and started to learn how to live again sober and clean. I will further explain what it was like to live a so called ”normal” life. With time and getting a job, I was able to move out and have my own place, money and my family back. All the benefits Streets Alive had to offer gave hope back in my life that I wasn’t just worthless and never going to succeed in anything. I am now the assistant director of the Streets Alive Genesis program where I get to work with women in need, bringing them into recovery and seeing them change. Moderator: Collen Quintal Date: Thursday, October 10, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (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

Energy, Utilities, and how Consumers are being over charged? (Part 1)

The deregulation of Alberta’s electricity system is now 19-years old, and in the last five years three successive Alberta governments have passed on an opportunity to mitigate the shortcomings of an Alberta “energy only market.” This has resulted in Albertans paying more for their energy utilities. Climate change and the climate change debate have significantly impacted retail utility costs in Alberta. The speaker will examine these impacts from a regulatory perspective, and how contemporaneous political influences have caused utility rates to rise for the average ratepayer. He will explain the pricing mechanism employed by the regulator and the industry that set Alberta’s utility rates. The speaker will also detail the deficiencies plaguing the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), and the National Energy Board (NEB). He will finish his talk with recommendations that the public can employ to improve our regulatory processes. Speaker: Joe Anglin Joe served four years with the United States Marines. He also worked as a police officer in New Hampshire before becoming a lineman for the power company in Vermont, and a fibre-optic transmission engineer for the Bell system. He served as the Bell system’s White House Communications liaison for George Bush Sr’s administration in Kennebunk Port, Maine. Joe immigrated to Vancouver, Canada to become the President and CEO of the investment firm ASIG Inc (ASIG), trading currencies and energy derivatives. He also served with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary for seven years as a unit leader for the Canadian Coast Guard’s fast-response Search & Rescue operations on the Pacific Coast and led the Canadian SAR (Search & Rescue) team to victory in the 2000 World Marine Search & Rescue competitions. In Alberta, Joe organized and led a rural citizen’s group called the Lavesta Area Group against a proposed AltaLink 500 KV transmission line. For his work, he was named by the Edmonton Journal as one of the top ten people in the province who made a difference, and was named by Alberta Views as one of Alberta’s 50 most influential people. Joe has served on Rimbey’s Town Counsel and was elected MLA for Rimbey, Rocky Mountain House, Sundre. He served three years as the Chairman for the Rimoka Senior’s Housing Authority. In addition to Joe’s engineering background, he has a BSc in Business Management, MSc in Adult Education, and Juris Doctorate in Law. Moderator: Larry Elford Date: Thursday, October 3, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (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

Energy, Utilities, and how Consumers are being over charged? (Part 2 Q&A)

The deregulation of Alberta’s electricity system is now 19-years old, and in the last five years three successive Alberta governments have passed on an opportunity to mitigate the shortcomings of an Alberta “energy only market.” This has resulted in Albertans paying more for their energy utilities. Climate change and the climate change debate have significantly impacted retail utility costs in Alberta. The speaker will examine these impacts from a regulatory perspective, and how contemporaneous political influences have caused utility rates to rise for the average ratepayer. He will explain the pricing mechanism employed by the regulator and the industry that set Alberta’s utility rates. The speaker will also detail the deficiencies plaguing the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), and the National Energy Board (NEB). He will finish his talk with recommendations that the public can employ to improve our regulatory processes. Speaker: Joe Anglin Joe served four years with the United States Marines. He also worked as a police officer in New Hampshire before becoming a lineman for the power company in Vermont, and a fibre-optic transmission engineer for the Bell system. He served as the Bell system’s White House Communications liaison for George Bush Sr’s administration in Kennebunk Port, Maine. Joe immigrated to Vancouver, Canada to become the President and CEO of the investment firm ASIG Inc (ASIG), trading currencies and energy derivatives. He also served with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary for seven years as a unit leader for the Canadian Coast Guard’s fast-response Search & Rescue operations on the Pacific Coast and led the Canadian SAR (Search & Rescue) team to victory in the 2000 World Marine Search & Rescue competitions. In Alberta, Joe organized and led a rural citizen’s group called the Lavesta Area Group against a proposed AltaLink 500 KV transmission line. For his work, he was named by the Edmonton Journal as one of the top ten people in the province who made a difference, and was named by Alberta Views as one of Alberta’s 50 most influential people. Joe has served on Rimbey’s Town Counsel and was elected MLA for Rimbey, Rocky Mountain House, Sundre. He served three years as the Chairman for the Rimoka Senior’s Housing Authority. In addition to Joe’s engineering background, he has a BSc in Business Management, MSc in Adult Education, and Juris Doctorate in Law. Moderator: Larry Elford Date: Thursday, October 3, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (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