Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

It can be argued that one of Lethbridge’s greatest assets is its diverse and dynamic population, which continues to grow at a steady pace and now sits at over 100.000 with more than 25 percent of the adult population age 35 or less. Over the past several years, Lethbridge’s population has grown by an average of nearly two per cent per year. That’s around 150 new arrivals each month including immigrants and refugees. Lethbridge continues to demonstrate a stable and balanced labour market where employers have access to most of the newcomers. Lethbridge’s labour market also benefits from numerous students graduating from University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College and area high schools each year, which in turn enables graduates to possibly stay in this area and pursue a wide range of employment opportunities. As is the case in any community, a percentage of its residents, for various reasons, are not able to fully embrace these opportunities. The speaker will outline some of the issues involved and shed light on the many long term benefits we continue to receive from adding energetic and culturally diverse refugees, immigrants and newcomers to our community. Speaker: Sarah Amies Sarah Amies has lived, worked and raised a family in Lethbridge since 1982. She graduated from the University of Lethbridge (’BA – Distinction) in 1988. For the next 13 years, she worked as the Applied Studies program coordinator and as an Arts and Science Academic Advisor for the U of L. ?In 2001, Sarah started working with Lethbridge Family Services as the Program Director for the Immigrant Services department. In this capacity, Sarah is involved in community development and educational initiatives as well as overseeing the daily operations of the settlement office. Sarah is very dedicated working with the City and its citizens in order to develop a community that is supportive of and welcoming to our newest neighbours. In 2012, Sarah received YWCA’s Women of Distinction award and she was named a U of L Alumni Honour Society Inductee in 2013.  Moderator: Knud Petersen Date: Thursday, March 15, 2018 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (below The Keg restaurant) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive South Cost: $11 lunch (hearty soup & bun, desert & coffee/tea) or $2 coffee/tea. RSVP not required

It can be argued that one of Lethbridge’s greatest assets is its diverse and dynamic population, which continues to grow at a steady pace and now sits at over 100.000 with more than 25 percent of the adult population age 35 or less. Over the past several years, Lethbridge’s population has grown by an average of nearly two per cent per year. That’s around 150 new arrivals each month including immigrants and refugees. Lethbridge continues to demonstrate a stable and balanced labour market where employers have access to most of the newcomers. Lethbridge’s labour market also benefits from numerous students graduating from University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College and area high schools each year, which in turn enables graduates to possibly stay in this area and pursue a wide range of employment opportunities. As is the case in any community, a percentage of its residents, for various reasons, are not able to fully embrace these opportunities. The speaker will outline some of the issues involved and shed light on the many long term benefits we continue to receive from adding energetic and culturally diverse refugees, immigrants and newcomers to our community. Speaker: Sarah Amies Sarah Amies has lived, worked and raised a family in Lethbridge since 1982. She graduated from the University of Lethbridge (’BA – Distinction) in 1988. For the next 13 years, she worked as the Applied Studies program coordinator and as an Arts and Science Academic Advisor for the U of L. ?In 2001, Sarah started working with Lethbridge Family Services as the Program Director for the Immigrant Services department. In this capacity, Sarah is involved in community development and educational initiatives as well as overseeing the daily operations of the settlement office. Sarah is very dedicated working with the City and its citizens in order to develop a community that is supportive of and welcoming to our newest neighbours. In 2012, Sarah received YWCA’s Women of Distinction award and she was named a U of L Alumni Honour Society Inductee in 2013.  Moderator: Knud Petersen Date: Thursday, March 15, 2018 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (below The Keg restaurant) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive South Cost: $11 lunch (hearty soup & bun, desert & coffee/tea) or $2 coffee/tea. RSVP not required

Canada’s justice system is working poorly for Indigenous peoples. Not-guilty verdicts arrived at recently in two separate murder cases involving First Nations victims, Tina Fontaine and Colten Boushie, have arguably yet again exposed Canada’s justice system as failing Indigenous peoples. Indigenous people have been murdered or gone missing for a long time without due diligence from law enforcement and only now are we starting to expose these patterns of neglect in a meaningful way. Still, if you are an Indigenous person in Canada today, chances are, you will have difficulty receiving justice. The speaker will explain Canada’s jury selection system and argue that it needs a serious overhaul. She will also contend that unless we come to terms with the staggering amount of racism that still exists in our institutions, and in our society as a whole towards Indigenous peoples in Canada, not much will change. Speaker: Ingrid Hess Ingrid Hess is a lawyer from Lethbridge who has been practicing for over 21 years.  For the majority of her career she has focussed on criminal defence work, representing clients on all kinds of criminal and quasi-criminal charges in the Provincial Court, Court of Queen's Bench and Court of Appeal of Alberta, including a number of serious jury trials.  She has worked extensively with clients of Indigenous background.  Some of her important court cases have been cited in academic work pertaining to the treatment of individuals with FASD in the legal system.   In 2010 she was drawn into working on the Residential Schools Independent Assessment Process for compensation for serious physical and sexual abuse.  In that capacity she has worked on over 300 individual claims from BC through to Ontario and across the North, acquiring a very personal but also broad understanding of the historical and cultural circumstances of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.   Ms. Hess lives in Lethbridge and is mother to three young men.  Her eldest son is a member of the Big Stone Cree Nation and her younger two are both Blood Tribe members.   Moderator: Kristin Krein Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2018 Time: 11:30 am – 12:15 pm buffet lunch, 12:15 – 12:45 pm presentation, 1 – 1:30 pm Q & A Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost:$14 buffet lunch with desert & coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Canada’s justice system is working poorly for Indigenous peoples. Not-guilty verdicts arrived at recently in two separate murder cases involving First Nations victims, Tina Fontaine and Colten Boushie, have arguably yet again exposed Canada’s justice system as failing Indigenous peoples. Indigenous people have been murdered or gone missing for a long time without due diligence from law enforcement and only now are we starting to expose these patterns of neglect in a meaningful way. Still, if you are an Indigenous person in Canada today, chances are, you will have difficulty receiving justice. The speaker will explain Canada’s jury selection system and argue that it needs a serious overhaul. She will also contend that unless we come to terms with the staggering amount of racism that still exists in our institutions, and in our society as a whole towards Indigenous peoples in Canada, not much will change. Speaker: Ingrid Hess Ingrid Hess is a lawyer from Lethbridge who has been practicing for over 21 years.  For the majority of her career she has focussed on criminal defence work, representing clients on all kinds of criminal and quasi-criminal charges in the Provincial Court, Court of Queen's Bench and Court of Appeal of Alberta, including a number of serious jury trials.  She has worked extensively with clients of Indigenous background.  Some of her important court cases have been cited in academic work pertaining to the treatment of individuals with FASD in the legal system.   In 2010 she was drawn into working on the Residential Schools Independent Assessment Process for compensation for serious physical and sexual abuse.  In that capacity she has worked on over 300 individual claims from BC through to Ontario and across the North, acquiring a very personal but also broad understanding of the historical and cultural circumstances of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.   Ms. Hess lives in Lethbridge and is mother to three young men.  Her eldest son is a member of the Big Stone Cree Nation and her younger two are both Blood Tribe members.   Moderator: Kristin Krein Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2018 Time: 11:30 am – 12:15 pm buffet lunch, 12:15 – 12:45 pm presentation, 1 – 1:30 pm Q & A Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost:$14 buffet lunch with desert & coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Although much of the world’s scientific research have been done by women, science is arguably still dominated by men, even though a sizable number of women enter the science and engineering fields. Their work however, is seldom recognized in a meaningful way and numerous women leave the profession before they become well established. Why is this still happening in 2018? Women do not enter or do not thrive in careers in science and engineering, not just because babies get in the way (although they do), but because women often are made and seen to be unimportant. It is generally a fact that women are paid less to do the same work, asked to do less valued jobs even if they are well qualified, seen as unpleasant if they voice their opinion at meetings, and talked over when they do speak up. Systemic barriers are slow to change, but what will it take before any measurable improvements are achieved for women in science? The speaker will contend that female scientists still face a tough road ahead, but that if we all work at it, there is light at the end of the tunnel.   Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Mather Dr. Mather was born in Victoria, BC, where she developed her fascination for sea animals. She holds a BSc in Biology from UBC, an MSc in Biology from Florida State, and a PhD in Psychology from Brandeis University (1978), after which she earned a University Research Fellowship and worked as a Research Assistant Professor at Western University for five years. Dr. Mather has been at the University of Lethbridge since 1985, where she currently works as a Professor of Psychology, researching octopus behaviour. Beyond this research interest, Dr. Mather's work is also concerned with women in science (having been involved in activism and teaching on gender issues), non-standard university teaching, human-animal interactions and invertebrate welfare.  Moderator: Krysty Munns Date: Thursday, March 8, 2018 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (below The Keg restaurant) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive South Cost: $11 lunch (hearty soup & bun, desert & coffee/tea) or $2 coffee/tea. RSVP not required

Although much of the world’s scientific research have been done by women, science is arguably still dominated by men, even though a sizable number of women enter the science and engineering fields. Their work however, is seldom recognized in a meaningful way and numerous women leave the profession before they become well established. Why is this still happening in 2018? Women do not enter or do not thrive in careers in science and engineering, not just because babies get in the way (although they do), but because women often are made and seen to be unimportant. It is generally a fact that women are paid less to do the same work, asked to do less valued jobs even if they are well qualified, seen as unpleasant if they voice their opinion at meetings, and talked over when they do speak up. Systemic barriers are slow to change, but what will it take before any measurable improvements are achieved for women in science? The speaker will contend that female scientists still face a tough road ahead, but that if we all work at it, there is light at the end of the tunnel.   Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Mather Dr. Mather was born in Victoria, BC, where she developed her fascination for sea animals. She holds a BSc in Biology from UBC, an MSc in Biology from Florida State, and a PhD in Psychology from Brandeis University (1978), after which she earned a University Research Fellowship and worked as a Research Assistant Professor at Western University for five years. Dr. Mather has been at the University of Lethbridge since 1985, where she currently works as a Professor of Psychology, researching octopus behaviour. Beyond this research interest, Dr. Mather's work is also concerned with women in science (having been involved in activism and teaching on gender issues), non-standard university teaching, human-animal interactions and invertebrate welfare.  Moderator: Krysty Munns Date: Thursday, March 8, 2018 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (below The Keg restaurant) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive South Cost: $11 lunch (hearty soup & bun, desert & coffee/tea) or $2 coffee/tea. RSVP not required

The Canada Summer Jobs Program now states that In order to receive federal Canada job grants, employers must attest that both the job and the organization’s core mandate respect Canada’s individual human rights, including the values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as other rights. These include reproductive rights and the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, colour, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. This formulation raises worries: If the Canadian government requires organizations to attest in such way, does it thereby require them to make a declaration that goes against their deeply felt beliefs in order to obtain funding for activities meant to help the community? If it does, then that seems to go directly against some of the very values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that it cites in the attestation: the protection of religious rights and freedom of conscience. In this talk, the speaker will attempt to disentangle some of the possible misunderstandings surrounding the question whether the mandate for the summer job program is respectful of religious rights and freedom of conscience. She will not provide a definite answer, but will try to surround the question with clarifications and background considerations that can help with creating an informed and thoughtful opinion.  The speaker will then hand the whole package back to the audience for the Q & A, looking forward to their engagement. Speaker: Dr. Katharina Stevens Kat Stevens is an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Lethbridge, where she teaches legal philosophy and argumentation theory. She arrived in Southern Alberta last summer and is enjoying the city very much. Being both a young woman and a person with a conscience, she has a horse in the race on both sides of the topic, so she is excited to hear thoughts and questions that the audience will have to offer. Moderator: Knud Petersen Date: Thursday, March 1, 2018 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (below The Keg restaurant) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive South Cost: $11 lunch (hearty soup & bun, desert & coffee/tea) or $2 coffee/tea. RSVP not required

The Canada Summer Jobs Program now states that In order to receive federal Canada job grants, employers must attest that both the job and the organization’s core mandate respect Canada’s individual human rights, including the values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as other rights. These include reproductive rights and the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, colour, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. This formulation raises worries: If the Canadian government requires organizations to attest in such way, does it thereby require them to make a declaration that goes against their deeply felt beliefs in order to obtain funding for activities meant to help the community? If it does, then that seems to go directly against some of the very values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that it cites in the attestation: the protection of religious rights and freedom of conscience. In this talk, the speaker will attempt to disentangle some of the possible misunderstandings surrounding the question whether the mandate for the summer job program is respectful of religious rights and freedom of conscience. She will not provide a definite answer, but will try to surround the question with clarifications and background considerations that can help with creating an informed and thoughtful opinion.  The speaker will then hand the whole package back to the audience for the Q & A, looking forward to their engagement. Speaker: Dr. Katharina Stevens Kat Stevens is an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Lethbridge, where she teaches legal philosophy and argumentation theory. She arrived in Southern Alberta last summer and is enjoying the city very much. Being both a young woman and a person with a conscience, she has a horse in the race on both sides of the topic, so she is excited to hear thoughts and questions that the audience will have to offer. Moderator: Knud Petersen Date: Thursday, March 1, 2018 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (below The Keg restaurant) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive South Cost: $11 lunch (hearty soup & bun, desert & coffee/tea) or $2 coffee/tea. RSVP not required

In April 2017, Alberta announced Phase 1 of the Early Learning and Child Care Centres (ELCC) pilot program capping fees at 22 quality child care centres at $25 per day per child. ELCC Centre’s offers flexible child care for parents who work part-time or shifts that are outside typical day care hours or offers care in accessible settings such as co-location with other public buildings. These centres will provide support for children with diverse needs and implement an early learning child care curriculum. Following a Federal ELCC funding commitment, Alberta’s program was expanded to 78 more Centres in December 2018. A rigorous evaluation process has already begun for the Phase 1 ELCC Centres. The results from the evaluation will allow governments to determine continued funding and/or possible expansion of the program. The Minister will speak about the benefits of affordable, quality and accessible child care and how the pilot ELCC centres are making life better for families. Speaker: Hon. Danielle Larivee, Minister of Children’s Services Danielle Larivee was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as the Member for Lesser Slave Lake on May 5, 2015. She was sworn into Cabinet as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Service Alberta on October 22, 2015. On January 19, 2017 she was appointed Minister of Children’s Services. In 2015, Minister Larivee served as the co-chair of Alberta’s Mental Health Review Committee, and in 2016 she was named the lead Minister during the Fort McMurray wildfires. As a nurse, Minister Larivee is a passionate advocate for the well-being of Albertans. Prior to becoming an MLA, she spent more than 17 years caring for the people of the Lesser Slave Lake Region. Minister Larivee holds a bachelor of science in midwifery from the Midwives College of Utah and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Alberta. Together with her children, Ms. Larivee lives in Slave Lake, a community she has called home for more than 35 years. Moderator: Tanya Pace-Crosschild Date: Thursday, February 22, 2018 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (below The Keg restaurant) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive South Cost: $11 lunch (hearty soup & bun, desert & coffee/tea) or $2 coffee/tea. RSVP not required

In April 2017, Alberta announced Phase 1 of the Early Learning and Child Care Centres (ELCC) pilot program capping fees at 22 quality child care centres at $25 per day per child. ELCC Centre’s offers flexible child care for parents who work part-time or shifts that are outside typical day care hours or offers care in accessible settings such as co-location with other public buildings. These centres will provide support for children with diverse needs and implement an early learning child care curriculum. Following a Federal ELCC funding commitment, Alberta’s program was expanded to 78 more Centres in December 2018. A rigorous evaluation process has already begun for the Phase 1 ELCC Centres. The results from the evaluation will allow governments to determine continued funding and/or possible expansion of the program. The Minister will speak about the benefits of affordable, quality and accessible child care and how the pilot ELCC centres are making life better for families. Speaker: Hon. Danielle Larivee, Minister of Children’s Services Danielle Larivee was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as the Member for Lesser Slave Lake on May 5, 2015. She was sworn into Cabinet as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Service Alberta on October 22, 2015. On January 19, 2017 she was appointed Minister of Children’s Services. In 2015, Minister Larivee served as the co-chair of Alberta’s Mental Health Review Committee, and in 2016 she was named the lead Minister during the Fort McMurray wildfires. As a nurse, Minister Larivee is a passionate advocate for the well-being of Albertans. Prior to becoming an MLA, she spent more than 17 years caring for the people of the Lesser Slave Lake Region. Minister Larivee holds a bachelor of science in midwifery from the Midwives College of Utah and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Alberta. Together with her children, Ms. Larivee lives in Slave Lake, a community she has called home for more than 35 years. Moderator: Tanya Pace-Crosschild Date: Thursday, February 22, 2018 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (below The Keg restaurant) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive South Cost: $11 lunch (hearty soup & bun, desert & coffee/tea) or $2 coffee/tea. RSVP not required