Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

It is difficult to look at a newspaper, watch TV, listen to the radio, or scan the news on the internet without some reference to personal privacy being compromised. Intrusions into government and private-sector systems have often exposed sensitive information and increasingly, systems are breached with more personal information uncovered. But what happens when this complex network of digital and industrial technologies becomes so fast, so automated and so ubiquitous (everywhere) that we are no longer capable of discerning the differences between public and private, real and fake, human and machine? And what if that process of technological change is so rapid and disruptive that we lose the very capability and/or willingness to even care? New Media Professor James Graham will argue that we are currently on the doorstep of this new era - a “perfect storm” of new technologies and systems – that will so completely automate and accelerate our physical and digital environment as to risk placing it beyond our ability to monitor, comprehend or control the impact of that change. Specifically, the speaker will examine and make understandable the complex technologies that make up this next, Fourth Industrial Revolution, as it is commonly called, including: AI, Machine Learning, Block Chain, Quantum Computing, Robotics, Nano and Biotechnology, Virtual Currencies, The Internet of Things, Virtual and Augmented Reality, GPU Cluster computing and autonomous devices and vehicles. The speaker will argue that, while there will certainly be societal benefits associated with these coming technology systems, it is critical for governments, educators, industrialists and citizens to take a hard look at the ethical and societal implications associated with allowing these technologies to re-engineer or “fix”, our urban infrastructure and social matrix. It is critical that we must try to retain the ability to shape and limit the technological systems that increasingly demand our adoption, participation and consent. Speaker:     James Graham James Graham is an Associate Professor and founding member of the University of Lethbridge Department of New Media. In the private sector, Graham is the founder and CEO of Neospatial Corp - an augmented reality/virtual reality company – and Director of Research and Development with Insitu Media Corporation, a Vancouver-based digital innovator in server-side 3D media insertion systems. Graham’s academic research is focused on developing industry and artistic applications of 3D virtual and augmented reality technology. Theory-based research is in “disruptor media” innovation and ethics. Moderator: Knud Petersen Date: Thursday, November 23, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $14.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) RSVP is not necessary

It is difficult to look at a newspaper, watch TV, listen to the radio, or scan the news on the internet without some reference to personal privacy being compromised. Intrusions into government and private-sector systems have often exposed sensitive information and increasingly, systems are breached with more personal information uncovered. But what happens when this complex network of digital and industrial technologies becomes so fast, so automated and so ubiquitous (everywhere) that we are no longer capable of discerning the differences between public and private, real and fake, human and machine? And what if that process of technological change is so rapid and disruptive that we lose the very capability and/or willingness to even care? New Media Professor James Graham will argue that we are currently on the doorstep of this new era - a “perfect storm” of new technologies and systems – that will so completely automate and accelerate our physical and digital environment as to risk placing it beyond our ability to monitor, comprehend or control the impact of that change. Specifically, the speaker will examine and make understandable the complex technologies that make up this next, Fourth Industrial Revolution, as it is commonly called, including: AI, Machine Learning, Block Chain, Quantum Computing, Robotics, Nano and Biotechnology, Virtual Currencies, The Internet of Things, Virtual and Augmented Reality, GPU Cluster computing and autonomous devices and vehicles. The speaker will argue that, while there will certainly be societal benefits associated with these coming technology systems, it is critical for governments, educators, industrialists and citizens to take a hard look at the ethical and societal implications associated with allowing these technologies to re-engineer or “fix”, our urban infrastructure and social matrix. It is critical that we must try to retain the ability to shape and limit the technological systems that increasingly demand our adoption, participation and consent. Speaker:     James Graham James Graham is an Associate Professor and founding member of the University of Lethbridge Department of New Media. In the private sector, Graham is the founder and CEO of Neospatial Corp - an augmented reality/virtual reality company – and Director of Research and Development with Insitu Media Corporation, a Vancouver-based digital innovator in server-side 3D media insertion systems. Graham’s academic research is focused on developing industry and artistic applications of 3D virtual and augmented reality technology. Theory-based research is in “disruptor media” innovation and ethics. Moderator: Knud Petersen Date: Thursday, November 23, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $14.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) RSVP is not necessary

Prompted by a drug related death epidemic that has devastated families across Alberta and indeed Canada, a former night club in Lethbridge is scheduled to become North America’s first supervised inhalation site when it opens early in 2018. To date, this facility is the only one to be granted approval by Health Canada for a site that will permit four types of drug consumption: injection, oral, intranasal and inhalation. ARCHES, the local harm reduction organization that will be operating the facility, currently support about 3,000 clients in Lethbridge and a similar number in rural areas surrounding the city. So far, Health Canada has approved six supervised consumption sites in Alberta, including four in Edmonton and one in Calgary. The latest provincial data from January to August, 2017 shows 315 individuals in Alberta died from an apparent drug overdose related to fentanyl, up more than 50 per cent from the same period last year. Per capita, Lethbridge’s drug overdose death rate exceeds that of both Calgary and Edmonton. The speaker will emphasize that harm reduction is job one. She will also explain why having a safe drug consumption facility in Lethbridge, including separate rooms for supervised inhalation, goes a long way towards keeping drug users alive. Speaker: Jill Manning Jill Manning has her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Lethbridge and has been working in the Human Services field for the past ten years, in the areas of Domestic Violence, Developmental Disabilities, Youth, and Addictions.  Jill is currently the Managing Director for ARCHES (AIDS Outreach Community Harm Reduction Education Support) Society. Additionally, Jill has been a Rotarian for the past 8 years, and is currently the President of the Rotary Club of Lethbridge Urban Spirits.  Moderator: Mary Shillington Date: Thursday, November 16, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $14.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) RSVP is not necessary

Prompted by a drug related death epidemic that has devastated families across Alberta and indeed Canada, a former night club in Lethbridge is scheduled to become North America’s first supervised inhalation site when it opens early in 2018. To date, this facility is the only one to be granted approval by Health Canada for a site that will permit four types of drug consumption: injection, oral, intranasal and inhalation. ARCHES, the local harm reduction organization that will be operating the facility, currently support about 3,000 clients in Lethbridge and a similar number in rural areas surrounding the city. So far, Health Canada has approved six supervised consumption sites in Alberta, including four in Edmonton and one in Calgary. The latest provincial data from January to August, 2017 shows 315 individuals in Alberta died from an apparent drug overdose related to fentanyl, up more than 50 per cent from the same period last year. Per capita, Lethbridge’s drug overdose death rate exceeds that of both Calgary and Edmonton. The speaker will emphasize that harm reduction is job one. She will also explain why having a safe drug consumption facility in Lethbridge, including separate rooms for supervised inhalation, goes a long way towards keeping drug users alive. Speaker: Jill Manning Jill Manning has her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Lethbridge and has been working in the Human Services field for the past ten years, in the areas of Domestic Violence, Developmental Disabilities, Youth, and Addictions.  Jill is currently the Managing Director for ARCHES (AIDS Outreach Community Harm Reduction Education Support) Society. Additionally, Jill has been a Rotarian for the past 8 years, and is currently the President of the Rotary Club of Lethbridge Urban Spirits.  Moderator: Mary Shillington Date: Thursday, November 16, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $14.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) RSVP is not necessary

Nearly a quarter of a million patients are signed up for medical marijuana in Canada, compared with about 30,000 just two years ago.  That number is growing steadily every month, according to Health Canada. Private growers licensed by Health Canada to sell to medical users will also supply the recreational pot market. Many growers are expanding as fast as they can and Health Canada is approving licences more quickly with the department streamlining the procedure for obtaining them and hiring more staff. Considering there may not be enough marijuana for everyone by July 2018, when the federal government has promised recreational pot will be legal, should supply be prioritized for users of medical marijuana? The speaker will outline the benefits medical marijuana, in its many forms, provides for people to manage pain and suffering – and its limitations. He will also address potential issues concerning the pending legalization of cannabis in Canada. Speaker: Dr. Ife Abiola Dr. Abiola began his postsecondary training at the University of Lethbridge where he majored in Biological Science and Behavioral Ecology. He published his works in journals related to Behavioral Ecology and Animal Behavior through the University of Lethbridge Biology Department. Working out of U of L President Dr. Bill Cade’s laboratory, Dr. Abiola was a featured lecturer in the Dan Otte Symposium in 2009. Dr. Abiloa then transitioned into medicine completing his basic science, tropical medicine and infectious disease certification in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia at Spartan Health University School of Medicine and his clinical rotations in Chicago, Illinois. After focusing on Internal Medicine and Interventional Pain Management, Dr. Abiola began working at Chicago’s Norwegian American Hospital and Madison Clinic where he worked in the Suboxone (Buprenorphine) program for patients suffering from opiate dependency in 2014. In 2016, Dr. Abiola began working in Calgary and Lethbridge clinics that facilitates patients acquiring medical cannabis for medical purposes and he is excited for the future of the industry in regards to healthcare. Moderator: Larry Elford Date: Thursday, November 9, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $14.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) RSVP is not necessary

Nearly a quarter of a million patients are signed up for medical marijuana in Canada, compared with about 30,000 just two years ago.  That number is growing steadily every month, according to Health Canada. Private growers licensed by Health Canada to sell to medical users will also supply the recreational pot market. Many growers are expanding as fast as they can and Health Canada is approving licences more quickly with the department streamlining the procedure for obtaining them and hiring more staff. Considering there may not be enough marijuana for everyone by July 2018, when the federal government has promised recreational pot will be legal, should supply be prioritized for users of medical marijuana? The speaker will outline the benefits medical marijuana, in its many forms, provides for people to manage pain and suffering – and its limitations. He will also address potential issues concerning the pending legalization of cannabis in Canada. Speaker: Dr. Ife Abiola Dr. Abiola began his postsecondary training at the University of Lethbridge where he majored in Biological Science and Behavioral Ecology. He published his works in journals related to Behavioral Ecology and Animal Behavior through the University of Lethbridge Biology Department. Working out of U of L President Dr. Bill Cade’s laboratory, Dr. Abiola was a featured lecturer in the Dan Otte Symposium in 2009. Dr. Abiloa then transitioned into medicine completing his basic science, tropical medicine and infectious disease certification in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia at Spartan Health University School of Medicine and his clinical rotations in Chicago, Illinois. After focusing on Internal Medicine and Interventional Pain Management, Dr. Abiola began working at Chicago’s Norwegian American Hospital and Madison Clinic where he worked in the Suboxone (Buprenorphine) program for patients suffering from opiate dependency in 2014. In 2016, Dr. Abiola began working in Calgary and Lethbridge clinics that facilitates patients acquiring medical cannabis for medical purposes and he is excited for the future of the industry in regards to healthcare. Moderator: Larry Elford Date: Thursday, November 9, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $14.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) RSVP is not necessary

Wireless devices such as cellphones, cordless landline phones, Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth headphones, are becoming more and more popular. The wireless signals emitted from these devices, mostly in microwave spectrum, are penetrating our living spaces as well as most of the objects surrounding us. Even our newer model doorbells and electricity meters are emitting microwave signals. Wireless technology brings us convenience and the feeling of luxurious accessibility, but there has been a long time concern and more recently, heated debates regarding the impact of microwave radiation on human health. The center of such concern is that the national safety standards of many countries, including Canada, may not be adequate for protecting human safety from the astonishing level of increase in man-made microwave radiation all around our habitat. Trained in Industrial Design and currently a New Media educator at the University of Lethbridge, the speaker has been following this matter closely for the past three years. He will explain some of the related physics knowledge in layman’s term and examine the questions surrounding the safety of microwave wireless technologies. He has also discussed this issue in classroom teachings as a case study for critical thinking on social responsibilities and new technology. Speaker:     Lance Chong Lance Chong is a teaching faculty at the University of Lethbridge, New Media Department. He received his MFA degree in Industrial Design from University of Illinois in 2001. Lance’s professional practice in design, 3D computer animation, and experimental new media technologies started in 1999. His past works includes 3D animations for PBS and the Discovery Channel; 3D interface/content design for virtual reality environments; pioneering in the usage of motion capture technologies in real-time interactive 3D animation installations for on-stage dance performances. His current teaching and research work covers the application of design philosophy and methodology to the improvement of social responsibility and sustainability in an age of rapid technological advancements. Moderator: Duane Pendergast Date: Thursday, November 2, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $14.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) RSVP is not necessary

Wireless devices such as cellphones, cordless landline phones, Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth headphones, are becoming more and more popular. The wireless signals emitted from these devices, mostly in microwave spectrum, are penetrating our living spaces as well as most of the objects surrounding us. Even our newer model doorbells and electricity meters are emitting microwave signals. Wireless technology brings us convenience and the feeling of luxurious accessibility, but there has been a long time concern and more recently, heated debates regarding the impact of microwave radiation on human health. The center of such concern is that the national safety standards of many countries, including Canada, may not be adequate for protecting human safety from the astonishing level of increase in man-made microwave radiation all around our habitat. Trained in Industrial Design and currently a New Media educator at the University of Lethbridge, the speaker has been following this matter closely for the past three years. He will explain some of the related physics knowledge in layman’s term and examine the questions surrounding the safety of microwave wireless technologies. He has also discussed this issue in classroom teachings as a case study for critical thinking on social responsibilities and new technology. Speaker:     Lance Chong Lance Chong is a teaching faculty at the University of Lethbridge, New Media Department. He received his MFA degree in Industrial Design from University of Illinois in 2001. Lance’s professional practice in design, 3D computer animation, and experimental new media technologies started in 1999. His past works includes 3D animations for PBS and the Discovery Channel; 3D interface/content design for virtual reality environments; pioneering in the usage of motion capture technologies in real-time interactive 3D animation installations for on-stage dance performances. His current teaching and research work covers the application of design philosophy and methodology to the improvement of social responsibility and sustainability in an age of rapid technological advancements. Moderator: Duane Pendergast Date: Thursday, November 2, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $14.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) RSVP is not necessary

Win, lose or draw is a common phrase in many sports. It can be argued that in municipal elections, that phrase should read win, place or thanks for participating. At the recent 2017 Lethbridge municipal election, 29 candidates for Council and 3 candidates for Mayor put their name forward and while it was difficult for the voting public to properly assess 32 candidates, getting to know what they stood for was nevertheless possible through flyers, forums, electronic surveys, social media and newspaper articles featuring all the individual candidates. The speaker will analyze the election results focusing on what defined the campaign overall. She will also speculate on whether or not different personalities on Council may hamper the 2017-21 Lethbridge City Council from performing at an optimal level. Also added to the challenge will be to find ways for Council to work with a new City Manager starting in January 2018 following Garth Sherwin’s retirement. Speaker: Bonnie Farries Bonnie is a Political Scientist and holds a Masters in Political Science from the University of Lethbridge. Although all levels of government are fascinating in how they interact and affect our daily lives, Bonnie’s passion is at the local level, having worked in municipal government for over 14 years. Currently Bonnie is the Manager of Institutional Planning, Analysis and Risk Services at Lethbridge College. Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, October 26, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $14.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) RSVP is not necessary

Win, lose or draw is a common phrase in many sports. It can be argued that in municipal elections, that phrase should read win, place or thanks for participating. At the recent 2017 Lethbridge municipal election, 29 candidates for Council and 3 candidates for Mayor put their name forward and while it was difficult for the voting public to properly assess 32 candidates, getting to know what they stood for was nevertheless possible through flyers, forums, electronic surveys, social media and newspaper articles featuring all the individual candidates. The speaker will analyze the election results focusing on what defined the campaign overall. She will also speculate on whether or not different personalities on Council may hamper the 2017-21 Lethbridge City Council from performing at an optimal level. Also added to the challenge will be to find ways for Council to work with a new City Manager starting in January 2018 following Garth Sherwin’s retirement. Speaker: Bonnie Farries Bonnie is a Political Scientist and holds a Masters in Political Science from the University of Lethbridge. Although all levels of government are fascinating in how they interact and affect our daily lives, Bonnie’s passion is at the local level, having worked in municipal government for over 14 years. Currently Bonnie is the Manager of Institutional Planning, Analysis and Risk Services at Lethbridge College. Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, October 26, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $14.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) RSVP is not necessary