Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

In many cultures, worldwide, more than two genders are recognized. In such places, individuals exist that are perceived as being neither men, nor women. Instead, such individuals are recognized as “third” genders. The speaker works in two such cultures. Since 2003, he has conducted research in the south Pacific island nation of Samoa, where feminine same-sex attracted males are recognized as a third gender, known locally as fa’afafine. Since 2015, he has worked in the Istmo region of Oaxaca, Mexico, where feminine same-sex attracted males are recognized as a third gender, known locally by the indigenous Zapotec as muxes. The speaker will describe his research in both these cultures that illuminate the role third gender males play within the family. Speaker: Dr. Paul Vasey Dr. Vasey is a Professor and a Board of Governors Research Chair at the University of Lethbridge. His research has been funded by all three of the Canadian tri-council agencies (NSERC, SSHRC & CIHR) in addition to local, provincial and international agencies. He is the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles on sexuality and gender and co-editor of two books. His is an Associate Editor of the Archives of Sexual Behavior. Vasey’s work has been the subject of various television documentaries (National Geographic, Discovery Channel, The Nature of Things) and has been reported on in hundreds of newspapers and magazines worldwide including Globe & Mail, New York Times, The Economist, National Geographic, and Oprah Magazine. He has been interviewed on U.S National Public Radio, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and Radio Netherlands. Moderator:   Tad Mitsui Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

Canada’s economy and energy independence relies heavily on the fossil fuels we extract within our own national borders. However, our global environmental reputation has allegedly taken a hit over the past few decades as CO2 emissions per capita have the singular focus for environmentalists. As a result, we have been labeled everything from “corrupt petro state” to “colossal fossil” for our perceived inaction on climate change. Now, the governments of Canada and Alberta have opted for carbon taxation in order to fight climate change embarrassment. They believe that Canada should lead by example, forcing Canadian industries and consumers to adopt a “green future” without a clear plan for what that entails, let alone how it will affect the environment or our economy. Former provincial and federal official Larry Martin will examine how ideology may have buried science in the current policy, where we went wrong, and who stands to win and lose from this arguably misguided approach. Speaker:     F. Larry Martin F. Larry Martin is a retired civil servant. He ultimately served as Deputy Minister to the Premier of Saskatchewan and Assistant Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Intergovernmental Affairs in Manitoba. His career commenced in the federal Department of Industry, Trade, and Commerce some forty years ago. Larry grew up farming near St Brieux, SK. He holds a Bachelor of History and a Master of Agricultural Economics, both from the University of Saskatchewan. He is retired and lives in Canmore, AB. Larry is now contemplating Canada’s approach to carbon dioxide emissions and climate change. His column, “Canada may already be carbon neutral, so why are we keeping it a secret?” was published in the Financial Post last year and addresses the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide by Canada’s terrestrial biomes. His January article in The Huffington Post, “Carbon Tax Won’t Make Canada a Climate Leader If Nobody Follows” considers Canada’s influence on climate policy in India, China and other developing countries. Both articles rank high in measurements of reading and sharing on social media. Moderator: Duane Pendergast Date: Thursday, March 23, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost:$12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

Canada’s economy and energy independence relies heavily on the fossil fuels we extract within our own national borders. However, our global environmental reputation has allegedly taken a hit over the past few decades as CO2 emissions per capita have the singular focus for environmentalists. As a result, we have been labeled everything from “corrupt petro state” to “colossal fossil” for our perceived inaction on climate change. Now, the governments of Canada and Alberta have opted for carbon taxation in order to fight climate change embarrassment. They believe that Canada should lead by example, forcing Canadian industries and consumers to adopt a “green future” without a clear plan for what that entails, let alone how it will affect the environment or our economy. Former provincial and federal official Larry Martin will examine how ideology may have buried science in the current policy, where we went wrong, and who stands to win and lose from this arguably misguided approach. Speaker:     F. Larry Martin F. Larry Martin is a retired civil servant. He ultimately served as Deputy Minister to the Premier of Saskatchewan and Assistant Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Intergovernmental Affairs in Manitoba. His career commenced in the federal Department of Industry, Trade, and Commerce some forty years ago. Larry grew up farming near St Brieux, SK. He holds a Bachelor of History and a Master of Agricultural Economics, both from the University of Saskatchewan. He is retired and lives in Canmore, AB. Larry is now contemplating Canada’s approach to carbon dioxide emissions and climate change. His column, “Canada may already be carbon neutral, so why are we keeping it a secret?” was published in the Financial Post last year and addresses the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide by Canada’s terrestrial biomes. His January article in The Huffington Post, “Carbon Tax Won’t Make Canada a Climate Leader If Nobody Follows” considers Canada’s influence on climate policy in India, China and other developing countries. Both articles rank high in measurements of reading and sharing on social media. Moderator: Duane Pendergast Date: Thursday, March 23, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost:$12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

Virtual reality (VR) typically refers to computer technologies that use software to generate the realistic images, sounds and other sensations that replicate a real environment, and simulate a user's physical presence in this environment. VR can be defined as a realistic and immersive simulation of a three-dimensional environment, created using interactive software and hardware, and experienced or controlled by movement of the body or as an immersive, interactive experience generated by a computer. Virtual reality will arguably be the future of gaming and that is a concern for some people. But there’s no denying the incredible opportunities businesses will have to adopt the technology in several industries including healthcare, advertising, journalism and more. However, a generational gap seems to be forming between older and younger folks over what this new medium will do. Concerns have already been discussed in the past about rock and roll music, comic books, movies, video games, and virtual reality systems of the ’90s. The speaker will explain how modern virtual reality technology works and what benefits businesses and individuals stand to gain in this brave new world. Speaker: Kris Hodgson Kris Hodgson is a Digital Journalism Instructor in the Digital Communications and Media department at Lethbridge College. He is currently pursuing his masters in Virtual Reality (360 degree) storytelling through the University of Alberta’s Masters of Arts in Communication and Technology program. Hodgson’s varied background includes working for weekly newspapers across western Canada, working for economic development agencies in Leduc/Nisku and Lethbridge as well as working as a wind energy community liaison with Lethbridge College’s International Wind Energy Academy advocating for renewable energy adoption. Moderator:   TBA Date: Thursday, March 16, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

Virtual reality (VR) typically refers to computer technologies that use software to generate the realistic images, sounds and other sensations that replicate a real environment, and simulate a user's physical presence in this environment. VR can be defined as a realistic and immersive simulation of a three-dimensional environment, created using interactive software and hardware, and experienced or controlled by movement of the body or as an immersive, interactive experience generated by a computer. Virtual reality will arguably be the future of gaming and that is a concern for some people. But there’s no denying the incredible opportunities businesses will have to adopt the technology in several industries including healthcare, advertising, journalism and more. However, a generational gap seems to be forming between older and younger folks over what this new medium will do. Concerns have already been discussed in the past about rock and roll music, comic books, movies, video games, and virtual reality systems of the ’90s. The speaker will explain how modern virtual reality technology works and what benefits businesses and individuals stand to gain in this brave new world. Speaker: Kris Hodgson Kris Hodgson is a Digital Journalism Instructor in the Digital Communications and Media department at Lethbridge College. He is currently pursuing his masters in Virtual Reality (360 degree) storytelling through the University of Alberta’s Masters of Arts in Communication and Technology program. Hodgson’s varied background includes working for weekly newspapers across western Canada, working for economic development agencies in Leduc/Nisku and Lethbridge as well as working as a wind energy community liaison with Lethbridge College’s International Wind Energy Academy advocating for renewable energy adoption. Moderator:   TBA Date: Thursday, March 16, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

The first International Women’s Day (IWD) was observed on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. More than one million women and men showed their support of women by participating in public events. In 1977, following the long-standing movements for women to participate equally in society, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed a day for women’s rights and international peace. Following the United Nations’ lead, Canada chose March 8 as IWD and it has grown to become a global day of recognition, celebration and action. In many countries it is an official holiday. In Canada, more than 40 events will be held this year. Last year, organizations and individuals around the world supported the Pledge for Parity campaign and committed to help women and girls achieve their ambitions; challenge conscious and unconscious bias, particularly against indigenous people and people of colour; call for gender-balanced leadership; value women and men's contributions equally; and create inclusive cultures. The 2017 IWD campaign slogan is Be Bold for Change and it is hoped that women, men and non-binary people will join forces to create influence and take bold pragmatic action to accelerate gender parity. However, the World Economic Forum predicts the gender gap won't close entirely until the next century. The speakers will offer their thoughts on what it may take to close that gap sooner rather than later. Speakers: Glenda Bonifacio and Caroline Hodes Dr. Glenda Bonifacio joined the University of Lethbridge Department of Women & Gender Studies in 2005 and holds a BA in Social Sciences major in Political Science (magna cum laude, University of the Philippines); MA in Asian Studies (University of the Philippines); and a Ph.D. from the School of History and Politics, University of Wollongong, Australia. In 2015, Dr. Bonifacio was selected as one of the 100 most influential Filipina women in the World in the innovator and thought leader category. The award by the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) recognizes women who have broken new ground in the global workplace and has improved the lives of others. Dr. Caroline Hodes received her PhD from York University in 2013 and joined the University of Lethbridge Department of Women & Gender Studies in 2015. Prior to her appointment in Lethbridge she taught at the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University in Kingston and in Sociology at Trent University’s Oshawa campus. Dr. Hodes research interests include human rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadian and US feminist constitutionalism, and she has recently won a ULRF grant to fund her current work on representations of the body in Charter equality rights and Aboriginal rights litigation Moderator:   Bev Muendel-Atherstone Date: Thursday, March 9, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost:$12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

The first International Women’s Day (IWD) was observed on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. More than one million women and men showed their support of women by participating in public events. In 1977, following the long-standing movements for women to participate equally in society, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed a day for women’s rights and international peace. Following the United Nations’ lead, Canada chose March 8 as IWD and it has grown to become a global day of recognition, celebration and action. In many countries it is an official holiday. In Canada, more than 40 events will be held this year. Last year, organizations and individuals around the world supported the Pledge for Parity campaign and committed to help women and girls achieve their ambitions; challenge conscious and unconscious bias, particularly against indigenous people and people of colour; call for gender-balanced leadership; value women and men's contributions equally; and create inclusive cultures. The 2017 IWD campaign slogan is Be Bold for Change and it is hoped that women, men and non-binary people will join forces to create influence and take bold pragmatic action to accelerate gender parity. However, the World Economic Forum predicts the gender gap won't close entirely until the next century. The speakers will offer their thoughts on what it may take to close that gap sooner rather than later. Speakers: Glenda Bonifacio and Caroline Hodes Dr. Glenda Bonifacio joined the University of Lethbridge Department of Women & Gender Studies in 2005 and holds a BA in Social Sciences major in Political Science (magna cum laude, University of the Philippines); MA in Asian Studies (University of the Philippines); and a Ph.D. from the School of History and Politics, University of Wollongong, Australia. In 2015, Dr. Bonifacio was selected as one of the 100 most influential Filipina women in the World in the innovator and thought leader category. The award by the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) recognizes women who have broken new ground in the global workplace and has improved the lives of others. Dr. Caroline Hodes received her PhD from York University in 2013 and joined the University of Lethbridge Department of Women & Gender Studies in 2015. Prior to her appointment in Lethbridge she taught at the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University in Kingston and in Sociology at Trent University’s Oshawa campus. Dr. Hodes research interests include human rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadian and US feminist constitutionalism, and she has recently won a ULRF grant to fund her current work on representations of the body in Charter equality rights and Aboriginal rights litigation Moderator:   Bev Muendel-Atherstone Date: Thursday, March 9, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost:$12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

Many Albertans identify with wild landscapes and in southwestern Alberta, the Castle region is iconic. The struggle for protection dates back more than a century, when the young government of Canada set aside much of the Eastern Slopes in Alberta as a forest reserve to protect water sources and to benefit future generations on the Prairies. For several decades in earlier times, the Castle was part of Waterton Lakes National Park. Fast forward to January 20, 2017, the Alberta Government announced the establishment of the Castle and Wildland Provincial Parks. That all came about after years of advocacy and lobbying by many individual and groups, among them the Castle Crown Wilderness Coalition (CCWC) and Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y). The widely applauded protected area covers 105,500 hectares. However, there are concerns and voices about what a protected area should look like. The speakers will present science-based research and area-focused surveys that suggest legally protecting the area is in the best long-term interest of Albertans, despite special interests concerns. Speakers: Andrea Hlady and Connie Simmons Andrea Hlady is passionate about working to protect our natural spaces. In her current role as President of the Castle-Crown Wilderness Coalition she leads a group of scientists, land-owners, and concerned citizens to use their voices and skills most effectively to advocate for legal... protection of the Castle Wilderness area in SW Alberta. Andrea has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge and a Master’s of Arts in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. In addition to her work in conservation, Andrea advises NGO's on how to increase the numbers and strength of women supporters to the organizations. In 2013, she founded the Women Pronghorns Basketball Endowment fund at the University of Lethbridge. Connie Simmons has been actively involved in watershed stewardship, environmental education, and activism for over 30 years. She has a PhD. from the University of Alberta within the discipline on environmental ethics and conservation history, and has used this focus to chart paths through many positions, including working as a coordinator for the First Nations led Keepers of the Athabasca; as Executive Director of the Athabasca Watershed Planning and Advisory Council; and as Planning Manager with the Oldman Watershed Council to complete the Oldman Headwaters Action Plan 2014. Currently, Connie is actively working with the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative to bring their perspectives to the Draft Castle Management Plan process, and will be continuing her work with Y2Y as their Crown Program Coordinator. Moderator:   Klaus Jericho Date: Thursday, March 2, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

Many Albertans identify with wild landscapes and in southwestern Alberta, the Castle region is iconic. The struggle for protection dates back more than a century, when the young government of Canada set aside much of the Eastern Slopes in Alberta as a forest reserve to protect water sources and to benefit future generations on the Prairies. For several decades in earlier times, the Castle was part of Waterton Lakes National Park. Fast forward to January 20, 2017, the Alberta Government announced the establishment of the Castle and Wildland Provincial Parks. That all came about after years of advocacy and lobbying by many individual and groups, among them the Castle Crown Wilderness Coalition (CCWC) and Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y). The widely applauded protected area covers 105,500 hectares. However, there are concerns and voices about what a protected area should look like. The speakers will present science-based research and area-focused surveys that suggest legally protecting the area is in the best long-term interest of Albertans, despite special interests concerns. Speakers: Andrea Hlady and Connie Simmons Andrea Hlady is passionate about working to protect our natural spaces. In her current role as President of the Castle-Crown Wilderness Coalition she leads a group of scientists, land-owners, and concerned citizens to use their voices and skills most effectively to advocate for legal... protection of the Castle Wilderness area in SW Alberta. Andrea has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge and a Master’s of Arts in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. In addition to her work in conservation, Andrea advises NGO's on how to increase the numbers and strength of women supporters to the organizations. In 2013, she founded the Women Pronghorns Basketball Endowment fund at the University of Lethbridge. Connie Simmons has been actively involved in watershed stewardship, environmental education, and activism for over 30 years. She has a PhD. from the University of Alberta within the discipline on environmental ethics and conservation history, and has used this focus to chart paths through many positions, including working as a coordinator for the First Nations led Keepers of the Athabasca; as Executive Director of the Athabasca Watershed Planning and Advisory Council; and as Planning Manager with the Oldman Watershed Council to complete the Oldman Headwaters Action Plan 2014. Currently, Connie is actively working with the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative to bring their perspectives to the Draft Castle Management Plan process, and will be continuing her work with Y2Y as their Crown Program Coordinator. Moderator:   Klaus Jericho Date: Thursday, March 2, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

There are two stories from Alberta that illustrate the unintended consequences of utilities trying to beat the returns available from full regulation. One is the story of the phase-out of coal-fired generation. The other is the story of the treatment of regulatory assets that are not used and useful. In both cases, utilities have sought to get better than normal returns but are now paying the price for the chain of events they set in motion. Starting with the story of the coal-fired generators, the previously fully integrated electricity companies in Alberta were about 50/50 on deregulation when it was being rolled out as a policy. A compromise was reached that would allow the previously regulated plants to continue to be paid as if they were fully regulated through Power Purchase Agreements established by the Government. Since that timid beginning, all the companies have come around wanting to make more out of their assets than the previous regulatory model would allow. Arguable, they are big on the upside, but they sure don't seem to like the downside of being outside of the regulatory system. The speaker will articulate what may have motivated this complicated web of electricity (de) regulation and what can be done about it going forward. Speaker: David Gray David Gray is a dedicated consumer advocate, and has been for many years prior to starting Gray Energy Economics Inc. David has had experience as the senior economist for a utility company, as a senior analyst for the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and as the senior executive of the Alberta Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate. David's experience as an executive was continued as President of an innovative company developing energy recapture technology for oilfield applications and his passion for understanding every aspect of regulated and deregulated energy markets has led him to the forefront of the energy industry. David aims to give his customers more control over their energy usage and costs than most realize. The mission of his current company is to ensure that neither a dollar nor a kilowatt hour is wasted by its customers. Moderator:   Larry Elford Date: Thursday, February 23, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)