Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Governments are taking on assorted policies to reduce carbon emissions including regulations, green subsidies and carbon taxes. Assuming the desirability of reducing GHG emissions, what is Canada's appropriate policy response? Are governments spending sufficient effort to find least cost effective methods? Dr. Jack Mintz will challenge the current policy framework including that used in Alberta. Speaker:     Dr. Jack Mintz Dr. Jack M. Mintz is the President’s Fellow of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary as of July 1, 2015 after serving as the Palmer Chair and Director since 2008. He also serves on the boards of Imperial Oil Limited, Morneau Shepell and is chair and Vice-President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. As of September 1 2015, he has been appointed as the National Policy Advisor for the accounting firm EY. Dr. Mintz previously held the positions of Professor of Business Economics at the Rotman School of Business from 1989-2007 and Department of Economics at Queen’s University, Kingston, 1978-89. He was a Scholar-in-Residence at Columbia Law School 2016; Visiting Professor, New York University Law School, 2007; President and CEO of the C. D. Howe Institute from 1999-2006; Clifford Clark Visiting Economist at the Department of Finance, Ottawa; and Associate Dean (Academic) of the Faculty of Management, University of Toronto, 1993 – 1995. Dr. Mintz has consulted widely with the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, federal and provincial governments in Canada, and various businesses and non-profit organizations. Dr. Mintz became a member of the Order of Canada in 2015 and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for service to the Canadian tax policy community. Alberta Venture magazine has recognized him as one of the fifty most influential Albertans in 2008, 2010 and 2013. The Financial Post named him one of the five most influential Canadians in regulation in 2012. Moderator: Duane Pendergast Date: Thursday, December 01, 2016 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)

Lethbridge produces more waste than almost any other city in Canada. Since 2010, we have seen a decline in the amount of waste that each person in Lethbridge generates. However, our waste generation remains well above provincial and national averages. In 2014, while the average Albertan created 997 kg of waste and the average Canadian produced 706 kg, Lethbridge residents wasted 1150 kg per person. Where does our waste come from and what are the solutions? How can we waste less? The speaker will outline ways to reduce current waste amounts and relate to initiatives and opportunities for tackling this trashy problem. Speaker:     Kathleen Sheppard Kathleen Sheppard joined Environment Lethbridge as Executive Director in November of 2015. Originally from Pincher Creek, Kathleen has more than 25 years of experience working for non-profit organizations in British Columbia and Alberta. Prior to coming to Environment Lethbridge, she was the Executive Director for Social Planning Cowichan, located in Duncan, BC. Kathleen has a B.Sc. in Geography and Biology from the University of Victoria and a Certificate in Non-profit and Voluntary Sector Management from Ryerson University. Her previous experience includes work in land conservation, wildlife rescue, wilderness protection and environmental sustainability. Moderator: Cheryl Bradley Date: Thursday, November 24, 2016 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)

Lethbridge produces more waste than almost any other city in Canada. Since 2010, we have seen a decline in the amount of waste that each person in Lethbridge generates. However, our waste generation remains well above provincial and national averages. In 2014, while the average Albertan created 997 kg of waste and the average Canadian produced 706 kg, Lethbridge residents wasted 1150 kg per person. Where does our waste come from and what are the solutions? How can we waste less? The speaker will outline ways to reduce current waste amounts and relate to initiatives and opportunities for tackling this trashy problem. Speaker:     Kathleen Sheppard Kathleen Sheppard joined Environment Lethbridge as Executive Director in November of 2015. Originally from Pincher Creek, Kathleen has more than 25 years of experience working for non-profit organizations in British Columbia and Alberta. Prior to coming to Environment Lethbridge, she was the Executive Director for Social Planning Cowichan, located in Duncan, BC. Kathleen has a B.Sc. in Geography and Biology from the University of Victoria and a Certificate in Non-profit and Voluntary Sector Management from Ryerson University. Her previous experience includes work in land conservation, wildlife rescue, wilderness protection and environmental sustainability. Moderator: Cheryl Bradley Date: Thursday, November 24, 2016 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)

The Oldman Watershed Council is producing a film that will become a signature communication piece for southwest Alberta. The core message is "We are all downstream." It will not be a typical educational film. Rather, it will create a space for people to have an experience and draw their own conclusions through presentation of the story. The goal of the film is to communicate clearly where water comes from, where it goes and ultimately what happens in between. This is important in a watershed with great stakeholder diversity. About 10-15 minutes in length, the film, when ready, will be shown to audiences throughout the watershed - and beyond - with the intent to educate, inspire and contribute to a stronger sense of community. It will portray southern Alberta's diversity and entrepreneurship via watershed use. Following the growth of the region from the mid-1700s through to 2060, it will use historical photos, interactive maps, and spectacular footage of the people, places and landscapes. Short video presentations related to the Oldman Watershed will be interactively discussed between speakers and the audience throughout this presentation. Over the years, the OWC has had incredible support from its many volunteers and donors. The OWC mandate has much in common with the environmental stewardship goals of other groups and organizations that are working hard to promote progressive water management practices with the inherent awareness that: "Water is vital to life, the environment and the social and economic wellbeing of communities". The speakers will argue that a common understanding of the issues are essential and believe the film project will increase that common understanding exponentially. Video of the talk can be found here: http://oldmanwatershed.ca/blog-posts/2016/11/29/rwb8q2plc7xty3gh8hkleyntegvepb?ct=t(RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN)&mc_cid=a43423f06a&mc_eid=620b1c9219 Speakers: Shannon Frank and Anna Garleff Prior to becoming the Executive Director of the Oldman Watershed Council, Shannon Frank completed her Environmental Science degree at University of Lethbridge. She previously worked for MULTISAR (Multiple Species at Risk) as the Extension Coordinator where she learned a great deal, especially from ranchers who are often the true stewards of the land and water. Anna Garleff is an OWC Senior Communications Specialist with Ph.D. in proficio, and over twenty years of international experience in the design and implementation of corporate organizational psychology. Many years ago, she worked as editor of a local newspaper and years later, she was researching, writing and delivering curriculum for universities and organizations across Europe. Moderator: Knud Petersen Date: Wednesday, November 23, 2016 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm Venue: Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery, Main Branch, 810 – 5th Ave. South Free admission, everyone welcome Many thanks to Lethbridge Public Library, the Oldman Watershed Council and U of L for support.

Is the judiciary sexist? Should Robin Camp be removed from the bench? Is contrition enough? These are some of the questions that have been raised in response to Justice Robin Camp’s comments and his acquittal of the accused in the 2014 R. v. Wagar sexual assault case. Unfortunately, Robin Camp’s commentary is not an isolated incident nor is it unique in sexual assault cases in Canada. Instead, it underscores what has been characterized as a much broader crisis in confidence in the criminal justice process for survivors of sexual violence. Sexual violence is one of the most under reported forms of violence for a number of complex reasons. Commentators have identified Robin Camp’s conduct as something that could put an even more chilling effect on reporting and access to justice for those who have been assaulted. Without understanding the contextual and intersectional factors at play in this case, including presumptions about the sexual availability of Indigenous women, substance use, poverty and homelessness, it is not possible to understand the gravity of Justice Camp’s commentary. The speaker will discuss two of the most poignant lessons that can be learned from this case: 1) the insights that it provides into the many barriers to access to justice for survivors in sexual assault cases and 2) the need for due diligence on the bench. Speaker:     Dr. Caroline Hodes Dr. Caroline Hodes joined the University of Lethbridge in the Department of Women & Gender Studies in 2015. Prior to her appointment at 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 received her PhD from York University in 2013. Her doctoral research was funded by the Helena Orton Memorial fund and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada. 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 s. 35 Aboriginal rights litigation. Her forthcoming publication in Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture & Social Justice is entitled “Intersectionality in the Canadian Courts: In Search of a Decolonial Politics of Possibility” and traces the limitations of the grounds approach in Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms equality rights cases. Moderator: Heather Oxman Date: Thursday, November 17, 2016 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)

Is the judiciary sexist? Should Robin Camp be removed from the bench? Is contrition enough? These are some of the questions that have been raised in response to Justice Robin Camp’s comments and his acquittal of the accused in the 2014 R. v. Wagar sexual assault case. Unfortunately, Robin Camp’s commentary is not an isolated incident nor is it unique in sexual assault cases in Canada. Instead, it underscores what has been characterized as a much broader crisis in confidence in the criminal justice process for survivors of sexual violence. Sexual violence is one of the most under reported forms of violence for a number of complex reasons. Commentators have identified Robin Camp’s conduct as something that could put an even more chilling effect on reporting and access to justice for those who have been assaulted. Without understanding the contextual and intersectional factors at play in this case, including presumptions about the sexual availability of Indigenous women, substance use, poverty and homelessness, it is not possible to understand the gravity of Justice Camp’s commentary. The speaker will discuss two of the most poignant lessons that can be learned from this case: 1) the insights that it provides into the many barriers to access to justice for survivors in sexual assault cases and 2) the need for due diligence on the bench. Speaker:     Dr. Caroline Hodes Dr. Caroline Hodes joined the University of Lethbridge in the Department of Women & Gender Studies in 2015. Prior to her appointment at 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 received her PhD from York University in 2013. Her doctoral research was funded by the Helena Orton Memorial fund and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada. 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 s. 35 Aboriginal rights litigation. Her forthcoming publication in Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture & Social Justice is entitled “Intersectionality in the Canadian Courts: In Search of a Decolonial Politics of Possibility” and traces the limitations of the grounds approach in Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms equality rights cases. Moderator: Heather Oxman Date: Thursday, November 17, 2016 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)

On May 1, 2016, a wildfire began southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta. On May 3, it swept through the community, destroying approximately 2,400 homes and buildings and forcing the largest wildfire evacuation in Alberta’s history. It continued to spread across northern Alberta into Saskatchewan, consuming forested areas and impacting Athabasca oil sands operations. The fire spread across approximately 590,000 hectares before it was finally declared to be under control on July 5, 2016. It is the costliest disaster in Canadian history with billions of dollars in direct and indirect damage. $300 million have been raised through individual/corporate donations from across Canada and beyond, including contributions by provincial and federal governments. Some of the money raised is administered by the Canadian Red Cross who so far has distributed more than $100 million directly to the nearly 90,000 evacuees impacted by the fire. Most Fort McMurray residents returned home in early June only to find their homes in various states of disrepair and smoke damage. Water supply was initially not safe for drinking and insurance issues continue to be a challenge for many. The speaker will explain how the Red Cross and government recovery response has been working and give thoughts to where the remaining disaster relief funds may be spent. Speaker:     Jennifer McManus Jennifer McManus became the Alberta Provincial Director of the Canadian Red Cross weeks after the June 2013 flood. Since then, she has been part of leadership on both the relief and recovery teams. Jennifer’s role has many different facets; from supporting the provincial Red Cross operation to holding the external and government relations portfolios in Alberta. Having travelled to over 40 countries, Jennifer has vast experience and brings a unique perspective to her position. Jennifer studied Political Science at Simon Fraser University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong and took a course on the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which aided in her choice to specialize in International Relations with a focus on Public International Law. She has volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross Humanitarian Issues Program in Alberta and played a key role in evaluating programs for Indigenous youth for the Canadian Red Cross in Treaty 7.  Moderator: Michelle Day Date: Thursday, November 10, 2016 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)

On May 1, 2016, a wildfire began southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta. On May 3, it swept through the community, destroying approximately 2,400 homes and buildings and forcing the largest wildfire evacuation in Alberta’s history. It continued to spread across northern Alberta into Saskatchewan, consuming forested areas and impacting Athabasca oil sands operations. The fire spread across approximately 590,000 hectares before it was finally declared to be under control on July 5, 2016. It is the costliest disaster in Canadian history with billions of dollars in direct and indirect damage. $300 million have been raised through individual/corporate donations from across Canada and beyond, including contributions by provincial and federal governments. Some of the money raised is administered by the Canadian Red Cross who so far has distributed more than $100 million directly to the nearly 90,000 evacuees impacted by the fire. Most Fort McMurray residents returned home in early June only to find their homes in various states of disrepair and smoke damage. Water supply was initially not safe for drinking and insurance issues continue to be a challenge for many. The speaker will explain how the Red Cross and government recovery response has been working and give thoughts to where the remaining disaster relief funds may be spent. Speaker:     Jennifer McManus Jennifer McManus became the Alberta Provincial Director of the Canadian Red Cross weeks after the June 2013 flood. Since then, she has been part of leadership on both the relief and recovery teams. Jennifer’s role has many different facets; from supporting the provincial Red Cross operation to holding the external and government relations portfolios in Alberta. Having travelled to over 40 countries, Jennifer has vast experience and brings a unique perspective to her position. Jennifer studied Political Science at Simon Fraser University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong and took a course on the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which aided in her choice to specialize in International Relations with a focus on Public International Law. She has volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross Humanitarian Issues Program in Alberta and played a key role in evaluating programs for Indigenous youth for the Canadian Red Cross in Treaty 7.  Moderator: Michelle Day Date: Thursday, November 10, 2016 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)

The September 26, 2016 presidential debate between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump drew 84 million U.S. television viewers, a record for such an event and numbers rarely seen on TV in the age of digital streaming and social media. Any true understanding of this election requires an appreciation of the one huge political fault line, arguable nationalists vs. globalists, which is driving America into a period of serious political tremors, certain to jolt the political Richter scale. Donald Trump is one of the most unlikely main party presidential candidates ever and he brings with him plenty of controversy, including questionably conduct towards women and minorities. Clinton as well is challenged with regards to her past, including controversial emails while serving as Secretary of State in 2012. Clinton, age 68 and Trump, age 70 are also among the oldest candidates ever. With a much higher percentage than usual of undecided voters, it could be a close election on Tuesday, Nov 8. The speaker will speculate on the eventual outcome and give thoughts to the future direction of American politics, including how it may affect the Canada/US relationship. Speaker:     Dr. James Tagg Dr. Tagg joined the University of Lethbridge in 1969. He received his PhD in History from Wayne State University in Michigan in 1973. For almost 35 years, he taught the sweep of American History, initiated the first southern Alberta history course and helped establish a program in Liberal Education at the University of Lethbridge. Dr. Tagg's research interests have been related to the Early Republic of the United States (1789-1815), with an emphasis on early American politics and journalism. Currently, Dr. Tagg is working on a kind of "anti-biography" of Gouverneur Morris-- the man who wrote the U.S. constitution -- giving attention and importance to his grandiose psychological make-up and his sex life. Moderator: Bobbi Cullum Date: Thursday, November 3, 2016 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)

The September 26, 2016 presidential debate between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump drew 84 million U.S. television viewers, a record for such an event and numbers rarely seen on TV in the age of digital streaming and social media. Any true understanding of this election requires an appreciation of the one huge political fault line, arguable nationalists vs. globalists, which is driving America into a period of serious political tremors, certain to jolt the political Richter scale. Donald Trump is one of the most unlikely main party presidential candidates ever and he brings with him plenty of controversy, including questionably conduct towards women and minorities. Clinton as well is challenged with regards to her past, including controversial emails while serving as Secretary of State in 2012. Clinton, age 68 and Trump, age 70 are also among the oldest candidates ever. With a much higher percentage than usual of undecided voters, it could be a close election on Tuesday, Nov 8. The speaker will speculate on the eventual outcome and give thoughts to the future direction of American politics, including how it may affect the Canada/US relationship. Speaker:     Dr. James Tagg Dr. Tagg joined the University of Lethbridge in 1969. He received his PhD in History from Wayne State University in Michigan in 1973. For almost 35 years, he taught the sweep of American History, initiated the first southern Alberta history course and helped establish a program in Liberal Education at the University of Lethbridge. Dr. Tagg's research interests have been related to the Early Republic of the United States (1789-1815), with an emphasis on early American politics and journalism. Currently, Dr. Tagg is working on a kind of "anti-biography" of Gouverneur Morris-- the man who wrote the U.S. constitution -- giving attention and importance to his grandiose psychological make-up and his sex life. Moderator: Bobbi Cullum Date: Thursday, November 3, 2016 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)