Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

A serious criminal act in Lethbridge recently brought to the surface a long simmering discourse of racialized tensions in Lethbridge. When such situations are perpetrated by a person of colour, their whole culture and race are blamed. When a similar situation is perpetrated by a white person, it is seen as an individual act where culture is not held accountable. Seeing each other as individuals is a perspective that is only afforded to the dominant group. Why is it so difficult to discuss and challenge racism in dominant groups? What does it mean to be an ally to people of colour? The speaker will give perspective to what brings on racism and intolerance toward First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) culture. Attention will also be given to help understand what racism is and ways to alleviate it. Speaker:     Dr. Jo-Anne Fiske Jo-Anne Fiske joined the University of Lethbridge in May, 2004 as a professor and coordinator of Women's Studies. She served as Dean of Graduate Studies from 2006 to 2010 and as Associate VP Research from 2006 to 2007. She earned her doctorate degree in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. A committed interdisciplinary scholar, she has taught in Women's Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, and First Nations Studies at several Canadian Universities. While at the University of Lethbridge, Dr. Fiske has completed several research projects that address cultural and social foundations of racism. She worked with members of our First Nations community of women during the movement of their transition home in Lethbridge, with First Nations leaders in BC to understand categorization and stigma of women and children in regard to social entertainment such as community bingo, and with an inter-university research team on homeless. Dr. Fiske’s teaching specialties include: Feminist research methods, political economy and kinship, and feminist legal Anthropology and feminist theories. Moderator: Bob Campbell Date: Thursday, October 27, 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)

A serious criminal act in Lethbridge recently brought to the surface a long simmering discourse of racialized tensions in Lethbridge. When such situations are perpetrated by a person of colour, their whole culture and race are blamed. When a similar situation is perpetrated by a white person, it is seen as an individual act where culture is not held accountable. Seeing each other as individuals is a perspective that is only afforded to the dominant group. Why is it so difficult to discuss and challenge racism in dominant groups? What does it mean to be an ally to people of colour? The speaker will give perspective to what brings on racism and intolerance toward First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) culture. Attention will also be given to help understand what racism is and ways to alleviate it. Speaker:     Dr. Jo-Anne Fiske Jo-Anne Fiske joined the University of Lethbridge in May, 2004 as a professor and coordinator of Women's Studies. She served as Dean of Graduate Studies from 2006 to 2010 and as Associate VP Research from 2006 to 2007. She earned her doctorate degree in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. A committed interdisciplinary scholar, she has taught in Women's Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, and First Nations Studies at several Canadian Universities. While at the University of Lethbridge, Dr. Fiske has completed several research projects that address cultural and social foundations of racism. She worked with members of our First Nations community of women during the movement of their transition home in Lethbridge, with First Nations leaders in BC to understand categorization and stigma of women and children in regard to social entertainment such as community bingo, and with an inter-university research team on homeless. Dr. Fiske’s teaching specialties include: Feminist research methods, political economy and kinship, and feminist legal Anthropology and feminist theories. Moderator: Bob Campbell Date: Thursday, October 27, 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)

Parks Canada is investing in a new Visitors Centre in Waterton Lakes National Park. A Visitors Centre is a primary service offered in national parks and the current Waterton Lakes Visitors Centre, in its present location, can no longer support the over 400,000 annual visitors adequately. A decision to relocate the Visitors Centre to the often congested “downtown” area of Waterton village has been made despite much local opposition. Parks Canada argues that they engaged a range of stakeholders and leaseholders before the decision was made, including Improvement District #4, the Waterton Lakes Leaseholders Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Waterton Park Community Association and individual cottage and commercial leaseholders. Parks Canada manages national parks on behalf of all Canadians and supposedly welcome input from the community and visitors alike. They have heard a wide range of comments on the Visitors Centre, its purpose and its location and say they are committed to working collaboratively with all interested Canadians in the planning of this important facility. The speakers will describe the process of local consultation and collaboration by Parks Canada. (Parks Canada was contacted by SACPA, but declined our request for a speaker on this topic) Speakers:     Lesley Little and Garry Ursenbach Lesley Little has spent at least part of the past 55 summers in Waterton. Her oldest daughter worked there for two summers and now her grandchildren have discovered life at "The Mountain House", as one grandson describes it. Lesley has served on the Waterton Lakes Leaseholders Association (WLLA) Board since 2013 and has produced the WLLA Newsletter since then. Garry Ursenbach honeymooned in Waterton in 1957 and have spent time there every year since then - except when doing volunteer work in Africa and Mexico. Bought a Waterton cottage in 1975. As a professional engineer spent 40 years with oil/gas pipelines. Served 25 years on CSA Pipeline Code Committee and Chaired Western Canada Section of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and other community work. Moderator: Heather Oxman Date: Thursday, October 20, 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)

Parks Canada is investing in a new Visitors Centre in Waterton Lakes National Park. A Visitors Centre is a primary service offered in national parks and the current Waterton Lakes Visitors Centre, in its present location, can no longer support the over 400,000 annual visitors adequately. A decision to relocate the Visitors Centre to the often congested “downtown” area of Waterton village has been made despite much local opposition. Parks Canada argues that they engaged a range of stakeholders and leaseholders before the decision was made, including Improvement District #4, the Waterton Lakes Leaseholders Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Waterton Park Community Association and individual cottage and commercial leaseholders. Parks Canada manages national parks on behalf of all Canadians and supposedly welcome input from the community and visitors alike. They have heard a wide range of comments on the Visitors Centre, its purpose and its location and say they are committed to working collaboratively with all interested Canadians in the planning of this important facility. The speakers will describe the process of local consultation and collaboration by Parks Canada. (Parks Canada was contacted by SACPA, but declined our request for a speaker on this topic) Speakers:     Lesley Little and Garry Ursenbach Lesley Little has spent at least part of the past 55 summers in Waterton. Her oldest daughter worked there for two summers and now her grandchildren have discovered life at "The Mountain House", as one grandson describes it. Lesley has served on the Waterton Lakes Leaseholders Association (WLLA) Board since 2013 and has produced the WLLA Newsletter since then. Garry Ursenbach honeymooned in Waterton in 1957 and have spent time there every year since then - except when doing volunteer work in Africa and Mexico. Bought a Waterton cottage in 1975. As a professional engineer spent 40 years with oil/gas pipelines. Served 25 years on CSA Pipeline Code Committee and Chaired Western Canada Section of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and other community work. Moderator: Heather Oxman Date: Thursday, October 20, 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)

It could cost tax payers billions of dollars to clean up the 100,000 plus abandoned oil and gas wells throughout Alberta. However, if used as geothermal energy, many of these wells can be an asset instead of a liability. Abandoned wells can cost $300,000 each to reclaim. Converting those same wells to operate as geothermal greenhouses may be much cheaper and more cost effective. The Living Energy Project at the Leduc #1 Energy Discover Centre is converting an abandoned oil well to capture geothermal energy. This energy will be used to heat the building and an 8000 square-foot greenhouse. Provided that Government gives the green light, this could be the first time in Canada’s history that a disused well will be used as a tool for agricultural production, which in turn could help increase local food security and make it possible for farmers to profit. The potential for Canadian geothermal greenhouses are extensive. Clean local heating and electric energy for smaller and remote communities are also possibilities, utilizing disused wells. These benefits highlight the potential of creative solutions and job creation through geothermal energy. Despite Alberta’s great geological potential and available technology and workforce for producing geothermal energy, there is currently no framework permitting its development. In order to develop policies for geothermal, there must be agreement between Government, industry and the public. The speaker will make a case that the current economic downturn in the energy sector is a great opportunity to develop geothermal energy and at the same time boost the economy, bring the skilled workforce back to employment, develop an industry for a reliable and low-emission resource, and decrease the reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Speaker:     Katie Huang Katie is a newly graduated geologist (BSc Honours, Geological Science from UBC) volunteering as an ambassador with CanGEA to bring awareness and educate Canadians about geothermal energy potential. She is co-founder/board of director member for the International Vision Organization which brings eye health care to underdeveloped countries and supports projects that bring economic support to women and environmental education to students. Katie hopes that her passion for geothermal energy, the environment and community can positively impact others, and that advocating for geothermal energy will help inspire Government, industry and Albertans to create policies which allow for such development. Moderator: Larry Elford Date: Thursday, October 13, 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)

It could cost tax payers billions of dollars to clean up the 100,000 plus abandoned oil and gas wells throughout Alberta. However, if used as geothermal energy, many of these wells can be an asset instead of a liability. Abandoned wells can cost $300,000 each to reclaim. Converting those same wells to operate as geothermal greenhouses may be much cheaper and more cost effective. The Living Energy Project at the Leduc #1 Energy Discover Centre is converting an abandoned oil well to capture geothermal energy. This energy will be used to heat the building and an 8000 square-foot greenhouse. Provided that Government gives the green light, this could be the first time in Canada’s history that a disused well will be used as a tool for agricultural production, which in turn could help increase local food security and make it possible for farmers to profit. The potential for Canadian geothermal greenhouses are extensive. Clean local heating and electric energy for smaller and remote communities are also possibilities, utilizing disused wells. These benefits highlight the potential of creative solutions and job creation through geothermal energy. Despite Alberta’s great geological potential and available technology and workforce for producing geothermal energy, there is currently no framework permitting its development. In order to develop policies for geothermal, there must be agreement between Government, industry and the public. The speaker will make a case that the current economic downturn in the energy sector is a great opportunity to develop geothermal energy and at the same time boost the economy, bring the skilled workforce back to employment, develop an industry for a reliable and low-emission resource, and decrease the reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Speaker:     Katie Huang Katie is a newly graduated geologist (BSc Honours, Geological Science from UBC) volunteering as an ambassador with CanGEA to bring awareness and educate Canadians about geothermal energy potential. She is co-founder/board of director member for the International Vision Organization which brings eye health care to underdeveloped countries and supports projects that bring economic support to women and environmental education to students. Katie hopes that her passion for geothermal energy, the environment and community can positively impact others, and that advocating for geothermal energy will help inspire Government, industry and Albertans to create policies which allow for such development. Moderator: Larry Elford Date: Thursday, October 13, 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)

Aquaponics is a syntergistic growing technique in which both fish and plants are grown together in the same system. The word aquaponics comes from the combination of aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil in nutrient rich water). The speaker will argue that aquaponics solves many of the problems and environmental issues associated with aquaculture and hydroponics while retaining the benefits of both. Today's modern aquaculture systems are great at growing lots of fish in a small area, but produce lots of fish waste that must be dealt with. Hydroponics offers many benefits including the fact that it is more efficient than soil farming in both density, growth rate and can be done almost anywhere. But hydroponic systems use man-made chemicals as feed and must dump the nutrient solution periodically when salts or pathogens build up which is a waste management and pollution issue. The microorganisms in an aquaponic system turn the "waste" in aquaculture into a valuable input for hydroponics. This more natural input results in food that is healthier and much better tasting. The filtered water from the plants is then returned to the fish thereby closing the loop. This conserves water and avoids waste management issues and pollution. A myriad of beneficial microorganisms also create an environment that hinders the harmful organisms that are such a problem in hydroponics and aquaculture. Speaker:     Nick Savidov Dr. Nick Savidov is a Senior Research Scientist with Lethbridge College and is an internationally recognized expert in aquaponics. His improvements of aquaponics design include aerobic bio-digestion to recover nutrients and water, full automation, and more efficient oxygenating system. His system design produces no waste, solid or liquid, and it has been adopted for commercial use in Canada. Savidov was born and raised in Russia, where he received his Ph.D. degrees in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry at the Russian State Agricultural University in Moscow in 1991. He conducted his postdoctoral studies in Plant Biochemistry Lab at Ben-Gurion University in Israel before moving to Canada in 1997, where he continued his research in Plant Molecular Biology Lab at University of Alberta until 2001. Savidov assumed the position of leader of Research Greenhouse Crops Program at Crop Diversification Centre South with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development in 2001, where he worked on a variety of projects related to greenhouse production including aquaponics and biochar. Savidov has received many research grants in his scientific career and his work has gained national and international recognition. He has spoken at many conferences around the world and he is a member of several national and international committees. Moderator: Klaus Jericho Date: Thursday, October 6, 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) Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

Aquaponics is a syntergistic growing technique in which both fish and plants are grown together in the same system. The word aquaponics comes from the combination of aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil in nutrient rich water). The speaker will argue that aquaponics solves many of the problems and environmental issues associated with aquaculture and hydroponics while retaining the benefits of both. Today's modern aquaculture systems are great at growing lots of fish in a small area, but produce lots of fish waste that must be dealt with. Hydroponics offers many benefits including the fact that it is more efficient than soil farming in both density, growth rate and can be done almost anywhere. But hydroponic systems use man-made chemicals as feed and must dump the nutrient solution periodically when salts or pathogens build up which is a waste management and pollution issue. The microorganisms in an aquaponic system turn the "waste" in aquaculture into a valuable input for hydroponics. This more natural input results in food that is healthier and much better tasting. The filtered water from the plants is then returned to the fish thereby closing the loop. This conserves water and avoids waste management issues and pollution. A myriad of beneficial microorganisms also create an environment that hinders the harmful organisms that are such a problem in hydroponics and aquaculture. Speaker:     Nick Savidov Dr. Nick Savidov is a Senior Research Scientist with Lethbridge College and is an internationally recognized expert in aquaponics. His improvements of aquaponics design include aerobic bio-digestion to recover nutrients and water, full automation, and more efficient oxygenating system. His system design produces no waste, solid or liquid, and it has been adopted for commercial use in Canada. Savidov was born and raised in Russia, where he received his Ph.D. degrees in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry at the Russian State Agricultural University in Moscow in 1991. He conducted his postdoctoral studies in Plant Biochemistry Lab at Ben-Gurion University in Israel before moving to Canada in 1997, where he continued his research in Plant Molecular Biology Lab at University of Alberta until 2001. Savidov assumed the position of leader of Research Greenhouse Crops Program at Crop Diversification Centre South with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development in 2001, where he worked on a variety of projects related to greenhouse production including aquaponics and biochar. Savidov has received many research grants in his scientific career and his work has gained national and international recognition. He has spoken at many conferences around the world and he is a member of several national and international committees. Moderator: Klaus Jericho Date: Thursday, October 6, 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) Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

Presently, federal elections in Canada use the first past the post (FPTP) system where the candidate with the most votes in a riding becomes its Member of Parliament. As a result, many candidates win their seats with less than 50 per cent of votes. During last year’s election campaign, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau said he would, if elected, create a committee to look at alternatives to the FPTP system and promised that next election, likely in 2019, a new system would be in place. Alternatives include proportional representation, ranked ballots, mandatory voting and online voting. Electoral reform often proves to be difficult to accomplish because it combines debates over different and often competing values, political party and politician self-interest, and the need for citizen acceptance, even though many citizens have only a poor understanding of the alternatives available to them. The potential impact of changes to our electoral system are huge and the stakes are high for politicians, political parties, and citizens. The speaker, who supports a mixed member proportional electoral system, recently appeared as an expert witness before a meeting of the House of Commons all party Special Committee on Electoral Reform. Speaker:     Harold Jansen Harold Jansen is a political scientist at the University of Lethbridge interested in the ways in which Canadians and Albertans interact with their governments through political parties and new technology. He completed his B.A. at the University of Alberta and earned his M.A. at Carleton University in Ottawa before returning to the University of Alberta and finishing his Ph.D. in Political Science in 1998. Jansen came to the University of Lethbridge shortly after receiving his Ph.D. and has been here ever since. His research has focused on Alberta politics, electoral systems and electoral reform, Canadian political party finance, and the impact of the Internet on political communication and democratic citizenship. Passionate about teaching, Jansen appreciates the opportunities which smaller universities offer for mentoring undergraduate students. From July 2013 to June 2015, he served as one of the university's two Board of Governors Teaching Chairs and on July 1, 2015, Jansen became Chair of the Political Science department at U of L. Moderator: TBA Date: Thursday, September 29, 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)

Presently, federal elections in Canada use the first past the post (FPTP) system where the candidate with the most votes in a riding becomes its Member of Parliament. As a result, many candidates win their seats with less than 50 per cent of votes. During last year’s election campaign, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau said he would, if elected, create a committee to look at alternatives to the FPTP system and promised that next election, likely in 2019, a new system would be in place. Alternatives include proportional representation, ranked ballots, mandatory voting and online voting. Electoral reform often proves to be difficult to accomplish because it combines debates over different and often competing values, political party and politician self-interest, and the need for citizen acceptance, even though many citizens have only a poor understanding of the alternatives available to them. The potential impact of changes to our electoral system are huge and the stakes are high for politicians, political parties, and citizens. The speaker, who supports a mixed member proportional electoral system, recently appeared as an expert witness before a meeting of the House of Commons all party Special Committee on Electoral Reform. Speaker:     Harold Jansen Harold Jansen is a political scientist at the University of Lethbridge interested in the ways in which Canadians and Albertans interact with their governments through political parties and new technology. He completed his B.A. at the University of Alberta and earned his M.A. at Carleton University in Ottawa before returning to the University of Alberta and finishing his Ph.D. in Political Science in 1998. Jansen came to the University of Lethbridge shortly after receiving his Ph.D. and has been here ever since. His research has focused on Alberta politics, electoral systems and electoral reform, Canadian political party finance, and the impact of the Internet on political communication and democratic citizenship. Passionate about teaching, Jansen appreciates the opportunities which smaller universities offer for mentoring undergraduate students. From July 2013 to June 2015, he served as one of the university's two Board of Governors Teaching Chairs and on July 1, 2015, Jansen became Chair of the Political Science department at U of L. Moderator: TBA Date: Thursday, September 29, 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)