Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Canada's spanking laws may be heading for an overhaul as part of the government's promise to adopt all of the recommendations stemming from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. One of the 94 "calls to action" after the six-year inquiry into widespread abuse at residential schools for indigenous children is to repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code. The Canadian Law, under section 43 of the Criminal Code, offers Canadian parents and caregivers a defence to use reasonable force to discipline a child. However, as section 43 recognizes, this is controversial and not in fact, of the rights and best interest of the children in our country. The United Nations committee on the rights of the child addressed Canada on September 19, 2012 during their ten-year goal review; “What we are telling you is, to raise the bar and rise to the challenge, because Canada is one of the top five economies in the world.” Multiple researchers and a longitude of studies support that physical discipline has short and long term negative outcomes, such as developmentally, mental and physical health issues. According to ACE, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, physical abuse is the number one reason for childhood trauma. The risk of parents escalating and using unreasonable force, is four times more likely if they are attempting to use spanking in the form of discipline. The speaker will elaborate on those findings and offer positive strategies in child rearing without using physical discipline. Speaker: Petra DeBow Petra DeBow has been supporting and educating parents in various roles over the past 15 years.  She has been in the position of the Triple P Coordinator / Parent Educator at Family Centre for the past 3 years, where she supports parents, facilitates parenting groups and coordinates and supports local Triple P practitioners. Petra has her Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Studies from the University of Uppsala, Sweden. Petra believes in a strengths-based and attachment approach in her work with families. She believes parenting shapes the quality of a child’s development and it is instrumental to strengthen families by providing relevant, effective and research based parent education and support for the healthy growth and development of parents/caregivers and children in our community. Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date:Thursday, February 18, 2016 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: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

Canada's spanking laws may be heading for an overhaul as part of the government's promise to adopt all of the recommendations stemming from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. One of the 94 "calls to action" after the six-year inquiry into widespread abuse at residential schools for indigenous children is to repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code. The Canadian Law, under section 43 of the Criminal Code, offers Canadian parents and caregivers a defence to use reasonable force to discipline a child. However, as section 43 recognizes, this is controversial and not in fact, of the rights and best interest of the children in our country. The United Nations committee on the rights of the child addressed Canada on September 19, 2012 during their ten-year goal review; “What we are telling you is, to raise the bar and rise to the challenge, because Canada is one of the top five economies in the world.” Multiple researchers and a longitude of studies support that physical discipline has short and long term negative outcomes, such as developmentally, mental and physical health issues. According to ACE, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, physical abuse is the number one reason for childhood trauma. The risk of parents escalating and using unreasonable force, is four times more likely if they are attempting to use spanking in the form of discipline. The speaker will elaborate on those findings and offer positive strategies in child rearing without using physical discipline. Speaker: Petra DeBow Petra DeBow has been supporting and educating parents in various roles over the past 15 years.  She has been in the position of the Triple P Coordinator / Parent Educator at Family Centre for the past 3 years, where she supports parents, facilitates parenting groups and coordinates and supports local Triple P practitioners. Petra has her Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Studies from the University of Uppsala, Sweden. Petra believes in a strengths-based and attachment approach in her work with families. She believes parenting shapes the quality of a child’s development and it is instrumental to strengthen families by providing relevant, effective and research based parent education and support for the healthy growth and development of parents/caregivers and children in our community. Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date:Thursday, February 18, 2016 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: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

“Where is Home” is a documentary film focused on homelessness and the complex social issues facing the city of Lethbridge, Alberta and many other communities across Canada. The film presents unique perspectives from numerous individuals, including members of the homeless population, municipal government, law enforcement, service providers, doctors, mental health professionals, as well as members of the local business community and the general public. Through these perspectives, the film presents a thoughtful, respectful look at history, the reality of the current situation, and hope for what can be done to make things better for everyone in the future. The speakers will show clips of the film and comment on real life situations facing the homeless people in Lethbridge Speaker: Dan Berdusco and Mark Brave Rock Dan Berdusco is a local entrepreneur and filmmaker, founder of LethbridgeLink.com Inc. and the SouthernAlberta.com Network.  As a creative professional for over 15 years, Dan has produced hundreds of websites, television commercials and web video productions, some of which have been recognized with local, regional and international awards. Moderator: Martin Heavy Head Date: Thursday, February 11, 2016 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: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

“Where is Home” is a documentary film focused on homelessness and the complex social issues facing the city of Lethbridge, Alberta and many other communities across Canada. The film presents unique perspectives from numerous individuals, including members of the homeless population, municipal government, law enforcement, service providers, doctors, mental health professionals, as well as members of the local business community and the general public. Through these perspectives, the film presents a thoughtful, respectful look at history, the reality of the current situation, and hope for what can be done to make things better for everyone in the future. The speakers will show clips of the film and comment on real life situations facing the homeless people in Lethbridge Speaker: Dan Berdusco and Mark Brave Rock Dan Berdusco is a local entrepreneur and filmmaker, founder of LethbridgeLink.com Inc. and the SouthernAlberta.com Network.  As a creative professional for over 15 years, Dan has produced hundreds of websites, television commercials and web video productions, some of which have been recognized with local, regional and international awards. Moderator: Martin Heavy Head Date: Thursday, February 11, 2016 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: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) ruled that people with "grievous and irremediable medical conditions" have the right to ask a doctor to help them die. The court gave the Federal Government one year to develop new laws and guidelines. Recently, a panel appointed by the previous Conservative Government released a report with recommendations on how to implement physician-assisted death in Canada. The present Liberal Government has yet to act on the SCC directive and were recently given a four month extendtion of the deadline. The speaker will argue that the SCC decision will set a dangerous precedent and that Parliament must first use the notwithstanding clause to continue to equally protect every Canadian. Then Parliament and Provincial governments must commit to: Improving access to end-of-life care, creating awareness to change social attitudes towards the lives of people with disabilities and the reality of elder abuse, and focusing on effective suicide prevention strategies to provide the care that Canadians require and deserve. Speaker: Alex Schadenberg Alex Schadenberg is the executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, and Chair of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition International Moderator: Susan Giffen Date: Thursday, February 4, 2016 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: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) ruled that people with "grievous and irremediable medical conditions" have the right to ask a doctor to help them die. The court gave the Federal Government one year to develop new laws and guidelines. Recently, a panel appointed by the previous Conservative Government released a report with recommendations on how to implement physician-assisted death in Canada. The present Liberal Government has yet to act on the SCC directive and were recently given a four month extendtion of the deadline. The speaker will argue that the SCC decision will set a dangerous precedent and that Parliament must first use the notwithstanding clause to continue to equally protect every Canadian. Then Parliament and Provincial governments must commit to: Improving access to end-of-life care, creating awareness to change social attitudes towards the lives of people with disabilities and the reality of elder abuse, and focusing on effective suicide prevention strategies to provide the care that Canadians require and deserve. Speaker: Alex Schadenberg Alex Schadenberg is the executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, and Chair of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition International Moderator: Susan Giffen Date: Thursday, February 4, 2016 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: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

Leading-edge researchers forecast wind, solar and water power will become our primary energy sources. CanGEA, the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association, suggests geothermal energy can be a mainstay in our future energy grid. Ground-based heat pumps, often called geothermal energy exchange, are used to heat and cool many Canadian homes. Deep geothermal energy produces electricity and provides heat derived several thousand metres below the Earth's surface. Canada has no commercial geothermal power plants, despite CanGEA Reports stating we have abundant potential and expertise. Canadian energy companies are operating geothermal power plants elsewhere around the world. A recent study of Canada’s geothermal potential suggests there is great capacity for geothermal energy production in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Under the right conditions, geothermal energy is generally cheaper than all other forms of electricity generation over the entire life span of a power plant, according to a 2009 report from investment bank Credit Suisse. Dr. Byrne will offer insight on the possible role(s) for geothermal energy in our energy future. Speaker: Jim Byrne Ph.D. James Byrne is Professor and past Chair of Geography at the University of Lethbridge. His expertise is global environmental change and water resources. Dr. Byrne has an extensive refereed publication list, and has given expert testimony to environmental hearings and legal proceedings on climate change, water and environmental issues. Dr. Byrne is the lead scientist and co-producer of the award winning Global Change three-part Television series (2002), the seven-part TV series Water under Fire (2004), Choking Lake Winnipeg (2011) and co-produced a series of videos on climate change science and solutions in 2014. He is a founding member of the Canadian Water Network (CWN), serving as National Theme Leader in Water Resources Management and a member of the CWN Research Management Committee from 2001-04. He continues to work on environmental change, climate and water resources modeling, and leads several international initiatives in science communication and education. Moderator:   Tad Mitsui Date: Thursday, January 28, 2016 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: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

Leading-edge researchers forecast wind, solar and water power will become our primary energy sources. CanGEA, the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association, suggests geothermal energy can be a mainstay in our future energy grid. Ground-based heat pumps, often called geothermal energy exchange, are used to heat and cool many Canadian homes. Deep geothermal energy produces electricity and provides heat derived several thousand metres below the Earth's surface. Canada has no commercial geothermal power plants, despite CanGEA Reports stating we have abundant potential and expertise. Canadian energy companies are operating geothermal power plants elsewhere around the world. A recent study of Canada’s geothermal potential suggests there is great capacity for geothermal energy production in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Under the right conditions, geothermal energy is generally cheaper than all other forms of electricity generation over the entire life span of a power plant, according to a 2009 report from investment bank Credit Suisse. Dr. Byrne will offer insight on the possible role(s) for geothermal energy in our energy future. Speaker: Jim Byrne Ph.D. James Byrne is Professor and past Chair of Geography at the University of Lethbridge. His expertise is global environmental change and water resources. Dr. Byrne has an extensive refereed publication list, and has given expert testimony to environmental hearings and legal proceedings on climate change, water and environmental issues. Dr. Byrne is the lead scientist and co-producer of the award winning Global Change three-part Television series (2002), the seven-part TV series Water under Fire (2004), Choking Lake Winnipeg (2011) and co-produced a series of videos on climate change science and solutions in 2014. He is a founding member of the Canadian Water Network (CWN), serving as National Theme Leader in Water Resources Management and a member of the CWN Research Management Committee from 2001-04. He continues to work on environmental change, climate and water resources modeling, and leads several international initiatives in science communication and education. Moderator:   Tad Mitsui Date: Thursday, January 28, 2016 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: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) is an initiative under the World Council of Church’s Ecumenical Campaign to end the illegal occupation of Palestine in the Middle East. Its mission is to accompany churches and others in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory in their non-violent actions and concerted advocacy efforts to end the occupation and support a just peace between Israel and Palestine. Participants monitor and report violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, support acts of non-violent resistance alongside local Palestinians of all faiths and Israeli peace activists, offer protection through non-violent presence, engage in public policy advocacy and in general, stand in solidarity with the churches and all those struggling against the occupation. Speaker: Debbie Hubbard Growing up in a rural Saskatchewan community as part of a family with a mixed farming operation set the foundation for Debbie’s lifelong interest in healthy living and community life. Debbie and her husband Dean have traveled extensively to various corners of the world. She has seen first-hand some of the impact her life style has had on the lives of our global neighbours and the environment. This has sparked both an interest and a passion for working to build relationships among diverse groups in order to create a world and a community that is just for all and where everyone has the same rights of citizenship that she has enjoyed her entire life. Most recently she has worked to form the Westend Food Hub Alliance, a neigbhourhood response to food insecurity in West Edmonton, and on the Regional Advisory Committee for the 7th National Event for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. . In October 2014, Debbie retired from a 35-year career as a Speech and Language Pathologist. She was appointed by The United Church of Canada to serve as an Ecumenical Accompanier in East Jeruslalem from October 2014 to January 2015. Debbie will give an account of her experiences through the framework of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. Moderator:   Ed Bardock Date: Thursday, January 21, 2016 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: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) is an initiative under the World Council of Church’s Ecumenical Campaign to end the illegal occupation of Palestine in the Middle East. Its mission is to accompany churches and others in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory in their non-violent actions and concerted advocacy efforts to end the occupation and support a just peace between Israel and Palestine. Participants monitor and report violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, support acts of non-violent resistance alongside local Palestinians of all faiths and Israeli peace activists, offer protection through non-violent presence, engage in public policy advocacy and in general, stand in solidarity with the churches and all those struggling against the occupation. Speaker: Debbie Hubbard Growing up in a rural Saskatchewan community as part of a family with a mixed farming operation set the foundation for Debbie’s lifelong interest in healthy living and community life. Debbie and her husband Dean have traveled extensively to various corners of the world. She has seen first-hand some of the impact her life style has had on the lives of our global neighbours and the environment. This has sparked both an interest and a passion for working to build relationships among diverse groups in order to create a world and a community that is just for all and where everyone has the same rights of citizenship that she has enjoyed her entire life. Most recently she has worked to form the Westend Food Hub Alliance, a neigbhourhood response to food insecurity in West Edmonton, and on the Regional Advisory Committee for the 7th National Event for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. . In October 2014, Debbie retired from a 35-year career as a Speech and Language Pathologist. She was appointed by The United Church of Canada to serve as an Ecumenical Accompanier in East Jeruslalem from October 2014 to January 2015. Debbie will give an account of her experiences through the framework of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. Moderator:   Ed Bardock Date: Thursday, January 21, 2016 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: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)