Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Recent statistics indicate the suicide rate in Alberta has increased dramatically concurrent with mounting job losses across the province. The most recent data indicate that 30 per cent more Albertans took their lives in 2015 compared to 2014.   Some attribute this grim statistic to the downturn in oil prices and the economy, but what really lies behind these suicide statistics?  What are the causes of depression, and why does Alberta have such a high suicide rate?  The speakers will explore what some of the early warning signs of depression are and what preventative measures can be taken. As well, they will explain how family and community can help victims of depression. Speakers: Mackenzie Becker and Adam Greaves Mackenzie Becker is a graduate student at the University of Lethbridge completing a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology (with a special focus in addictions and mental health). Mackenzie also holds a Masters of Science (MSc.) in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour from McMaster University. Mackenzie has worked in a variety of settings, including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta – Lethbridge & Area, and in numerous research and teaching assistant roles, focusing on depression, human sexuality, women’s issues, and counselling skills. Adam Greaves BSW, MSW, RSW is a committed and award winning social worker and educator who believes that his profession is actually a wonderful way of being. He is currently based in Lethbridge, AB where he works as a mental health therapist for Alberta Health Services and as a sessional social work instructor with the University of Calgary. Adam’s greatest professional passion is engaging in meaningful relationships with people and their communities. To this end he has worked in a wide range of social work positions in Alberta and British Columbia, in both non-profits and government agencies with a focus on major issues such as homelessness, addiction, children’s services and mental health. Moderator:   Bev Muendel-Atherstone Date:Thursday, January 14, 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)

Recent statistics indicate the suicide rate in Alberta has increased dramatically concurrent with mounting job losses across the province. The most recent data indicate that 30 per cent more Albertans took their lives in 2015 compared to 2014.   Some attribute this grim statistic to the downturn in oil prices and the economy, but what really lies behind these suicide statistics?  What are the causes of depression, and why does Alberta have such a high suicide rate?  The speakers will explore what some of the early warning signs of depression are and what preventative measures can be taken. As well, they will explain how family and community can help victims of depression. Speakers: Mackenzie Becker and Adam Greaves Mackenzie Becker is a graduate student at the University of Lethbridge completing a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology (with a special focus in addictions and mental health). Mackenzie also holds a Masters of Science (MSc.) in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour from McMaster University. Mackenzie has worked in a variety of settings, including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta – Lethbridge & Area, and in numerous research and teaching assistant roles, focusing on depression, human sexuality, women’s issues, and counselling skills. Adam Greaves BSW, MSW, RSW is a committed and award winning social worker and educator who believes that his profession is actually a wonderful way of being. He is currently based in Lethbridge, AB where he works as a mental health therapist for Alberta Health Services and as a sessional social work instructor with the University of Calgary. Adam’s greatest professional passion is engaging in meaningful relationships with people and their communities. To this end he has worked in a wide range of social work positions in Alberta and British Columbia, in both non-profits and government agencies with a focus on major issues such as homelessness, addiction, children’s services and mental health. Moderator:   Bev Muendel-Atherstone Date:Thursday, January 14, 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)

Benga Mining Ltd has applied to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and Canada Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) for approval to develop a 4 million tonne per year metallurgical coal mine at Grassy Mountain, 8 km north of Blairmore, Alberta. The site of the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project is a historical open pit mine that operated from the late 1940’s to the early 1960’s. It will be the first coal mine in the Crowsnest Pass in 50 years and arguable bring much needed economic and social stimulus to the area over an anticipated 20 some years. The project, if approved, will produce high quality coking coal for the overseas steel manufacturing market. The Grassy Mountain Coal Project, like any resource development project, raises social, economic and environmental concerns. Many of these issues are addressed in the project application and supporting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document. The proposed project application and supporting EIA is currently undergoing both provincial and federal regulatory review which is expected to culminate in a joint (Federal-Provincial) Regulatory Review Panel Hearing within the next 18 months to decide if the project can proceed. The speaker will provide a brief description of the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project, including a bit of history of the site and its legacy. He will also briefly discuss the regulatory process underway and some of the key issues and concerns facing the project including how to manage the social license for resource development i.e. finding the balance between conflicting social, economic and environmental values before proceeding with resource development. Speaker: Cal Clark Cal Clark is responsible for environmental management, regulatory affairs, community engagement and First Nations collaboration as manager of sustainable development for Benga Mining Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Riversdale Resources. Previously, Cal was with Cenovus Energy working on developing environmental management strategies to address key issues and enhance environmental performance related to their oil and gas operations. Cal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology (University of Guelph), and a Master of Education degree (University of Calgary) and has a career spanning more than 25 years in forestry, mining and energy sectors. Cal is married with three children and have recently relocated from Calgary to the Crowsnest Pass. Moderator:   Knud Petersen Date: Thursday, January 7, 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)

Benga Mining Ltd has applied to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and Canada Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) for approval to develop a 4 million tonne per year metallurgical coal mine at Grassy Mountain, 8 km north of Blairmore, Alberta. The site of the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project is a historical open pit mine that operated from the late 1940’s to the early 1960’s. It will be the first coal mine in the Crowsnest Pass in 50 years and arguable bring much needed economic and social stimulus to the area over an anticipated 20 some years. The project, if approved, will produce high quality coking coal for the overseas steel manufacturing market. The Grassy Mountain Coal Project, like any resource development project, raises social, economic and environmental concerns. Many of these issues are addressed in the project application and supporting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document. The proposed project application and supporting EIA is currently undergoing both provincial and federal regulatory review which is expected to culminate in a joint (Federal-Provincial) Regulatory Review Panel Hearing within the next 18 months to decide if the project can proceed. The speaker will provide a brief description of the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project, including a bit of history of the site and its legacy. He will also briefly discuss the regulatory process underway and some of the key issues and concerns facing the project including how to manage the social license for resource development i.e. finding the balance between conflicting social, economic and environmental values before proceeding with resource development. Speaker: Cal Clark Cal Clark is responsible for environmental management, regulatory affairs, community engagement and First Nations collaboration as manager of sustainable development for Benga Mining Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Riversdale Resources. Previously, Cal was with Cenovus Energy working on developing environmental management strategies to address key issues and enhance environmental performance related to their oil and gas operations. Cal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology (University of Guelph), and a Master of Education degree (University of Calgary) and has a career spanning more than 25 years in forestry, mining and energy sectors. Cal is married with three children and have recently relocated from Calgary to the Crowsnest Pass. Moderator:   Knud Petersen Date: Thursday, January 7, 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)

Violence against women and children is an issue in most countries, provinces, cities and indeed anywhere. It certainly exists in Lethbridge, yet the resources to help those affected can’t keep up with demand. Last year 535 women and children used the 24 emergency beds at Lethbridge and District YWCA Harbour House, but over 1200 were turned away as all beds were full. It’s the fourth highest shelter turn away rate in the entire province after Calgary, Edmonton and Sherwood Park and 2015 will surpass those grim statistics. Higher demand for shelter space may stem partly from increased awareness and more people reaching out for help, but nevertheless, more second-stage emergency housing is needed in Lethbridge, where women and children can move to and obtain counselling once leaving a violent relationship. The increasing level of violence against women and children in Alberta is unacceptable and require long-term societal solutions in addition to short-term fixes. Aboriginal women and children are particularly at risk. Governments have responsibilities to deal effectively with this issue at all levels. The speaker will elaborate on the local situation and as well, explain other measures that are likely to assist abused women and children get on with their lives. Speaker: Kristine Cassie Kristine is the CEO for YWCA Lethbridge & District and has been with the YWCA in various capacities for over 24 years. Kristine has been part of the human services field for 32 years working within the not for profit sector with youth, domestic and sexual violence, girls programming and housing. She has contributed to the advancement of several community working groups including SHIA, CMARD, Sexual Violence Action Committee (SVAC) and Domestic Violence Action Team (DVAT). Moderator: Maria Fitzpatrick MLA Date: Thursday, December 17, 2015 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 at the presentation) At this session, SACPA will be donating the money from their share of lunch proceeds to Lethbridge YWCA Harbour House. SACPA will also gratefully accept donations to Harbour House from session attendees.

Violence against women and children is an issue in most countries, provinces, cities and indeed anywhere. It certainly exists in Lethbridge, yet the resources to help those affected can’t keep up with demand. Last year 535 women and children used the 24 emergency beds at Lethbridge and District YWCA Harbour House, but over 1200 were turned away as all beds were full. It’s the fourth highest shelter turn away rate in the entire province after Calgary, Edmonton and Sherwood Park and 2015 will surpass those grim statistics. Higher demand for shelter space may stem partly from increased awareness and more people reaching out for help, but nevertheless, more second-stage emergency housing is needed in Lethbridge, where women and children can move to and obtain counselling once leaving a violent relationship. The increasing level of violence against women and children in Alberta is unacceptable and require long-term societal solutions in addition to short-term fixes. Aboriginal women and children are particularly at risk. Governments have responsibilities to deal effectively with this issue at all levels. The speaker will elaborate on the local situation and as well, explain other measures that are likely to assist abused women and children get on with their lives. Speaker: Kristine Cassie Kristine is the CEO for YWCA Lethbridge & District and has been with the YWCA in various capacities for over 24 years. Kristine has been part of the human services field for 32 years working within the not for profit sector with youth, domestic and sexual violence, girls programming and housing. She has contributed to the advancement of several community working groups including SHIA, CMARD, Sexual Violence Action Committee (SVAC) and Domestic Violence Action Team (DVAT). Moderator: Maria Fitzpatrick MLA Date: Thursday, December 17, 2015 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 at the presentation) At this session, SACPA will be donating the money from their share of lunch proceeds to Lethbridge YWCA Harbour House. SACPA will also gratefully accept donations to Harbour House from session attendees.

Getting Off the Electric Grid: Is the Sun All We Need? Solar Power Systems have been getting a lot more attention in the last few years. While most of the attention has been focussed on “Grid Interactive” systems, there is a growing desire to go “Off Grid”. Is being totally solar powered possible or feasible? Why go “Off Grid”? What are the pros and cons to living “Off Grid”? What makes up a good “Off Grid” system? Different philosophies in going “Off Grid” will determine the type of “Off Grid” system. What are the paybacks, or are there any? What is it like living “Off Grid”? What are the challenges? Electrical codes, safety codes, Government regulations, human resources and weather all affect the design and installation of both the “On” and “Off Grid” installations. What challenges do these represent? Energy efficiency and lifestyle play a large part in the design and size of the system. Is a lifestyle change required? Is going “Off Grid” for me? Speaker: Erhard Hermann, CME Erhard is a Certified Master Electrician and Certified Hydronic Designer. He has worked with electricity from his youth and always strived to learn and perform excellent work. He received several awards during his schooling and training and continued by taking on the various challenges that arose during his career. This led to his work in leadership, troubleshooting, electrical controls and other challenging work. Erhard is one of Alberta’s pioneers in renewable energy with the primary focus of providing quality, reliable storage based systems in Alberta and the NWT. He has extensive experience in the testing of these systems at his home and shop, which is one of the most comprehensive and complex private test centers of renewable energy products. He now focuses his attention on “Off Grid” Solar Power systems and custom electrical control systems. Moderator: Mark Goettel Date: Thursday, December 10, 2015 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 at the presentation)

Getting Off the Electric Grid: Is the Sun All We Need? Solar Power Systems have been getting a lot more attention in the last few years. While most of the attention has been focussed on “Grid Interactive” systems, there is a growing desire to go “Off Grid”. Is being totally solar powered possible or feasible? Why go “Off Grid”? What are the pros and cons to living “Off Grid”? What makes up a good “Off Grid” system? Different philosophies in going “Off Grid” will determine the type of “Off Grid” system. What are the paybacks, or are there any? What is it like living “Off Grid”? What are the challenges? Electrical codes, safety codes, Government regulations, human resources and weather all affect the design and installation of both the “On” and “Off Grid” installations. What challenges do these represent? Energy efficiency and lifestyle play a large part in the design and size of the system. Is a lifestyle change required? Is going “Off Grid” for me? Speaker: Erhard Hermann, CME Erhard is a Certified Master Electrician and Certified Hydronic Designer. He has worked with electricity from his youth and always strived to learn and perform excellent work. He received several awards during his schooling and training and continued by taking on the various challenges that arose during his career. This led to his work in leadership, troubleshooting, electrical controls and other challenging work. Erhard is one of Alberta’s pioneers in renewable energy with the primary focus of providing quality, reliable storage based systems in Alberta and the NWT. He has extensive experience in the testing of these systems at his home and shop, which is one of the most comprehensive and complex private test centers of renewable energy products. He now focuses his attention on “Off Grid” Solar Power systems and custom electrical control systems. Moderator: Mark Goettel Date: Thursday, December 10, 2015 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 at the presentation)

Marijuana is the most highly abused illegal substance during pregnancy and in adolescence and yet, many people are not aware that it is addicting to the user and toxic to the developing nervous system. This talk will present the scope of the problem, an outline of the role of cannabinoids in normal brain function and an illustration of how marijuana causes chaotic neuronal growth early in development. The speaker will review the longitudinal human studies, from both maternal and adolescent smoking, and show some data on the effects of early stress on marijuana responses in animal models and as well, illustrate the role of natural cannabinoids in stress responses. With Canada considering legalization of marijuana, the goal is to better understand the role of cannabinoids in development and how smoking marijuana during sensitive periods can permanently alter the developmental trajectory of important neuronal circuits. Speaker: Diana Dow-Edwards, PhD Dr. Dow-Edwards is Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York and Fulbright Distinguished Visiting Research Chair at the University of Lethbridge. She has been studying the effects of a variety of abuse substances on brain functional development for over 30 years. Her lab focuses on the effects of drugs on the functional ontogeny of the nervous system with a special emphasis on male-female differences in these effects. Dr. Dow-Edwards research has characterized the sex differences in the effects of cocaine on brain functional development and behavior. Additionally, she is interested in the effects of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) on components of executive function. Her highly translational studies have contributed greatly to understanding brain-behavior relationships and how drug exposure during development permanently alters the neural circuits mediating these relationships. Dr. Dow-Edwards is working with Dr. Robbin Gibb at U of L’s Department of Neuroscience and Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience to determine whether the effects of adolescent THC on behavior and brain architecture can be reversed. Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, December 3, 2015 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 at the presentation)

Marijuana is the most highly abused illegal substance during pregnancy and in adolescence and yet, many people are not aware that it is addicting to the user and toxic to the developing nervous system. This talk will present the scope of the problem, an outline of the role of cannabinoids in normal brain function and an illustration of how marijuana causes chaotic neuronal growth early in development. The speaker will review the longitudinal human studies, from both maternal and adolescent smoking, and show some data on the effects of early stress on marijuana responses in animal models and as well, illustrate the role of natural cannabinoids in stress responses. With Canada considering legalization of marijuana, the goal is to better understand the role of cannabinoids in development and how smoking marijuana during sensitive periods can permanently alter the developmental trajectory of important neuronal circuits. Speaker: Diana Dow-Edwards, PhD Dr. Dow-Edwards is Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York and Fulbright Distinguished Visiting Research Chair at the University of Lethbridge. She has been studying the effects of a variety of abuse substances on brain functional development for over 30 years. Her lab focuses on the effects of drugs on the functional ontogeny of the nervous system with a special emphasis on male-female differences in these effects. Dr. Dow-Edwards research has characterized the sex differences in the effects of cocaine on brain functional development and behavior. Additionally, she is interested in the effects of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) on components of executive function. Her highly translational studies have contributed greatly to understanding brain-behavior relationships and how drug exposure during development permanently alters the neural circuits mediating these relationships. Dr. Dow-Edwards is working with Dr. Robbin Gibb at U of L’s Department of Neuroscience and Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience to determine whether the effects of adolescent THC on behavior and brain architecture can be reversed. Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, December 3, 2015 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 at the presentation)