Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

The recent occurrence of some violent events in the Muslim world, as well as the involvement of Muslim individuals in some terrorist attacks in Western Europe, North America, and Australia, has raised serious questions about the ability and/or willingness of Muslims to live in peace and harmony with people of other religious backgrounds. In a rush to answer those questions, various people, both Muslim and non-Muslim, have offered responses that are overly simplistic, empirically inaccurate, and visibly biased. Some, for instance, have argued that the source of the problem should be found in the teachings of Islam, while others have argued that those committing the violent/terrorist acts are not true Muslims. In this presentation, some of these responses, and their shortcomings, will be discussed; and, an alternative perspective will be offered. Speaker: Dr. Abdie Kazemipur Abdie Kazemipur is professor of sociology at the University of Lethbridge. Previously, he served as Stephen Jarislowsky Research Chair in Culture Change at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He has also been the founding director of two Statistics Canada’s research data centres at University of Lethbridge and Memorial University. Kazemipur studies the socio-economic experiences of immigrants in Canada and the socio-cultural developments in the Middle East. Last year, the University of British Columbia Press published his latest book, The Muslim Question in Canada: A Story of Segmented Integration. Currently, he is working on a new book on religious developments in Iran. Moderator: Terry Shillington Date: Thursday, May 7, 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)

Climate change is one of the most important challenges facing our civilization. All major national and international efforts towards monitoring fluctuations in long-term climate normals involve the use of remote sensing science to provide Earth observation data to measure key climate variables. These data are the basis for many of the decisions made by governments. The quality of these measurements is critical so that policy makers and other concerned stakeholders can rely on evidence-based scientific facts in support of efforts to manage our impacts on our planet’s climate system. The purpose of this talk is to outline a variety of ways that remote sensing is meeting the data needs for global Earth observation. Recent years have seen an unprecedented expansion of new and novel Earth Observation efforts. The speaker will present the major developments and coordination of efforts with respect to measurement of changes in three spheres (the atmosphere, hydrosphere (especially ocean), and biosphere. Speaker: Dr. Craig Coburn Dr. Craig Coburn is an Associate Professor in the Geography Department at the University of Lethbridge with research interests in remote sensing. His research is focused on the physics of remote sensing, calibration and image understanding. Date: Thursday, April 30, 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 only)

Climate change is one of the most important challenges facing our civilization. All major national and international efforts towards monitoring fluctuations in long-term climate normals involve the use of remote sensing science to provide Earth observation data to measure key climate variables. These data are the basis for many of the decisions made by governments. The quality of these measurements is critical so that policy makers and other concerned stakeholders can rely on evidence-based scientific facts in support of efforts to manage our impacts on our planet’s climate system. The purpose of this talk is to outline a variety of ways that remote sensing is meeting the data needs for global Earth observation. Recent years have seen an unprecedented expansion of new and novel Earth Observation efforts. The speaker will present the major developments and coordination of efforts with respect to measurement of changes in three spheres (the atmosphere, hydrosphere (especially ocean), and biosphere. Speaker: Dr. Craig Coburn Dr. Craig Coburn is an Associate Professor in the Geography Department at the University of Lethbridge with research interests in remote sensing. His research is focused on the physics of remote sensing, calibration and image understanding. Date: Thursday, April 30, 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 only)

Since 1971, Alberta has been ruled by a majority Progressive Conservative Government, the longest unbroken run in government at the provincial level in Canada. When the PC’s replaced Social Credit in 1971, that party had been in power for 36 years. Under the leadership of Premier Peter Lougheed, Alberta prospered, due to substantial growth in the resource sector coupled with an increased share of revenues from oil and gas. Also established was the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, a non-renewable resource fund designed to be of long-term benefit to Alberta. Sadly though, since Lougheed retired from politics in 1986, opportunities have arguably been squandered and the fund value has remained stagnant despite continued growth in fossil fuel production. However, forty some years of Tory rule has seen some notable successes such as limiting overall public debt and adapting to rapid economic and social growth. But over that time, governments have been unable to implement a tax regime that mitigates the effects of the cyclical swings in royalty revenues from an expanding oil and gas industry. The speaker will explore why it has been so difficult for governments to manage this cycle and the likelihood that Albertans will be able to find a way off this rollercoaster. Speaker: Dr. Anthony Sayers Dr. Sayers received his undergraduate education at the University of Western Australia and completed his MA and Ph.D. at the University of British Columbia. His research deals with major political institutions including political parties, elections, federalism and parliaments. Particularly interested in the organizational and campaigning aspects of political parties and the distribution of power in federal states, Dr. Sayers also write on Alberta provincial politics Dr. Sayers study provincial politics in Alberta with Dr. David Stewart of the University of Calgary and the dynamics of federalism in Canada and Australia with Dr. Andrew Banfield of the Australian National University. He is currently building a database of Canadian federal, provincial and territorial election results and write on political parties and electoral systems. Date: Thursday, April 23, 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 only)

Since 1971, Alberta has been ruled by a majority Progressive Conservative Government, the longest unbroken run in government at the provincial level in Canada. When the PC’s replaced Social Credit in 1971, that party had been in power for 36 years. Under the leadership of Premier Peter Lougheed, Alberta prospered, due to substantial growth in the resource sector coupled with an increased share of revenues from oil and gas. Also established was the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, a non-renewable resource fund designed to be of long-term benefit to Alberta. Sadly though, since Lougheed retired from politics in 1986, opportunities have arguably been squandered and the fund value has remained stagnant despite continued growth in fossil fuel production. However, forty some years of Tory rule has seen some notable successes such as limiting overall public debt and adapting to rapid economic and social growth. But over that time, governments have been unable to implement a tax regime that mitigates the effects of the cyclical swings in royalty revenues from an expanding oil and gas industry. The speaker will explore why it has been so difficult for governments to manage this cycle and the likelihood that Albertans will be able to find a way off this rollercoaster. Speaker: Dr. Anthony Sayers Dr. Sayers received his undergraduate education at the University of Western Australia and completed his MA and Ph.D. at the University of British Columbia. His research deals with major political institutions including political parties, elections, federalism and parliaments. Particularly interested in the organizational and campaigning aspects of political parties and the distribution of power in federal states, Dr. Sayers also write on Alberta provincial politics Dr. Sayers study provincial politics in Alberta with Dr. David Stewart of the University of Calgary and the dynamics of federalism in Canada and Australia with Dr. Andrew Banfield of the Australian National University. He is currently building a database of Canadian federal, provincial and territorial election results and write on political parties and electoral systems. Date: Thursday, April 23, 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 only)

The May 5, 2015 Alberta Provincial Election promises to be an interesting contest and ought to attract more attention than normally would be expected of such. The SACPA forum will be conducted using both formulated and audience questions. Voice your concerns and help frame the issues you consider important, by asking the candidates to explain their views and party policies on those topics. Please plan to attend this forum and please also exercise you democratic right and duty by voting in the advance polls or on May 5, 2015. Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2015 for Lethbridge EAST Time: 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. Country Kitchen Catering (downstairs at the Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S

The May 5, 2015 Alberta Provincial Election promises to be an interesting contest and ought to attract more attention than normally would be expected of such. The SACPA forum will be conducted using both formulated and audience questions. Voice your concerns and help frame the issues you consider important, by asking the candidates to explain their views and party policies on those topics. Please plan to attend this forum and please also exercise you democratic right and duty by voting in the advance polls or on May 5, 2015. Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2015 for Lethbridge EAST Time: 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. Country Kitchen Catering (downstairs at the Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S

Many municipalities and cities across Canada have detailed dog and cat bylaws, including spay and neutering programs. Arguable, there are many benefits to licensing cats and dogs with Animal & Bylaw Services. A pet’s licence can be their ticket home if they are ever lost. Likely because of pet licensing, Calgary, for example, has the highest return to owner and lowest euthanization rate in North America. The revenue generated from licensing helps feed, shelter and care for the pets in facilities and supports cat and dog adoptions, school/educational and volunteer programs. In other words, when pets are licensed, not only are people protecting their own pet’s safety, they are helping the thousands of other animals who enter animal shelters. The speaker will elaborate on plans the Council Ad Hoc Animal Welfare Committee in Lethbridge are currently considering. Speaker: Rob Miyashiro, Lethbridge City Councillor For many years, Rob has been involved in developing and implementing programs in children's services, disabilities, employment, and seniors sectors. He has worked with people of southwestern Alberta and also developed an adolescent treatment centre for Kainaiwa Children's Services on the Blood Tribe First Nation. When Rob left Kainaiwa Children's Services, he was given the Blackfoot name Aakaoko'si (Protector of Children) in honour of his years of service to children and families. Currently, Rob is the Executive Director of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization and in his spare time coaches Little League baseball, volunteer with the Humane Society and play hockey, slo-pitch, curling and golf. Since 1989, he has been a manager and/or senior manager with several non-profit organizations, the Blood Tribe First Nation, and the Government of Alberta. Rob has also been involved extensively with community initiatives and boards as well as partnership development and has been a workshop presenter at various training events and conferences regionally, provincially and in the United States. Date: Thursday, April 16,2015 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 only)

Many municipalities and cities across Canada have detailed dog and cat bylaws, including spay and neutering programs. Arguable, there are many benefits to licensing cats and dogs with Animal & Bylaw Services. A pet’s licence can be their ticket home if they are ever lost. Likely because of pet licensing, Calgary, for example, has the highest return to owner and lowest euthanization rate in North America. The revenue generated from licensing helps feed, shelter and care for the pets in facilities and supports cat and dog adoptions, school/educational and volunteer programs. In other words, when pets are licensed, not only are people protecting their own pet’s safety, they are helping the thousands of other animals who enter animal shelters. The speaker will elaborate on plans the Council Ad Hoc Animal Welfare Committee in Lethbridge are currently considering. Speaker: Rob Miyashiro, Lethbridge City Councillor For many years, Rob has been involved in developing and implementing programs in children's services, disabilities, employment, and seniors sectors. He has worked with people of southwestern Alberta and also developed an adolescent treatment centre for Kainaiwa Children's Services on the Blood Tribe First Nation. When Rob left Kainaiwa Children's Services, he was given the Blackfoot name Aakaoko'si (Protector of Children) in honour of his years of service to children and families. Currently, Rob is the Executive Director of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization and in his spare time coaches Little League baseball, volunteer with the Humane Society and play hockey, slo-pitch, curling and golf. Since 1989, he has been a manager and/or senior manager with several non-profit organizations, the Blood Tribe First Nation, and the Government of Alberta. Rob has also been involved extensively with community initiatives and boards as well as partnership development and has been a workshop presenter at various training events and conferences regionally, provincially and in the United States. Date: Thursday, April 16,2015 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 only)

Learning to harness fusion in a controlled way – recreating the sun on earth, as a clean source of energy – is the holy grail of international energy programs. According to Dr. Allan Offenberger “A sustained fusion burn is no longer an academic dream but will be realized in the near future.” Dr. Offenberger will outline several quite promising options and update us on their progress and status. Dr. Offenberger is particularly interested in getting Alberta researchers and industry involved in fusion development. He led an assessment team on behalf of the Alberta Council of Technologies Society (ABCtech) on visits to the major fusion programs around the world last year. He believes Alberta could be a strong contender for the location of the world’s first fusion power demonstration plant and subsequent use for “greener” oil sands applications. Speaker: Dr. Allan Offenberger Allan Offenberger is Professor Emeritus of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Alberta. He received his B.A.Sc. and M.A.Sc. degrees (1962, 1963) from the University of British Columbia and Ph.D. degree (1968) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research program for more than 40 years has been focused on the development of high power lasers and their application to inertial fusion energy research. He has published extensively and given many invited talks at international conferences, universities, government and industrial laboratories as well as to service and other non-governmental organizations. His involvement in fusion research has led to the Alberta/Canada Fusion Energy initiative – to build a national capability in this important future energy technology based on strong working linkages with international centres. In retirement, he enjoys his grandchildren, reading, live theatre, a good glass of wine, travel (including vineyards) and visiting friends in many countries (Europe, Japan, USA) as well as Canada. Fusion continues to focus much of Allan’s time. Moderator: Duane Pendergast Date: Thursday, April 9, 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 only)