Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

A spirit-lifting journey into some of the planet’s best wilderness locations. His passion for remote travel will be revealed as only Brian can do, with his buoyant method of storytelling. Using humour and personal anecdotes and his own live-narrated video segments, he’ll take you into gin-clear ocean depths with unbelievable creatures, to deserts and rich tropical forests, and to places where wildlife numbers leave one overwhelmed and amazed. To conclude, he'll return to our own Canadian backyard, reconfirming the value of our wild spaces. This presentation is designed to inspire and enthuse, offering hope for a better tomorrow. Speaker: Brian Keating Brian is an Honourary Conservation Advisor, Calgary Zoo Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology, U of Calgary. Brian previously held the position "Head of Conservation Outreach" at the Zoo, which enabled him to raise money and then spend it on environmental projects around the world. He’s been leading groups on nature based travel for three decades, exploring some of the best wildlife areas on the Planet. He’s a weekly guest on both Calgary and Edmonton’s CBC Radio, and for many years, was a regular on the Discovery Channel, using his own wilderness adventure and wildlife filming. Brian is also the owner of www.goingwild.org He’s in high demand as an international speaker, presenting at some 50 events a year. His talks have proven themselves the highlight of many conferences and special events. He's also written five children’s books celebrating nature. He's a pilot, a naturalist, scuba diver, and mountaineer. His wife, Dee, is a physician and keen naturalist who always joins him on his adventures. Together, they have explored nearly 50 countries on all seven continents in the last quarter century. Moderator: Bev Muendel-Atherstone Date:Thursday, December 11,2014 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)

Recently, a gunman attacked Canada's Parliament shortly after he fatally wounded a soldier at the nearby war memorial. The suspect was eventually killed inside Parliament before harming anyone else. Was he a terrorist or was he just mentally ill and desperate? Should Canada use this attack on Parliament as a pretext for stripping away civil liberties and increasing surveillance on the Canadian people or does history tell us that the worst laws are often made in the heat of the moment? The governing Conservatives have made no secret of their plan to install new anti-terror powers, giving the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) more powers to track, investigate and detain would-be homegrown terrorists. The speaker will give some background on what gives rise to these so-called “terrorist” threats and discuss whether, and to what extent, Western governments, including our own, are exploiting this "clash of civilizations" to increase their powers for less laudable purposes. Speaker Dr. Paul Viminitz Dr. Paul Viminitz has been a member of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Lethbridge since 1997, specializing in, among other things, the Philosophy of War. Viminitz holds a BA with Honours from the University of Regina, an MA from Dalhousie University and a Doctorate from the University of Alberta. His provocative publication, Defence of Terrorism has yet to get him in trouble when entering either the United States or Great Britain. Date: Thursday, December 4, 2014 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)

Recently, a gunman attacked Canada's Parliament shortly after he fatally wounded a soldier at the nearby war memorial. The suspect was eventually killed inside Parliament before harming anyone else. Was he a terrorist or was he just mentally ill and desperate? Should Canada use this attack on Parliament as a pretext for stripping away civil liberties and increasing surveillance on the Canadian people or does history tell us that the worst laws are often made in the heat of the moment? The governing Conservatives have made no secret of their plan to install new anti-terror powers, giving the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) more powers to track, investigate and detain would-be homegrown terrorists. The speaker will give some background on what gives rise to these so-called “terrorist” threats and discuss whether, and to what extent, Western governments, including our own, are exploiting this "clash of civilizations" to increase their powers for less laudable purposes. Speaker Dr. Paul Viminitz Dr. Paul Viminitz has been a member of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Lethbridge since 1997, specializing in, among other things, the Philosophy of War. Viminitz holds a BA with Honours from the University of Regina, an MA from Dalhousie University and a Doctorate from the University of Alberta. His provocative publication, Defence of Terrorism has yet to get him in trouble when entering either the United States or Great Britain. Date: Thursday, December 4, 2014 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)

In recent months we have watched the “Islamic State”, (ISIS) sweep through Syria and Iraq, terrifying much of the population and enraging people everywhere by beheading several journalists while vowing to bring their war to North America. Reportedly, many Canadian citizens have joined the ISIS forces in fighting a war that arguably is financed mainly by vast revenues from oil that is exported to the industrialized world. The speaker will explore where ISIS fits into the Islamic groups in the Arab World. He will explain where ISIS originated from, and what they stand for. He will help us look into the future for some clues about what we can expect in the months and years ahead and help us assess whether ISIS is the new reality we all must face, or a passing phenomenon. Speaker: Imam and Professor Syed Soharwardy Prof. Soharwardy was born to a highly respected religious family in Karachi, Pakistan. His father was a famous Islamic scholar and Imam in Karachi. Prof. Soharwardy is one of the direct descendants of the prophet, Muhammad and his ancestors migrated from Syria to Iran, later to Kashmir, India and then to Pakistan. He received his early Islamic education from his father and also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Islamic studies from the University of Karachi. Prof. Soharwardy also holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, and a Master of Science in Management from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, N.J. as well as a Master of Engineering in project management from University of Calgary. Prof. Soharwardy is the founder of Muslims Against Terrorism (MAT) and is also the founder of The Islamic Supreme Council of Canada (ISCC). He has authored several papers on Islamic issues and the Western world. He is the spiritual leader of Jama’at Ahle Sunnat Canada, and the World Sufi Mission Canada. Moderator: Robert Campbell Date: Thursday, November 27, 2014 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)

In recent months we have watched the “Islamic State”, (ISIS) sweep through Syria and Iraq, terrifying much of the population and enraging people everywhere by beheading several journalists while vowing to bring their war to North America. Reportedly, many Canadian citizens have joined the ISIS forces in fighting a war that arguably is financed mainly by vast revenues from oil that is exported to the industrialized world. The speaker will explore where ISIS fits into the Islamic groups in the Arab World. He will explain where ISIS originated from, and what they stand for. He will help us look into the future for some clues about what we can expect in the months and years ahead and help us assess whether ISIS is the new reality we all must face, or a passing phenomenon. Speaker: Imam and Professor Syed Soharwardy Prof. Soharwardy was born to a highly respected religious family in Karachi, Pakistan. His father was a famous Islamic scholar and Imam in Karachi. Prof. Soharwardy is one of the direct descendants of the prophet, Muhammad and his ancestors migrated from Syria to Iran, later to Kashmir, India and then to Pakistan. He received his early Islamic education from his father and also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Islamic studies from the University of Karachi. Prof. Soharwardy also holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, and a Master of Science in Management from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, N.J. as well as a Master of Engineering in project management from University of Calgary. Prof. Soharwardy is the founder of Muslims Against Terrorism (MAT) and is also the founder of The Islamic Supreme Council of Canada (ISCC). He has authored several papers on Islamic issues and the Western world. He is the spiritual leader of Jama’at Ahle Sunnat Canada, and the World Sufi Mission Canada. Moderator: Robert Campbell Date: Thursday, November 27, 2014 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 Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) launched the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign in March 2006, in response to the emerging crisis faced by African grandmothers as they struggled to care for millions of children orphaned by AIDS. The Campaign aims to raise awareness, build solidarity and mobilize financial support in Canada for Africa’s grandmothers. The Campaign has since evolved into a dynamic and responsive national movement, and currently boasts more than 240 grandmothers groups across Canada. Many of the groups have organized into regional networks in order to support each other’s development and fundraising. We now know – and the evidence is clearer than ever – that the fastest and most effective way to collaborate effectively is through working with small, committed community-based organizations as they are the frontline experts, but can we turn the tide against AIDS in Africa soon? The speaker will discuss the challenges the African Grandmothers are up against and how with your support, they are actively advocating for their rights. Speaker: Louise Breadner Louise Breadner was raised in Saskatchewan, where she studied nursing and had a 30 year career in corporate health, safety and environmental programming. Louise first travelled to Africa in 1999 because of a lifelong dream of going on a safari. She has since been back to Africa four times with humanitarian projects in Uganda. Louise joined the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign in 2007 as she was attracted by the Foundation's focus on supporting grassroots projects in sub-Saharan Africa. Louise currently resides in Calgary and is the liaison for nine Grandmothers groups in Southern Alberta. Moderator: Bertha Tiemstra Date: Thursday, November 20, 2014 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 Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) launched the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign in March 2006, in response to the emerging crisis faced by African grandmothers as they struggled to care for millions of children orphaned by AIDS. The Campaign aims to raise awareness, build solidarity and mobilize financial support in Canada for Africa’s grandmothers. The Campaign has since evolved into a dynamic and responsive national movement, and currently boasts more than 240 grandmothers groups across Canada. Many of the groups have organized into regional networks in order to support each other’s development and fundraising. We now know – and the evidence is clearer than ever – that the fastest and most effective way to collaborate effectively is through working with small, committed community-based organizations as they are the frontline experts, but can we turn the tide against AIDS in Africa soon? The speaker will discuss the challenges the African Grandmothers are up against and how with your support, they are actively advocating for their rights. Speaker: Louise Breadner Louise Breadner was raised in Saskatchewan, where she studied nursing and had a 30 year career in corporate health, safety and environmental programming. Louise first travelled to Africa in 1999 because of a lifelong dream of going on a safari. She has since been back to Africa four times with humanitarian projects in Uganda. Louise joined the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign in 2007 as she was attracted by the Foundation's focus on supporting grassroots projects in sub-Saharan Africa. Louise currently resides in Calgary and is the liaison for nine Grandmothers groups in Southern Alberta. Moderator: Bertha Tiemstra Date: Thursday, November 20, 2014 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)

Alberta’s NDP Party: New Leader, Enhanced Perspective? The new leader of Alberta’s NDP party, Rachel Notley, received 70 per cent of the votes cast on the first ballot, easily defeating two other candidates in the recent NDP leadership race. In her victory speech, Notley promised a viable alternative to the Progressive Conservative, Liberal and Wildrose parties in the next election. The speaker will argue that arrogance, entitlement and the narrow minded vision of days gone by is not the “Alberta Advantage”. "Let's leave the parties of the past behind," she says "This time, let's not forget history. Let's not repeat history. Let's make history." Speaker: Rachel Notley, MLA and Leader of Alberta’s NDP Party Rachel Notley was elected as the leader of the Alberta New Democrats on October 18, 2014. Since 2008, Rachel has served as the MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona, and is known as a strong, effective voice in the Legislature. She was re-elected in 2012, with the highest share of the vote of any MLA in the province. Raised in Fairview Alberta, Rachel is the oldest child of Grant and Sandra Notley. Her father, Grant, led the Alberta New Democrats from 1968 to 1984. Rachel has said that her father’s tireless effort to build the party taught her the importance of hard work, and she shares his vision of building a better, fairer province for all Albertans. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Alberta, and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. Before entering politics, she worked for a variety of labour unions in Alberta and British Columbia and served as a ministerial advisor to British Columbia’s Attorney General in the 1990s. She currently lives in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona neighbourhood with her husband and two teenage children. Moderator: Keith McLaughlin Date: Thursday, November 13, 2014 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)

For the past several decades, conservative forces in the US and Canada have worked to finance and organize Christian fundamentalist sects, the Catholic Church and other organizations to become potentially destabilizing of progressive democratic principles and practices. Powerful interlocking political and corporate forces are seemingly teaming up against women and the disadvantaged in many Southern and Western states and in parts of Canada. These forces have negative effects on women's ability to control and maintain bodily integrity and health, especially among low income women who often are disproportionately affected by restrictions on abortion services. What ought to happen regarding access to these services? The speakers will shed light on the pertinent issues and argue that it’s urgent to coordinate and democratically empower individuals, organizations, communities and all levels of Government to produce changes in attitudes, norms, behaviour and policies that will enable women, using their own free will, to obtain reproductive health services, including abortion care. Speakers: Carol Williams, Brittney Adams and Shannon Ingram Carol Williams is a cultural historian specializing in Women & Gender Studies, Visual Culture, and North American Women’s History including histories of women’s activism. Williams is currently the 2013-2015 Board of Governors Humanities Scholar at the U of L. From 2008-1011 she held a tier II Canada Research Chair in Feminist and Gender Studies at Trent University. Williams has published two books, Indigenous Women’s Work (2012) and Framing the West: Race, Gender and the Photographic “Frontier” (2003). Brittney Adams completed her Bachelor Degree in Political Science from the University of Lethbridge in 2013 and is currently completing her Masters of Arts in Women and Gender Studies. Her M.A thesis titled “Multiple I Do’s” examines the role of feminist knowledge in the 2011 BC Supreme Court ruling on polygamy. Adams has long been involved in political activism in the Lethbridge community and is the Co-Coordinator of the Campus Women’s Centre, as well as a YWCA Board Member. This year, she also became a Board Member with LPIRG and recently, Adams helped organize the Students for Choice action group at the University of Lethbridge. Shannon Ingram recently graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Art in History with Honours. She has been an active member of the Lethbridge community, volunteering on campus for the Women’s Centre and off campus for Womanspace Resource Centre. She has also completed an Applied Study at the Galt Museum & Archives, focusing on the Evolution of Agriculture in Southern Alberta. More recently, Ingram attended the first ever International Conference on Women’s Reproductive Rights in Charlottetown, P.E.I., presenting on the barriers to accessing abortions in Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador. Moderator: Michael Stingl Date: Thursday, November 13, 2014 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm Location: Room PE250, 1st Choice Saving Centre, University of Lethbridge Free event, free parking, everyone welcome. Posters etc. may be displayed outside the room.

For the past several decades, conservative forces in the US and Canada have worked to finance and organize Christian fundamentalist sects, the Catholic Church and other organizations to become potentially destabilizing of progressive democratic principles and practices. Powerful interlocking political and corporate forces are seemingly teaming up against women and the disadvantaged in many Southern and Western states and in parts of Canada. These forces have negative effects on women's ability to control and maintain bodily integrity and health, especially among low income women who often are disproportionately affected by restrictions on abortion services. What ought to happen regarding access to these services? The speakers will shed light on the pertinent issues and argue that it’s urgent to coordinate and democratically empower individuals, organizations, communities and all levels of Government to produce changes in attitudes, norms, behaviour and policies that will enable women, using their own free will, to obtain reproductive health services, including abortion care. Speakers: Carol Williams, Brittney Adams and Shannon Ingram Carol Williams is a cultural historian specializing in Women & Gender Studies, Visual Culture, and North American Women’s History including histories of women’s activism. Williams is currently the 2013-2015 Board of Governors Humanities Scholar at the U of L. From 2008-1011 she held a tier II Canada Research Chair in Feminist and Gender Studies at Trent University. Williams has published two books, Indigenous Women’s Work (2012) and Framing the West: Race, Gender and the Photographic “Frontier” (2003). Brittney Adams completed her Bachelor Degree in Political Science from the University of Lethbridge in 2013 and is currently completing her Masters of Arts in Women and Gender Studies. Her M.A thesis titled “Multiple I Do’s” examines the role of feminist knowledge in the 2011 BC Supreme Court ruling on polygamy. Adams has long been involved in political activism in the Lethbridge community and is the Co-Coordinator of the Campus Women’s Centre, as well as a YWCA Board Member. This year, she also became a Board Member with LPIRG and recently, Adams helped organize the Students for Choice action group at the University of Lethbridge. Shannon Ingram recently graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Art in History with Honours. She has been an active member of the Lethbridge community, volunteering on campus for the Women’s Centre and off campus for Womanspace Resource Centre. She has also completed an Applied Study at the Galt Museum & Archives, focusing on the Evolution of Agriculture in Southern Alberta. More recently, Ingram attended the first ever International Conference on Women’s Reproductive Rights in Charlottetown, P.E.I., presenting on the barriers to accessing abortions in Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador. Moderator: Michael Stingl Date: Thursday, November 13, 2014 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm Location: Room PE250, 1st Choice Saving Centre, University of Lethbridge Free event, free parking, everyone welcome. Posters etc. may be displayed outside the room.