Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

This past September, NFL football star for the Baltimore Ravens, Ray Price, was suspended indefinitely after a video circulated showing him beating his (now) wife in an elevator. Sports commentators and others rushed to condemn, and it seemed unanimous – beating your wife will not be tolerated. It is clearly not fashionable or “in” to beat your wife. Does this mean the struggle to overcome domestic violence has been won and can we expect to see such violence fade away to a distant memory? Speaker: Michele Montgomery, BSW, RSW Michele has been with the Government of Alberta since 1984, working in a variety of program areas, predominantly with Family Court and Child Protection. She has been specializing in the area of domestic violence and bullying since 2002 and is passionate about sharing her knowledge and educating the community to create safe environments where children and families can thrive. She is also an avid volunteer, and works full time as the mother of two great kids, with her husband, Bill. Moderator: Bev Muendel-Atherstone Date: Thursday, October 9, 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)

This past September, NFL football star for the Baltimore Ravens, Ray Price, was suspended indefinitely after a video circulated showing him beating his (now) wife in an elevator. Sports commentators and others rushed to condemn, and it seemed unanimous – beating your wife will not be tolerated. It is clearly not fashionable or “in” to beat your wife. Does this mean the struggle to overcome domestic violence has been won and can we expect to see such violence fade away to a distant memory? Speaker: Michele Montgomery, BSW, RSW Michele has been with the Government of Alberta since 1984, working in a variety of program areas, predominantly with Family Court and Child Protection. She has been specializing in the area of domestic violence and bullying since 2002 and is passionate about sharing her knowledge and educating the community to create safe environments where children and families can thrive. She is also an avid volunteer, and works full time as the mother of two great kids, with her husband, Bill. Moderator: Bev Muendel-Atherstone Date: Thursday, October 9, 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 current Lethbridge City Council was elected to serve a four-year term in October 2013. Although much of the effort of City Council is focused on day-to-day, week-to-week governance matters, Council also recognizes that they are largely responsible for the direction of development in the community. With the future of Lethbridge citizens and businesses in mind, City Council has prepared a strategic plan. City Council has utilized the framework of the City’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan/Municipal Development Plan (ICSP/MDP) to establish strategic priorities for the next four years. These priorities will assist the community in realizing the hopes and ideas of Lethbridge residents that were captured in the comprehensive community consultation that drove the contents of the plan. Although this strategic plan is for a four-year term, it is viewed as a living document that can incorporate emerging issues or initiatives. City Council is committed to review and update this plan appropriately. The speaker will elaborate on this and priorities of growth Speaker: Mayor Chris Spearman Along with 38 years of business experience, Chris Spearman has devoted 18 years (1992-2010) to serving on the Holy Spirit School Board including two terms as Board Chair. A vocal opponent of electrical deregulation in Alberta, Chris helped establish the Industrial Association of Southern Alberta in 1983 as a founding member. In 2008, Chris joined the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and has since served on several sub-committees. In addition, Chris served five years on the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Management Advisory Committee and since 2010, he has served on the Board of the Aboriginal Housing Society. Chris also volunteered with several other community organizations including Economic Development Lethbridge (a founding member) and the Rehabilitation Society of Southwestern Alberta (now known as the Ability Resource Centre). Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, October 2, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)

The current Lethbridge City Council was elected to serve a four-year term in October 2013. Although much of the effort of City Council is focused on day-to-day, week-to-week governance matters, Council also recognizes that they are largely responsible for the direction of development in the community. With the future of Lethbridge citizens and businesses in mind, City Council has prepared a strategic plan. City Council has utilized the framework of the City’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan/Municipal Development Plan (ICSP/MDP) to establish strategic priorities for the next four years. These priorities will assist the community in realizing the hopes and ideas of Lethbridge residents that were captured in the comprehensive community consultation that drove the contents of the plan. Although this strategic plan is for a four-year term, it is viewed as a living document that can incorporate emerging issues or initiatives. City Council is committed to review and update this plan appropriately. The speaker will elaborate on this and priorities of growth Speaker: Mayor Chris Spearman Along with 38 years of business experience, Chris Spearman has devoted 18 years (1992-2010) to serving on the Holy Spirit School Board including two terms as Board Chair. A vocal opponent of electrical deregulation in Alberta, Chris helped establish the Industrial Association of Southern Alberta in 1983 as a founding member. In 2008, Chris joined the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and has since served on several sub-committees. In addition, Chris served five years on the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Management Advisory Committee and since 2010, he has served on the Board of the Aboriginal Housing Society. Chris also volunteered with several other community organizations including Economic Development Lethbridge (a founding member) and the Rehabilitation Society of Southwestern Alberta (now known as the Ability Resource Centre). Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, October 2, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)

Many Canadian provinces used to have upper chambers, known as provincial legislative councils; the last one to be abolished was Quebec’s in 1968. If Canadians made it clear they wanted to abolish the federal Senate, how could it be done and would it be wise? It is a particularly difficult question because, in order to be abolished, the Senate itself would have to agree to its own demise and as well, majority provincial agreement would likely be required. The Senate can arguable play a very useful role in legislation, acting as a “sober second thought”, but it has not been well served recently by the appointments of highly partisan Senators. The speaker will articulate her thoughts on the Senate in the context of her own experience as an Independent Senator and the effectiveness of the upper chamber amid evolving controversies. Speaker: Dr. Lois Wilson The Very Reverend, The Honourable Dr Lois Wilson was ordained a United Church minister in 1965, and shared a team congregational ministry for fifteen years with her husband Rev. Dr. Roy Wilson, before becoming the first woman Moderator of the United Church of Canada in 1980. As President of both the Canadian and World Council of Churches, Dr. Wilson visited partner churches in Asia, Latin America, India and Africa as well as being a leading advocate of inter-faith encounters within Canada. She monitored elections in El Salvador, Mexico, Chile, Sri Lanka and Guatemala, and developed a grass roots knowledge of the challenges facing the developing world. Dr. Wilson became a leading advocate of international human rights and Chair of the Board of Rights and Democracy and served a four year appointment as a Member of the Refugee Status Advisory Committee. As an independent Senator in Canada in 1998, she was Canada's Special Envoy to the Sudan, led Government delegations to China and to North Korea, co- founded the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, and co-chaired the Canadian Committee on Women, Peace and Security for the UN, which brought together NGO’s, Governments and Parliamentarians around Resolution 1325 for gender equality. Dr. Wilson was awarded the World Federalist Peace Prize and U.N. (Canada) Pearson Peace Medal. Currently she is Distinguished Minister in Residence at Emmanuel College, Univ of Toronto, a member of the Public Review Board of the CAW, a Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, and an Advisory Board member of Mining Watch (Canada). Previously an Officer of the Order of Canada, Dr. Wilson is one of a few Canadians promoted to the top rank of Companion. Author of 8 books, the most recent one being: I Want to Be in That Number (cool saints I have known), paying tribute to human rights and peace activists Dr. Wilson has known. Moderator: Tad Mitsui Date: Thursday, September 25, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)

Many Canadian provinces used to have upper chambers, known as provincial legislative councils; the last one to be abolished was Quebec’s in 1968. If Canadians made it clear they wanted to abolish the federal Senate, how could it be done and would it be wise? It is a particularly difficult question because, in order to be abolished, the Senate itself would have to agree to its own demise and as well, majority provincial agreement would likely be required. The Senate can arguable play a very useful role in legislation, acting as a “sober second thought”, but it has not been well served recently by the appointments of highly partisan Senators. The speaker will articulate her thoughts on the Senate in the context of her own experience as an Independent Senator and the effectiveness of the upper chamber amid evolving controversies. Speaker: Dr. Lois Wilson The Very Reverend, The Honourable Dr Lois Wilson was ordained a United Church minister in 1965, and shared a team congregational ministry for fifteen years with her husband Rev. Dr. Roy Wilson, before becoming the first woman Moderator of the United Church of Canada in 1980. As President of both the Canadian and World Council of Churches, Dr. Wilson visited partner churches in Asia, Latin America, India and Africa as well as being a leading advocate of inter-faith encounters within Canada. She monitored elections in El Salvador, Mexico, Chile, Sri Lanka and Guatemala, and developed a grass roots knowledge of the challenges facing the developing world. Dr. Wilson became a leading advocate of international human rights and Chair of the Board of Rights and Democracy and served a four year appointment as a Member of the Refugee Status Advisory Committee. As an independent Senator in Canada in 1998, she was Canada's Special Envoy to the Sudan, led Government delegations to China and to North Korea, co- founded the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, and co-chaired the Canadian Committee on Women, Peace and Security for the UN, which brought together NGO’s, Governments and Parliamentarians around Resolution 1325 for gender equality. Dr. Wilson was awarded the World Federalist Peace Prize and U.N. (Canada) Pearson Peace Medal. Currently she is Distinguished Minister in Residence at Emmanuel College, Univ of Toronto, a member of the Public Review Board of the CAW, a Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, and an Advisory Board member of Mining Watch (Canada). Previously an Officer of the Order of Canada, Dr. Wilson is one of a few Canadians promoted to the top rank of Companion. Author of 8 books, the most recent one being: I Want to Be in That Number (cool saints I have known), paying tribute to human rights and peace activists Dr. Wilson has known. Moderator: Tad Mitsui Date: Thursday, September 25, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)

In 1967, Alberta became the first jurisdiction in North America and the tenth in the world to create an ombudsoffice. One of seven Legislative Officers for Alberta, the Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner reports directly to the Legislature and is meant to promote fairness in public administration and investigate complaints from individuals regarding unfair actions or decisions made by provincial government departments, agencies and some professional organizations. The Alberta government may also be credited with blurring the lines of accountability that are so critical to ensuring administrative fairness. 47 years after its creation, Alberta’s ombudsoffice continues its quest to ensure administrative fairness in an era of government restructuring and outsourcing that has produced an increasingly complex administrative environment. The speaker will connect the dots regarding the many aspects of his job and relate to examples of how his office can help in providing assistance to the public. Speaker: Peter Hourihan Peter was sworn in as Alberta’s eighth Ombudsman in October 2011. Originally from Three Hills and later Calgary, Alberta, Peter spent 35 years in the RCMP. His career took him to all provinces in western Canada and the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. An experienced mediator, Peter taught college level courses in Saskatchewan and was involved heavily in the internal RCMP program where he assisted in developing programs and delivering training. He has also worked internationally with the Department of Public Safety in Texas, USA, in the development and implementation of its mandatory mediation program. Additionally, Peter has significant experience as a decision-maker as well as an advisor in the areas of discipline and grievances. Peter has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Athabasca University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Ottawa. He received the Long Service medal in 1996, Bronze Clasp in 2001 and Silver Clasp in 2006. He received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

In 1967, Alberta became the first jurisdiction in North America and the tenth in the world to create an ombudsoffice. One of seven Legislative Officers for Alberta, the Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner reports directly to the Legislature and is meant to promote fairness in public administration and investigate complaints from individuals regarding unfair actions or decisions made by provincial government departments, agencies and some professional organizations. The Alberta government may also be credited with blurring the lines of accountability that are so critical to ensuring administrative fairness. 47 years after its creation, Alberta’s ombudsoffice continues its quest to ensure administrative fairness in an era of government restructuring and outsourcing that has produced an increasingly complex administrative environment. The speaker will connect the dots regarding the many aspects of his job and relate to examples of how his office can help in providing assistance to the public. Speaker: Peter Hourihan Peter was sworn in as Alberta’s eighth Ombudsman in October 2011. Originally from Three Hills and later Calgary, Alberta, Peter spent 35 years in the RCMP. His career took him to all provinces in western Canada and the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. An experienced mediator, Peter taught college level courses in Saskatchewan and was involved heavily in the internal RCMP program where he assisted in developing programs and delivering training. He has also worked internationally with the Department of Public Safety in Texas, USA, in the development and implementation of its mandatory mediation program. Additionally, Peter has significant experience as a decision-maker as well as an advisor in the areas of discipline and grievances. Peter has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Athabasca University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Ottawa. He received the Long Service medal in 1996, Bronze Clasp in 2001 and Silver Clasp in 2006. He received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

Since first coming to office in 2006, and especially since obtaining a majority in the 2011 federal election, the Conservative government of Stephen Harper has steadfastly adopted a range of controversial policies on such things as climate change, crime, drugs, Aboriginal issues, electoral reform, information access, military procurement, statistics, surveillance, taxes, and more recently prostitution. Many of these policies have been pursued without large-scale public engagement or support, and have drawn particularly negative comment from academics, arms-length public officials, social critics, and the judiciary, including most recently the Supreme Court. What is going on? This presentation argues that much of the Conservative party’s policy agenda is pursued not on the basis of good policy, but on the basis of good – or at least winning – politics. Speaker: Dr. Trevor Harrison Dr. Trevor Harrison is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge and Director of Parkland Institute. He was born and raised in Edmonton. He holds a B.A. from the University of Winnipeg, an M.A. from the University of Calgary, and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Alberta. His broad areas of specialty include political sociology, political economy, and public policy. In addition to numerous journal articles and book chapters, Dr. Harrison is the author, co-author, or co-editor of eight books. His op-ed columns frequently appear in national newspapers. Moderator: Terry Shillington Date: Thursday, September 11, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)

Since first coming to office in 2006, and especially since obtaining a majority in the 2011 federal election, the Conservative government of Stephen Harper has steadfastly adopted a range of controversial policies on such things as climate change, crime, drugs, Aboriginal issues, electoral reform, information access, military procurement, statistics, surveillance, taxes, and more recently prostitution. Many of these policies have been pursued without large-scale public engagement or support, and have drawn particularly negative comment from academics, arms-length public officials, social critics, and the judiciary, including most recently the Supreme Court. What is going on? This presentation argues that much of the Conservative party’s policy agenda is pursued not on the basis of good policy, but on the basis of good – or at least winning – politics. Speaker: Dr. Trevor Harrison Dr. Trevor Harrison is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge and Director of Parkland Institute. He was born and raised in Edmonton. He holds a B.A. from the University of Winnipeg, an M.A. from the University of Calgary, and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Alberta. His broad areas of specialty include political sociology, political economy, and public policy. In addition to numerous journal articles and book chapters, Dr. Harrison is the author, co-author, or co-editor of eight books. His op-ed columns frequently appear in national newspapers. Moderator: Terry Shillington Date: Thursday, September 11, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)