Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

In the fall of 2013, Alberta’s Finance Minister Doug Horner announced major changes to the pension plans Alberta's frontline workers in health care, education, emergency services, cities, towns, colleges, and universities pay into. The Labour Coalition on Pensions represents 200,000 frontline workers who pay into Alberta’s public sector pension plans and approximately 90,000 retirees. The Coalition argues that Horner’s proposed changes will slash pension values by more than 25% after 2016 and front-line workers in physically demanding jobs can no longer retire at 60. Are the workplace pensions of the 70s, 80s, and 90s a thing of the past? Will future retirees have any chance at the income security today’s retired people currently enjoy? Are public sector pension plans actually unsustainable, as the Alberta government says they are? The speaker will argue that the battle over pensions chips away at income security for Alberta’s middle class and presents the possibility of significant inter-generational strife when today’s young people are likely to be more retirement-insecure than any generation since the end of WWII. Speaker: Shannon Phillips Shannon Phillips holds an Honours BA in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Alberta. She was Jack Layton’s first Alberta organizer for the federal NDP in 2003. After the 2004 federal election, she moved on to work as the Alberta NDP Director of Communications at the Legislature. Shannon moved to Lethbridge in 2006 when she started a successful consulting practice to NGOs and labour unions and began writing for magazines. She also worked as a TV producer on a CBC Newsworld international affairs show, On the Map with Avi Lewis. Shannon has been nominated for several magazine awards for her publications in AlbertaViews. Shannon has worked for the Alberta Federation of Labour since 2009, where she is a senior policy analyst, focusing on energy economics, Alberta’s labour market, and health care. She is one of the staff behind the Labour Coalition on Pensions campaign, truthaboutalbertapensions.ca Date: Thursday, February 6, 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 the fall of 2013, Alberta’s Finance Minister Doug Horner announced major changes to the pension plans Alberta's frontline workers in health care, education, emergency services, cities, towns, colleges, and universities pay into. The Labour Coalition on Pensions represents 200,000 frontline workers who pay into Alberta’s public sector pension plans and approximately 90,000 retirees. The Coalition argues that Horner’s proposed changes will slash pension values by more than 25% after 2016 and front-line workers in physically demanding jobs can no longer retire at 60. Are the workplace pensions of the 70s, 80s, and 90s a thing of the past? Will future retirees have any chance at the income security today’s retired people currently enjoy? Are public sector pension plans actually unsustainable, as the Alberta government says they are? The speaker will argue that the battle over pensions chips away at income security for Alberta’s middle class and presents the possibility of significant inter-generational strife when today’s young people are likely to be more retirement-insecure than any generation since the end of WWII. Speaker: Shannon Phillips Shannon Phillips holds an Honours BA in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Alberta. She was Jack Layton’s first Alberta organizer for the federal NDP in 2003. After the 2004 federal election, she moved on to work as the Alberta NDP Director of Communications at the Legislature. Shannon moved to Lethbridge in 2006 when she started a successful consulting practice to NGOs and labour unions and began writing for magazines. She also worked as a TV producer on a CBC Newsworld international affairs show, On the Map with Avi Lewis. Shannon has been nominated for several magazine awards for her publications in AlbertaViews. Shannon has worked for the Alberta Federation of Labour since 2009, where she is a senior policy analyst, focusing on energy economics, Alberta’s labour market, and health care. She is one of the staff behind the Labour Coalition on Pensions campaign, truthaboutalbertapensions.ca Date: Thursday, February 6, 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)

For many people, just having money to set aside for savings or investments is a stretch. Then there's the issue of what to do if extra funds are available. Some people will put such funds into relatively safe havens such as GIC’s or bonds but are unsure if these will keep up with inflation. Many retirees have most of their assets in Real Estate and are concerned about rising property taxes and other expenses. Others own stocks directly or through mutual funds and still have the collapse of 2008 fresh in mind. A lot of decisions and choices needs to be made in order to build equity and bolster their retirement accounts. While about 38 percent of Canadians are now covered by fairly adequate workplace pension plans, the long term future of such plans may be in question. In addition, Canada has universal CPP and OAS plans, but they are often insufficient to maintain the lifestyle most pensioner’s desire. For the majority of people retiring, it is therefore incumbent on themselves to have enough investment income to help pay the inevitable bills. The speaker will navigate through the many diverse investment risks and opportunities. What are some of the more contentious issues? What rules govern the tax free RRSP and TFSA investment plans? Are workplace pension plans sufficiently funded for the future demographics? What are some of the structural changes taking place in the investment industry in Canada? Speaker: Shawn Hass Shawn Hass has 17 years of investment industry experience and recently attained the title of Portfolio Manager. He is also a certified Financial Management Advisor (FMA) and Canadian Investment Manager (CIM). In 2005, Shawn and business partner Jenn Marsh formed a wealth management group with the intention of providing unique investment services not previously offered in southern Alberta. Shawn also enjoys implementing charitable giving and estate planning strategies for his clients and their families. In the past he has served as a board member of the Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club and also been active with Southern Alberta Bible Camp, Rotary, and Coaldale Kinsmen Club. Away from the office he enjoys landscaping, playing and coaching hockey and spending time camping with his wife Amy and four young children. Moderator: Knud Petersen Date: Thursday, January 30, 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)

For many people, just having money to set aside for savings or investments is a stretch. Then there's the issue of what to do if extra funds are available. Some people will put such funds into relatively safe havens such as GIC’s or bonds but are unsure if these will keep up with inflation. Many retirees have most of their assets in Real Estate and are concerned about rising property taxes and other expenses. Others own stocks directly or through mutual funds and still have the collapse of 2008 fresh in mind. A lot of decisions and choices needs to be made in order to build equity and bolster their retirement accounts. While about 38 percent of Canadians are now covered by fairly adequate workplace pension plans, the long term future of such plans may be in question. In addition, Canada has universal CPP and OAS plans, but they are often insufficient to maintain the lifestyle most pensioner’s desire. For the majority of people retiring, it is therefore incumbent on themselves to have enough investment income to help pay the inevitable bills. The speaker will navigate through the many diverse investment risks and opportunities. What are some of the more contentious issues? What rules govern the tax free RRSP and TFSA investment plans? Are workplace pension plans sufficiently funded for the future demographics? What are some of the structural changes taking place in the investment industry in Canada? Speaker: Shawn Hass Shawn Hass has 17 years of investment industry experience and recently attained the title of Portfolio Manager. He is also a certified Financial Management Advisor (FMA) and Canadian Investment Manager (CIM). In 2005, Shawn and business partner Jenn Marsh formed a wealth management group with the intention of providing unique investment services not previously offered in southern Alberta. Shawn also enjoys implementing charitable giving and estate planning strategies for his clients and their families. In the past he has served as a board member of the Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club and also been active with Southern Alberta Bible Camp, Rotary, and Coaldale Kinsmen Club. Away from the office he enjoys landscaping, playing and coaching hockey and spending time camping with his wife Amy and four young children. Moderator: Knud Petersen Date: Thursday, January 30, 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)

It is largely accepted that our society will have to face the reality of climate change. The repercussions from shifts in our climate arguable include alteration of crop patterns, increasing sea levels and severe weather conditions. The process of global warming is believed to be exacerbated by anthropogenic (human) influence, mainly the combustion of fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when burned. The use of biofuels made from existing biomass are considered to be “carbon neutral”, meaning that unlike their petroleum counterparts, they are not contributing to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since they are made from carbon sources that are cyclically occurring in our ecosystem. Biodiesel is quite effective at reducing carbon dioxide emissions. For each litre of biodiesel consumed, the accepted value of this reduction is 92% when compared to petroleum diesel. This translates into a 161,000 metric tonnes of reductions yearly from the Kyoto biofuel facility, the equivalent of 31,500 cars off the road. The speaker will argue biodiesel represents a shift towards sustainability in the transportation industry. Since it is made from waste greases, animal fats and oilseed crops etc., biodiesel is renewable in nature. Speaker: Kelsey Prenevost Kelsey is President of Kyoto Fuels Corporation, a company providing biodiesel and other alternative fuels to Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. He graduated from the University of Victoria with a BSc. in Biology and a minor in Biochemistry and Microbiology. He has over twelve years’ experience in the Biotechnology sector working with organizations such as the University of Victoria, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the University of Alberta. Kelsey taught Environmental Issues and Microbiology at Lethbridge College for three years and was also the President of the Southern Alberta Group for the Environment (SAGE) from 2003-07. He sits on the Technical Advisory Committee of Light Up the World Foundation (“LUTW”), a non-profit organization based in Calgary that promotes renewable energy projects in developing communities around the globe. Moderator: Bev Muendel-Atherstone

It is largely accepted that our society will have to face the reality of climate change. The repercussions from shifts in our climate arguable include alteration of crop patterns, increasing sea levels and severe weather conditions. The process of global warming is believed to be exacerbated by anthropogenic (human) influence, mainly the combustion of fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when burned. The use of biofuels made from existing biomass are considered to be “carbon neutral”, meaning that unlike their petroleum counterparts, they are not contributing to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since they are made from carbon sources that are cyclically occurring in our ecosystem. Biodiesel is quite effective at reducing carbon dioxide emissions. For each litre of biodiesel consumed, the accepted value of this reduction is 92% when compared to petroleum diesel. This translates into a 161,000 metric tonnes of reductions yearly from the Kyoto biofuel facility, the equivalent of 31,500 cars off the road. The speaker will argue biodiesel represents a shift towards sustainability in the transportation industry. Since it is made from waste greases, animal fats and oilseed crops etc., biodiesel is renewable in nature. Speaker: Kelsey Prenevost Kelsey is President of Kyoto Fuels Corporation, a company providing biodiesel and other alternative fuels to Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. He graduated from the University of Victoria with a BSc. in Biology and a minor in Biochemistry and Microbiology. He has over twelve years’ experience in the Biotechnology sector working with organizations such as the University of Victoria, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the University of Alberta. Kelsey taught Environmental Issues and Microbiology at Lethbridge College for three years and was also the President of the Southern Alberta Group for the Environment (SAGE) from 2003-07. He sits on the Technical Advisory Committee of Light Up the World Foundation (“LUTW”), a non-profit organization based in Calgary that promotes renewable energy projects in developing communities around the globe. Moderator: Bev Muendel-Atherstone

Recent shooting incidents by the Toronto police have highlighted concerns about how our Canadian police use force. Was it for example good judgment when a cop fired multiple shots into a streetcar killing a sole occupant last July and was it an isolated incident or a sign of a disturbing pattern when RCMP officers tasered an unarmed Robert Dziekanski, who later died, in the Vancouver Airport a few year earlier? The speaker will rely on his decades of experience as a lawyer and judge to explore this issue. What are the guidelines for police in the use of force? Should the Lethbridge and Canadian public be concerned about police using force casually and inappropriately? What background should we be aware of in these incidents? What are the long term trends concerning police and law enforcement use of force? Speaker: Vaughan Hembroff LL.B. Vaughan Hembroff has been a justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench in Alberta since 1991 after practicing law for 28 years prior. He graduated from the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute high school in 1955 and received his B.A. in political science and English at University of British Columbia before completing his law degree there also. Among his many law related volunteer positions, Hembroff has been President of the Lethbridge Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of Alberta. He also served the Lethbridge community as an Alderman on City Council for three terms and was board member and President of the Lethbridge YMCA. Since 1963, he has been a member of Lethbridge Y’s Men Club. In 2003, Hembroff was presented with the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal commemorating Elizabeth’s 50th year as Queen of Great Britain.

Recent shooting incidents by the Toronto police have highlighted concerns about how our Canadian police use force. Was it for example good judgment when a cop fired multiple shots into a streetcar killing a sole occupant last July and was it an isolated incident or a sign of a disturbing pattern when RCMP officers tasered an unarmed Robert Dziekanski, who later died, in the Vancouver Airport a few year earlier? The speaker will rely on his decades of experience as a lawyer and judge to explore this issue. What are the guidelines for police in the use of force? Should the Lethbridge and Canadian public be concerned about police using force casually and inappropriately? What background should we be aware of in these incidents? What are the long term trends concerning police and law enforcement use of force? Speaker: Vaughan Hembroff LL.B. Vaughan Hembroff has been a justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench in Alberta since 1991 after practicing law for 28 years prior. He graduated from the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute high school in 1955 and received his B.A. in political science and English at University of British Columbia before completing his law degree there also. Among his many law related volunteer positions, Hembroff has been President of the Lethbridge Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of Alberta. He also served the Lethbridge community as an Alderman on City Council for three terms and was board member and President of the Lethbridge YMCA. Since 1963, he has been a member of Lethbridge Y’s Men Club. In 2003, Hembroff was presented with the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal commemorating Elizabeth’s 50th year as Queen of Great Britain.

Alberta has one of the most diverse school systems in the world. Its public schools offer a range of specialized alternative programs, from sports academies, to language immersion programs, to faith-based schools. If you are a Christian in this province, you can send your children to fully-funded Catholic schools and in many school districts, you can send your children to equally-funded Logos programs, which use non-denominational Christian curriculum and teach the Christian faith on a daily basis. In some school districts, you can send your child to a fully-funded, formerly private, Christian school, which has chosen to affiliate with the public system. Finally you can send your children to a “private” Christian school, one which receives provincial funding up to 70% of the per student grant that would go to a public school. It could therefore be argued that committed Christians have plenty of opportunities to send their kids to schools of their choice and not expect a secular public school system to accommodate certain religious exercises. One example is the recent controversy involving the expectation that students recite the explicitly Christian Lord’s Prayer piped in over the public address system for everyone to hear in a Taber public school. The speaker will provide background information and her perspective on the issue of religion in public schools.

Alberta has one of the most diverse school systems in the world. Its public schools offer a range of specialized alternative programs, from sports academies, to language immersion programs, to faith-based schools. If you are a Christian in this province, you can send your children to fully-funded Catholic schools and in many school districts, you can send your children to equally-funded Logos programs, which use non-denominational Christian curriculum and teach the Christian faith on a daily basis. In some school districts, you can send your child to a fully-funded, formerly private, Christian school, which has chosen to affiliate with the public system. Finally you can send your children to a “private” Christian school, one which receives provincial funding up to 70% of the per student grant that would go to a public school. It could therefore be argued that committed Christians have plenty of opportunities to send their kids to schools of their choice and not expect a secular public school system to accommodate certain religious exercises. One example is the recent controversy involving the expectation that students recite the explicitly Christian Lord’s Prayer piped in over the public address system for everyone to hear in a Taber public school. The speaker will provide background information and her perspective on the issue of religion in public schools.