Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

In the last municipal election in Lethbridge fewer than 30% of the population bothered to vote despite a staggering 29 candidates vying for the 8 council positions. How is it that a robust campaign with so many candidates did not generate a stronger voter interest? Some candidates argued for a ward system to be brought to Lethbridge to make it easier for voters to make their choices but others argued that Lethbridge should remain an at-large system. Red Deer actually had a referendum on the matter during this election but declined to move to a ward system. In Calgary and Edmonton the role of developers and the influence of political financing proved to be central election questions, questions that did not escape the Lethbridge election either. What is the role of money, financing rules, and special interest groups in the democratic process? Do we need more regulations or are the current rules about post-election disclosure sufficient? The speaker will consider these questions as he reviews the 2013 Municipal elections in Alberta. Speaker: Paul Fairie Dr. Paul Fairie graduated with his PhD in Political Science from the University of Calgary on November 12, 2013 so this marks his first public speech post-doctorate. He has taught a municipal politics course at the University of Calgary for a number of years and was a favorite commentator on all forms of media for the Municipal elections of 2013 in Calgary. He is currently setting up a consulting firm in Calgary. Date: Thursday, November 21, 2013 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)

One year ago, four women in Saskatchewan began exchanging emails about the Harper Governments omnibus budget Bill C-45, better known as the Jobs and Growth Act, which had just been introduced in Ottawa. Jessica Gordon, Sheelah McLean, Sylvia McAdams and Nina Wilson were concerned the bill would erode indigenous rights. They decided to organize an event in Saskatoon, set for Nov. 10, and to help spread the word they turned to Facebook. They chose to call the page "Idle No More" as a motivational slogan. Bill C-45 changes legislation contained in 64 acts or regulations. The acts that most concern the Idle No More movement and many other groups are changes to the Indian Act, Navigation Protection Act (former Navigable Waters Protection Act) and Environmental Assessment Act. In addition to the changes, those involved in the movement were angered by what they call a lack of consultation with indigenous peoples. The movement has also expresses concern about other acts and bills from the Harper government, all of which if passed into law, could seriously jeopardize indigenous peoples culture and heritage. The speaker will draw attention to questionable conduct displayed by Governments, both provincial and federal. Peaceful actions by the Elsipogtog First Nations peoples in New Brunswick to protect their unceded territory from shale gas exploration, using fracking, was allegedly violated during the recent violent confrontation involving the RCMP, who acted on a Court of Queen’s Bench injunction. The court later lifted Southwestern Energy's (SWN) injunction. The original injunction was filed by the Texas based company to end the blockade protecting Mi’kmaq traditional territory from fracking. Speaker: Lori Brave Rock Lori Brave Rock is an enrolled member of both the Blood Tribe here in Alberta and the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana; both tribes are a part of the Blackfoot Confederacy which extends up to Calgary and beyond. She is a self-employed stained glass artist and an activist within the Idle No More movement. Raised traditionally, Lori learned the importance of the relationship Blackfoot people have with their lands, waters, plants and animals and their sacred place within this culture. In the spirit of First Nations as the true stewards of the lands and waters, she urges everyone to become educated on the many environmental issues facing us, including fracking and to take an active role protecting all that we hold dear for the benefit of future generations. Moderator: Christina Cuthbertson Date: Thursday, November 14, 2013 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)

One year ago, four women in Saskatchewan began exchanging emails about the Harper Governments omnibus budget Bill C-45, better known as the Jobs and Growth Act, which had just been introduced in Ottawa. Jessica Gordon, Sheelah McLean, Sylvia McAdams and Nina Wilson were concerned the bill would erode indigenous rights. They decided to organize an event in Saskatoon, set for Nov. 10, and to help spread the word they turned to Facebook. They chose to call the page "Idle No More" as a motivational slogan. Bill C-45 changes legislation contained in 64 acts or regulations. The acts that most concern the Idle No More movement and many other groups are changes to the Indian Act, Navigation Protection Act (former Navigable Waters Protection Act) and Environmental Assessment Act. In addition to the changes, those involved in the movement were angered by what they call a lack of consultation with indigenous peoples. The movement has also expresses concern about other acts and bills from the Harper government, all of which if passed into law, could seriously jeopardize indigenous peoples culture and heritage. The speaker will draw attention to questionable conduct displayed by Governments, both provincial and federal. Peaceful actions by the Elsipogtog First Nations peoples in New Brunswick to protect their unceded territory from shale gas exploration, using fracking, was allegedly violated during the recent violent confrontation involving the RCMP, who acted on a Court of Queen’s Bench injunction. The court later lifted Southwestern Energy's (SWN) injunction. The original injunction was filed by the Texas based company to end the blockade protecting Mi’kmaq traditional territory from fracking. Speaker: Lori Brave Rock Lori Brave Rock is an enrolled member of both the Blood Tribe here in Alberta and the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana; both tribes are a part of the Blackfoot Confederacy which extends up to Calgary and beyond. She is a self-employed stained glass artist and an activist within the Idle No More movement. Raised traditionally, Lori learned the importance of the relationship Blackfoot people have with their lands, waters, plants and animals and their sacred place within this culture. In the spirit of First Nations as the true stewards of the lands and waters, she urges everyone to become educated on the many environmental issues facing us, including fracking and to take an active role protecting all that we hold dear for the benefit of future generations. Moderator: Christina Cuthbertson Date: Thursday, November 14, 2013 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)

Alberta Health Services (AHS) officials are asking residents of southern Alberta to get their children immunized as the best way to defend against a potential measles outbreak. With some towns reporting less than 70 per cent measles vaccination rates, AHS officials say misinformation about the effectiveness of vaccines may be to blame and could be putting children at risk, particularly the very young. With immunization being a free choice, some people choose not to vaccinate their children thinking there are risks associated with such, however vaccines are generally credited with being reasonable safe, effective and one of the best methods in which societies can reduce mortality in children. Are there any good reasons for not getting vaccinated? Recent outbreaks in Ontario and British Columbia of measles and whooping cough have health officials concerned an outbreak here could be imminent. The speaker will argue that very high immunization rates can protect our entire population through “herd immunity”, the critical mass needed to stop the spread of communicable diseases including measles, whooping cough and influenza. Speaker: Dr. Vivien Suttorp Dr. Vivien Suttorp is the South Zone Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Health Services Thursday Nov 7 from 12- 1:30pm at Country Kitchen Catering, basement of the Keg Restaurant on Mayor Magrath Drive.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) officials are asking residents of southern Alberta to get their children immunized as the best way to defend against a potential measles outbreak. With some towns reporting less than 70 per cent measles vaccination rates, AHS officials say misinformation about the effectiveness of vaccines may be to blame and could be putting children at risk, particularly the very young. With immunization being a free choice, some people choose not to vaccinate their children thinking there are risks associated with such, however vaccines are generally credited with being reasonable safe, effective and one of the best methods in which societies can reduce mortality in children. Are there any good reasons for not getting vaccinated? Recent outbreaks in Ontario and British Columbia of measles and whooping cough have health officials concerned an outbreak here could be imminent. The speaker will argue that very high immunization rates can protect our entire population through “herd immunity”, the critical mass needed to stop the spread of communicable diseases including measles, whooping cough and influenza. Speaker: Dr. Vivien Suttorp Dr. Vivien Suttorp is the South Zone Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Health Services Thursday Nov 7 from 12- 1:30pm at Country Kitchen Catering, basement of the Keg Restaurant on Mayor Magrath Drive.

Dr. Seuss composed the children's story, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," in which a mean old critter attempted to steal Christmas from a family, only to have a change of heart. The question may be posed whether the present form of Halloween is an expression of another theft. Since the Middle Ages, Halloween was part of a three-day festival. Various Celtic influences imported themselves into the festival, making it joyful and/or spooky. As time has gone by, a great variety of customs and practices began to colour the event. Commercialization and media hype have had a big influence on Halloween in recent years. If you have not visited Halloween Alley in Lethbridge around Center Village Mall, you should, just to see the potential for this Halloween. Various individuals and groups have tried to redeem the way in which Halloween is overdone. Nevertheless, absurd and extreme practices continue, which may be the reason why some are quite serious in opposing the day altogether. Finally, what does it mean for a festival to lose its roots, as is the case with Halloween and many other festivals? Speaker: Austin Fennell Dr. Austin Fennell is a retired minister of the United Church. He has chaired the SACPA Board for a few years, as well as the Lethbridge Symphony Association, and the Board of the United Church Historical Society. He is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, St. Andrew's College and the University of Glasgow (Ph.D.) More recently he has been engaged in researching various aspects of Lethbridge History, publishing a book in 2011 on the early years of Southminster United Church. Moderator: Terry Shillington Date: Thursday, October 31, 2013 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

Dr. Seuss composed the children's story, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," in which a mean old critter attempted to steal Christmas from a family, only to have a change of heart. The question may be posed whether the present form of Halloween is an expression of another theft. Since the Middle Ages, Halloween was part of a three-day festival. Various Celtic influences imported themselves into the festival, making it joyful and/or spooky. As time has gone by, a great variety of customs and practices began to colour the event. Commercialization and media hype have had a big influence on Halloween in recent years. If you have not visited Halloween Alley in Lethbridge around Center Village Mall, you should, just to see the potential for this Halloween. Various individuals and groups have tried to redeem the way in which Halloween is overdone. Nevertheless, absurd and extreme practices continue, which may be the reason why some are quite serious in opposing the day altogether. Finally, what does it mean for a festival to lose its roots, as is the case with Halloween and many other festivals? Speaker: Austin Fennell Dr. Austin Fennell is a retired minister of the United Church. He has chaired the SACPA Board for a few years, as well as the Lethbridge Symphony Association, and the Board of the United Church Historical Society. He is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, St. Andrew's College and the University of Glasgow (Ph.D.) More recently he has been engaged in researching various aspects of Lethbridge History, publishing a book in 2011 on the early years of Southminster United Church. Moderator: Terry Shillington Date: Thursday, October 31, 2013 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

It’s a topic we’re really not comfortable discussing, but it’s just not going away. With a constitutional court challenge in BC and legislation pending in Quebec, the question of whether Canadians should be able to choose medical help to die when they are at the end of life is one of the most significant civil rights issues of our time. The speaker will be addressing this issue from a variety of perspectives including the language of the debate, the logic of the arguments, the legal principles at stake, the evidence from experience and the impact on those working with the sick and dying. Speaker: Wanda Morris Wanda Morris is Executive Director of Dying With Dignity. She has been involved in the right to die movement for many years, including making a submission to the Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care and acting as a witness in the recent Gloria Taylor case in BC. Ms. Morris is a Chartered Accountant, a former member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and holds a Master of Arts Degree in Transforming Spirituality. Dying With Dignity (DWD) is a national charity with over 2400 members and supporters and a 30 year history of improving quality of dying. DWD supports those who want a gentle death by informing them of their rights and options, and expanding their end-of-life choices.

It’s a topic we’re really not comfortable discussing, but it’s just not going away. With a constitutional court challenge in BC and legislation pending in Quebec, the question of whether Canadians should be able to choose medical help to die when they are at the end of life is one of the most significant civil rights issues of our time. The speaker will be addressing this issue from a variety of perspectives including the language of the debate, the logic of the arguments, the legal principles at stake, the evidence from experience and the impact on those working with the sick and dying. Speaker: Wanda Morris Wanda Morris is Executive Director of Dying With Dignity. She has been involved in the right to die movement for many years, including making a submission to the Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care and acting as a witness in the recent Gloria Taylor case in BC. Ms. Morris is a Chartered Accountant, a former member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and holds a Master of Arts Degree in Transforming Spirituality. Dying With Dignity (DWD) is a national charity with over 2400 members and supporters and a 30 year history of improving quality of dying. DWD supports those who want a gentle death by informing them of their rights and options, and expanding their end-of-life choices.

The answers to these questions are clear but not widely known. Juries are completely free to return any verdict they wish to return. Juries are not constrained in this by the law. There is no penalty for coming to whatever verdict the jury wishes to come to. Coming to a verdict which is at odds with the letter of the law is called jury nullification. Juries can, in effect, nullify the law. Juries, in regard to their verdicts, are free of the law and of judicial instruction. Jury nullification is not a frequent occurrence, but arises in cases where the law seems at odds with justice. The most famous case in Canada was that of Henry Morgentaler, who was tried four times for conducting abortions in the 1970s and 80s when this was clearly illegal. There was no question that Morgentaler had conducted abortions in defiance of the law; he publicly admitted to having conducted thousands of them and even conducted one on television. But none of his four juries would convict him. Why don’t more people know about this power of jury nullification? Most judges want juries to follow the law and render verdicts accordingly, and they do everything they can to suppress the possibility of juries acting independently of the law. That is understandable: judges are agents of the legal system and their job is to make the system work. So they correctly emphasize the law in their instructions to juries. We ought not to expect them to do otherwise. It would seem reasonable then, that defense lawyers could tell juries that they have this right. But in Canada, lawyers are prohibited from mentioning that possibility to juries. It is all a big secret and as such, it is not available to most juries. If they do not know about this power they cannot use it. The speaker will contend that some Canadian defendants may be blocked from having the benefit of an independent jury, which arguable could be a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Speaker: Gary Bauslaugh Gary Bauslaugh is a writer and editor who spent many years as teacher and administrator in the BC College and University system, ending with a stint in 1994 to 98 as CEO of a Provincial education agency. Bauslaugh, who has a PhD in Chemistry from McGill, has written scientific research papers as well as many articles for various publications such as The Skeptical Inquirer, The Humanist, Humanist Perspectives, University Affairs and Policy Options. In the early 2000’s he wrote a series of seventeen op ed articles for the Vancouver Sun. He was Editor of the magazine Humanist Perspectives (previously The Humanist in Canada) from 2003 to 2008. His boo