Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Science fiction and science are deeply intertwined. From the space race to nanotechnology scientists are following the predictions of science fiction. This talk will discuss how science fiction has predicted and influenced science and technology. Prof. Jason Donev from the University of Calgary will provide a whirlwind tour of science fiction in books, movies and television and how our world is different as a result. The talk will also explore how Star Trek, H.G. Wells, Michael Crichton, and even CSI influence how we look at science, technology and scientists. Speaker: Jason Donev Dr. Jason Donev is a professor in the department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Calgary. He studies how people learn science and teaches about energy issues, especially nuclear power. A long time geek he has enjoyed seeing the interplay between science fact and science fiction. Dr. Donev is also the official mad scientist for the Canadian science fiction and fantasy publishing house, Tyche Books.

The Board of Directors of Lethbridge and District Exhibition approved a development plan for Exhibition Park that represents 3 years of comprehensive examination, including a financial review, facility condition audit of all buildings, needs and market assessments, and a multiple accounts evaluation framework study to arrive at the preferred site for redevelopment. Along with conceptual designs of a new Trade and Convention Centre and Agriplex, the redevelopment plan contains a thoroughly vetted business case that demonstrates long-term sustainability. The Lethbridge and District Exhibition has taken the Redevelopment Plan to Lethbridge City Council on March 25 and requested $25 million from the CIP. The provincial and federal governments are being asked to each contribute $25 million and the Exhibition and partners will contribute the other $15 million for a total price tag of $90 million. Will the redevelopment be worth the contribution from Lethbridge taxpayers? What value does the Exhibition bring to Southern Alberta? Speaker: Rudy Friesen Rudy was raised on a farm south of Saskatoon. After attending the University of Saskatchewan, he returned to the farm in the mid 1980s to find the economy less than ideal so he pursued other interests, including six years in radio, followed by work as the Executive Director of two different non-profit agricultural education and advocacy organizations. This led him to the Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, where his career in the exhibition industry began as Prairieland’s Agriculture Manager in 1993. He served as President of the Board of the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions in 1995/96. In 1999, Rudy moved to the Swift Current Exhibition as General Manager and in 2002 he became General Manager at Exhibition Park in Lethbridge. He continues to support the efforts of the exhibition industry throughout North America having served five years on the Board of the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, including a term as President, and two years as the Canadian Associations appointment to the International Association of Fairs and Exhibitions.

The Board of Directors of Lethbridge and District Exhibition approved a development plan for Exhibition Park that represents 3 years of comprehensive examination, including a financial review, facility condition audit of all buildings, needs and market assessments, and a multiple accounts evaluation framework study to arrive at the preferred site for redevelopment. Along with conceptual designs of a new Trade and Convention Centre and Agriplex, the redevelopment plan contains a thoroughly vetted business case that demonstrates long-term sustainability. The Lethbridge and District Exhibition has taken the Redevelopment Plan to Lethbridge City Council on March 25 and requested $25 million from the CIP. The provincial and federal governments are being asked to each contribute $25 million and the Exhibition and partners will contribute the other $15 million for a total price tag of $90 million. Will the redevelopment be worth the contribution from Lethbridge taxpayers? What value does the Exhibition bring to Southern Alberta? Speaker: Rudy Friesen Rudy was raised on a farm south of Saskatoon. After attending the University of Saskatchewan, he returned to the farm in the mid 1980s to find the economy less than ideal so he pursued other interests, including six years in radio, followed by work as the Executive Director of two different non-profit agricultural education and advocacy organizations. This led him to the Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, where his career in the exhibition industry began as Prairieland’s Agriculture Manager in 1993. He served as President of the Board of the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions in 1995/96. In 1999, Rudy moved to the Swift Current Exhibition as General Manager and in 2002 he became General Manager at Exhibition Park in Lethbridge. He continues to support the efforts of the exhibition industry throughout North America having served five years on the Board of the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, including a term as President, and two years as the Canadian Associations appointment to the International Association of Fairs and Exhibitions.

The face of news is changing. It is estimated that 46% of people get their news online at least three times a week and almost every news entity has turned to virtual media to keep up with the demand. Online news revenue now generates more than print newspaper revenue and over 50% of people have learned about breaking news through social media rather than official news sources. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+ and other social media platforms make sharing and accessing the news easier than ever while mobile phones and devices mean that we can be constantly “tuned in” and connected. What implications do these technologies and new ways of exchanging information have for the future of journalism? The ongoing transition from print to digital and the rise of the amateur “citizen journalist” are events that have been assessed quite critically. Now that any one of us can act in an immediate journalistic role, questions arise around legitimacy and accountability. Almost 50% of people reported that they received a “breaking news” update through social media that was later discovered to be false or incorrect. Who takes the blame when a false story goes “viral” on the internet? When high-profile news outlets participate in social media and every news anchor reports through a Twitter handle alongside citizen journalists, how should the legitimacy of news stories be accessed? The speaker will discuss the legitimacy of non-institutional news reporting and how outlets of such news might be held to higher standard if something goes wrong. He will also attempt to address how larger media outlets can be held accountable for their reporting and what citizen journalism has meant in the coverage and evaluation of news in Lethbridge. Speaker: Kim Siever Kim Siever has been writing and editing for over 25 years. He recently completed a bachelor’s degree in dramatic arts at the University of Lethbridge and is pursuing a master’s degree in English. Kim runs a communications consulting company, Hot Pepper Communications, specializing in copywriting, copy editing, and social media management. Kim is also the editor-in-chief of Lethbridge News, an independent, citizen journalism news outlet in Lethbridge. He and a handful of people dedicated to breaking, independent news started the service in 2010. Since its inception, Lethbridge News has grown to incorporate about a dozen volunteers, and it has over 10,000 readers on social media- more than any other local news outlet.

The face of news is changing. It is estimated that 46% of people get their news online at least three times a week and almost every news entity has turned to virtual media to keep up with the demand. Online news revenue now generates more than print newspaper revenue and over 50% of people have learned about breaking news through social media rather than official news sources. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+ and other social media platforms make sharing and accessing the news easier than ever while mobile phones and devices mean that we can be constantly “tuned in” and connected. What implications do these technologies and new ways of exchanging information have for the future of journalism? The ongoing transition from print to digital and the rise of the amateur “citizen journalist” are events that have been assessed quite critically. Now that any one of us can act in an immediate journalistic role, questions arise around legitimacy and accountability. Almost 50% of people reported that they received a “breaking news” update through social media that was later discovered to be false or incorrect. Who takes the blame when a false story goes “viral” on the internet? When high-profile news outlets participate in social media and every news anchor reports through a Twitter handle alongside citizen journalists, how should the legitimacy of news stories be accessed? The speaker will discuss the legitimacy of non-institutional news reporting and how outlets of such news might be held to higher standard if something goes wrong. He will also attempt to address how larger media outlets can be held accountable for their reporting and what citizen journalism has meant in the coverage and evaluation of news in Lethbridge. Speaker: Kim Siever Kim Siever has been writing and editing for over 25 years. He recently completed a bachelor’s degree in dramatic arts at the University of Lethbridge and is pursuing a master’s degree in English. Kim runs a communications consulting company, Hot Pepper Communications, specializing in copywriting, copy editing, and social media management. Kim is also the editor-in-chief of Lethbridge News, an independent, citizen journalism news outlet in Lethbridge. He and a handful of people dedicated to breaking, independent news started the service in 2010. Since its inception, Lethbridge News has grown to incorporate about a dozen volunteers, and it has over 10,000 readers on social media- more than any other local news outlet.

In February, Pope Benedict surprised the Church and the world with his resignation. Now the Church has met and named Pope Francis as the new Pope. This is a significant window of opportunity for the Church. Does it signal a move to a more liberal and progressive Church? Will we notice any change at all on key issues -- such as controversial social issues, women in the priesthood, and a host of other questions? The speaker is a keen observer of the Roman Catholic Church. She will assess the factions and movements that have let to this pope's election. She will try to peer into the future, as to where the Church is now heading. Speaker: Rev'd Canon Erin Phillips Erin Phillips is the chaplain for Ecumenical Campus Ministry at the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College and the incumbent priest at the Anglican Church of the Ascension in the Coaldale Chaplain for eighteen years, Erin has also taught courses in Religious Studies, History and Sociology at the university since 1992. After doing a Masters degree at Wilfrid Laurier University where her thesis was a study of the impact of Vatican II on the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society, she did five years of doctoral work at McMaster University. There her studies centered on Karl Rahner, one of the theological architects of Vatican II. She spent a year studying theology in Germany at the Universitaet Tuebingen but has recently discovered her soul's home in Italy.

In February, Pope Benedict surprised the Church and the world with his resignation. Now the Church has met and named Pope Francis as the new Pope. This is a significant window of opportunity for the Church. Does it signal a move to a more liberal and progressive Church? Will we notice any change at all on key issues -- such as controversial social issues, women in the priesthood, and a host of other questions? The speaker is a keen observer of the Roman Catholic Church. She will assess the factions and movements that have let to this pope's election. She will try to peer into the future, as to where the Church is now heading. Speaker: Rev'd Canon Erin Phillips Erin Phillips is the chaplain for Ecumenical Campus Ministry at the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College and the incumbent priest at the Anglican Church of the Ascension in the Coaldale Chaplain for eighteen years, Erin has also taught courses in Religious Studies, History and Sociology at the university since 1992. After doing a Masters degree at Wilfrid Laurier University where her thesis was a study of the impact of Vatican II on the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society, she did five years of doctoral work at McMaster University. There her studies centered on Karl Rahner, one of the theological architects of Vatican II. She spent a year studying theology in Germany at the Universitaet Tuebingen but has recently discovered her soul's home in Italy.

Though only 30km wide and 24% of the area of the Oldman watershed, the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains provides 90% of the water - they are our headwaters - the source of water that feeds our streams, lakes and groundwater. The intensity of use in the headwaters has increased and this trend is expected to continue. The community is concerned about the cumulative impact of recreation, logging, oil and gas, grazing and other land uses. Concerns relate to water quality, fragmented fish and wildlife habitat and changes in water flow. The Oldman Watershed Council has set a goal to “manage and protect the integrity of headwaters and source waters” and is currently creating an action plan to achieve it. This goal is 1 of 8 goals in a collaborative, community led Integrated Watershed Management Planning process. To engage residents in protecting the headwaters, the Oldman Watershed Council and Water Matters have organized a series of 18 “Source to Tap” community meetings to discuss issues in the headwaters, hear what positive stewardship actions are already occurring and identify practical solutions. The speaker will highlight the major themes from these community meetings, will share the results from a new report on the health of the headwaters and explain how the Integrated Watershed Management Planning process can provide solutions. Speaker: Shannon Frank Shannon Frank is the Executive Director of the Oldman Watershed Council, a not-for-profit organization working to maintain and improve the Oldman watershed. The OWC has a broad range of members and supporters in order to represent all residents of the Oldman watershed for the long-term benefit of people, wildlife and habitat. Shannon attended the University of Lethbridge for a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science. She previously worked for Alberta Fish and Wildlife on the multiple species at risk program, MultiSAR.

Though only 30km wide and 24% of the area of the Oldman watershed, the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains provides 90% of the water - they are our headwaters - the source of water that feeds our streams, lakes and groundwater. The intensity of use in the headwaters has increased and this trend is expected to continue. The community is concerned about the cumulative impact of recreation, logging, oil and gas, grazing and other land uses. Concerns relate to water quality, fragmented fish and wildlife habitat and changes in water flow. The Oldman Watershed Council has set a goal to “manage and protect the integrity of headwaters and source waters” and is currently creating an action plan to achieve it. This goal is 1 of 8 goals in a collaborative, community led Integrated Watershed Management Planning process. To engage residents in protecting the headwaters, the Oldman Watershed Council and Water Matters have organized a series of 18 “Source to Tap” community meetings to discuss issues in the headwaters, hear what positive stewardship actions are already occurring and identify practical solutions. The speaker will highlight the major themes from these community meetings, will share the results from a new report on the health of the headwaters and explain how the Integrated Watershed Management Planning process can provide solutions. Speaker: Shannon Frank Shannon Frank is the Executive Director of the Oldman Watershed Council, a not-for-profit organization working to maintain and improve the Oldman watershed. The OWC has a broad range of members and supporters in order to represent all residents of the Oldman watershed for the long-term benefit of people, wildlife and habitat. Shannon attended the University of Lethbridge for a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science. She previously worked for Alberta Fish and Wildlife on the multiple species at risk program, MultiSAR.

Alberta is blessed with abundant and lucrative natural resources. The province is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in quality of life and wellbeing. Is it not time to ensure that all Albertans share in the province’s wealth? Albertans from across the income spectrum benefit from efforts to reduce disparity. Disparity erodes social and economic wellbeing for everyone across the income spectrum. Prominent national and international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Conference Board of Canada agree that pronounced inequality has a negative impact on the economy. Recent research has made clear that reduced income inequality improves the efficiency and duration of economic growth. Other research clearly shows that inequality is correlated with numerous social challenges and negatively affects the quality of life of all Albertans. A recent report reveals that Alberta’s social programs and income transfer systems have not kept up with growing disparity and have failed to address the structural causes of Alberta’s social and economic disparity. The speaker will explain that Alberta’s top 1 percent are by far the wealthiest in the nation, while at the bottom Alberta has the most intense poverty, characterized by several factors, including a boom and bust economy. Speaker: David Campanella David Campanella is the Public Policy Research Manager for the Parkland Institute and is based in Calgary. In 2011, David received his Masters degree from York University where he studied environmental politics and focused on the political history of carbon capture and storage in Alberta's oil and gas industry.