Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

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.

The Idle No More movement began late in 2012 after the Harper Government passed their massive omnibus budget Bill C-45. Four women, Nina Wilson, Sheelah Mclean, Sylvia McAdam and Jessica Gordon all shared a vision in which people can help protect Mother Earth, her lands, waters and people. The women began discussing the possible impacts that some of the legislation would carry if people remained idle. To them, it became evident that women MUST do something about the apparent colonial, unilateral and paternalistic legislation being pushed through Canada’s parliamentary system. They began by calling a rally to inform the public that Bill C-45 intended to give the minister of Indian Affairs unprecedented power and they also informed the public on other legislation that may affect and ignore the treaties made with the crown, thereby impacting water, land and people in harmful ways. The women then helped other communities to coordinate efforts to hold similar rallies with the same goal in mind. These rallies took place all across the country and culminated when a National Day of Solidarity and Resurgence was called for December 10, 2012. This was an enormous grassroots event that never in history had seen so many nations and diverse groups of people come together. The speaker will elaborate on why many individual bills relating specifically to First Nations People within Bill C-45 are of particular concern. Speaker: Faye Morning Bull LLB Faye Morning Bull's Blackfoot name is Natoamiskapiakii, Holy Sunrise Woman. She is a member of the Piikani Nation, part of the Blackfoot Confederacy whose members are signatories to Treaty Seven. Faye is of Blackfoot, Cree & Nez Perce descent. She attended the University of Lethbridge where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Native American Studies. During and after completing her degree, she worked with the Peigan Research Department on Specific Claims and Treaty rights issues. Faye finished her Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University of Calgary. Prior to attending Law School she also had experience working in Community Corrections, as a Probation Officer. Faye has an understanding of oral history as she is a Canadian Nez Perce descendent of the White Bird's people who came into Canada when Chief Joseph surrendered in the Bear Paw Mountains of Montana. Faye practices law and she has recently established her own law firm, Indigenous Law.

The Idle No More movement began late in 2012 after the Harper Government passed their massive omnibus budget Bill C-45. Four women, Nina Wilson, Sheelah Mclean, Sylvia McAdam and Jessica Gordon all shared a vision in which people can help protect Mother Earth, her lands, waters and people. The women began discussing the possible impacts that some of the legislation would carry if people remained idle. To them, it became evident that women MUST do something about the apparent colonial, unilateral and paternalistic legislation being pushed through Canada’s parliamentary system. They began by calling a rally to inform the public that Bill C-45 intended to give the minister of Indian Affairs unprecedented power and they also informed the public on other legislation that may affect and ignore the treaties made with the crown, thereby impacting water, land and people in harmful ways. The women then helped other communities to coordinate efforts to hold similar rallies with the same goal in mind. These rallies took place all across the country and culminated when a National Day of Solidarity and Resurgence was called for December 10, 2012. This was an enormous grassroots event that never in history had seen so many nations and diverse groups of people come together. The speaker will elaborate on why many individual bills relating specifically to First Nations People within Bill C-45 are of particular concern. Speaker: Faye Morning Bull LLB Faye Morning Bull's Blackfoot name is Natoamiskapiakii, Holy Sunrise Woman. She is a member of the Piikani Nation, part of the Blackfoot Confederacy whose members are signatories to Treaty Seven. Faye is of Blackfoot, Cree & Nez Perce descent. She attended the University of Lethbridge where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Native American Studies. During and after completing her degree, she worked with the Peigan Research Department on Specific Claims and Treaty rights issues. Faye finished her Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University of Calgary. Prior to attending Law School she also had experience working in Community Corrections, as a Probation Officer. Faye has an understanding of oral history as she is a Canadian Nez Perce descendent of the White Bird's people who came into Canada when Chief Joseph surrendered in the Bear Paw Mountains of Montana. Faye practices law and she has recently established her own law firm, Indigenous Law.

Part 1 of the Audio of this speech is available courtesy of an audience member here: http://snd.sc/XHjXez NOTICE OF SPECIAL SESSION Wednesday, Feb 27, 2013 7pm PE 261 University of Lethbridge The Idle No More movement has brought issues of treaties, reserves, land claims, and the Indian Act to the forefront of political discourse in Canada. Perhaps best known for his book First Nations? Second Thoughts the speaker has written extensively on aboriginal history and politics with an eye to making major changes in the relationship between aboriginal people and the Government of Canada. Chief among his changes would be the right to private property on reserves and a change in the tax structure of reserves such that there would be no representation without taxation. The changes that the speaker argues for are controversial but have some precedent in recent negotiated treaties like the Nisga’a Treaty. He will argue that an overhaul of the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and the Government of Canada is necessary in order to effect real change for aboriginal people in Canada. Speaker: Tom Flanagan Dr. Tom Flanagan is a professor of Political Science at the University of Calgary. His books include Metis Lands in Manitoba (1991); The Collected Writings of Louis Riel (1985); Riel and the Rebellion: 1885 Reconsidered (2nd ed., 2000); Louis "David" Riel:'Prophet of the New World' (2nd ed., 1996); Waiting for the Wave: The Reform Party and Preston Manning (1995); Game Theory and Canadian Politics (1998); First Nations? Second Thoughts (2000, second edition 2008); Harper's Team (2007); and Beyond the Indian Act: Restoring Aboriginal Property Rights (2010). Flanagan is also an active party strategist. He was former Director of Research for the Reform Party of Canada 1991-92; Chief of Staff in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, House of Commons, 2002-03; and was Manager of the National Campaign of the Conservative Party of Canada, 2004 and the Wildrose provincial campaign in 2012.He is a panelist on CBC TV’s Power and Politics where he has been both controversial and a frequent fashion leader. Moderator: Peter McCormick

Part 1 of the Audio of this speech is available courtesy of an audience member here: http://snd.sc/XHjXez NOTICE OF SPECIAL SESSION Wednesday, Feb 27, 2013 7pm PE 261 University of Lethbridge The Idle No More movement has brought issues of treaties, reserves, land claims, and the Indian Act to the forefront of political discourse in Canada. Perhaps best known for his book First Nations? Second Thoughts the speaker has written extensively on aboriginal history and politics with an eye to making major changes in the relationship between aboriginal people and the Government of Canada. Chief among his changes would be the right to private property on reserves and a change in the tax structure of reserves such that there would be no representation without taxation. The changes that the speaker argues for are controversial but have some precedent in recent negotiated treaties like the Nisga’a Treaty. He will argue that an overhaul of the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and the Government of Canada is necessary in order to effect real change for aboriginal people in Canada. Speaker: Tom Flanagan Dr. Tom Flanagan is a professor of Political Science at the University of Calgary. His books include Metis Lands in Manitoba (1991); The Collected Writings of Louis Riel (1985); Riel and the Rebellion: 1885 Reconsidered (2nd ed., 2000); Louis "David" Riel:'Prophet of the New World' (2nd ed., 1996); Waiting for the Wave: The Reform Party and Preston Manning (1995); Game Theory and Canadian Politics (1998); First Nations? Second Thoughts (2000, second edition 2008); Harper's Team (2007); and Beyond the Indian Act: Restoring Aboriginal Property Rights (2010). Flanagan is also an active party strategist. He was former Director of Research for the Reform Party of Canada 1991-92; Chief of Staff in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, House of Commons, 2002-03; and was Manager of the National Campaign of the Conservative Party of Canada, 2004 and the Wildrose provincial campaign in 2012.He is a panelist on CBC TV’s Power and Politics where he has been both controversial and a frequent fashion leader. Moderator: Peter McCormick

Premier Alison Redford has given Albertans to understand that there will be some belt tightening and cuts in the next Provincial budget expected later this winter. We can expect a large deficit, but no tax or royalty increases are being contemplated. Is this the only way to deal with the anticipated shortfall? How well is the provincial economy being managed by our Government? Are there other ways the economy and resources of Alberta could be managed? The speaker will explore these issues from a different perspective. He will offer a contrasting view on how the tremendous wealth of Alberta can work for all Albertans. Speaker: Brian Mason, leader of Alberta’s New Democrats Brian Mason was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood in a 2000 by-election. He was re-elected in the provincial general election of March 12, 2001, and was subsequently appointed House Leader of the New Democrat caucus and critic responsible for human resources, finance and agriculture. On September 18, 2004, Mr. Mason became leader of the New Democrats. Mr. Mason was elected to his third term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood on November 22, 2004, his fourth term on March 3, 2008, and his fifth term on April 23, 2012. Mr. Mason was appointed to the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services on May 28, 2012. Before his election to the Alberta Legislature, Mr. Mason served as city of Edmonton councillor for ward 3. He was first elected in October 1989 and won three subsequent civic elections. As a member of city council for 11 years Mr. Mason gained a reputation as an effective voice for his constituents. During this time Mr. Mason chaired the non-profit Housing Board and served on the Taxi Commission, Library board and Northlands board.

Premier Alison Redford has given Albertans to understand that there will be some belt tightening and cuts in the next Provincial budget expected later this winter. We can expect a large deficit, but no tax or royalty increases are being contemplated. Is this the only way to deal with the anticipated shortfall? How well is the provincial economy being managed by our Government? Are there other ways the economy and resources of Alberta could be managed? The speaker will explore these issues from a different perspective. He will offer a contrasting view on how the tremendous wealth of Alberta can work for all Albertans. Speaker: Brian Mason, leader of Alberta’s New Democrats Brian Mason was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood in a 2000 by-election. He was re-elected in the provincial general election of March 12, 2001, and was subsequently appointed House Leader of the New Democrat caucus and critic responsible for human resources, finance and agriculture. On September 18, 2004, Mr. Mason became leader of the New Democrats. Mr. Mason was elected to his third term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood on November 22, 2004, his fourth term on March 3, 2008, and his fifth term on April 23, 2012. Mr. Mason was appointed to the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services on May 28, 2012. Before his election to the Alberta Legislature, Mr. Mason served as city of Edmonton councillor for ward 3. He was first elected in October 1989 and won three subsequent civic elections. As a member of city council for 11 years Mr. Mason gained a reputation as an effective voice for his constituents. During this time Mr. Mason chaired the non-profit Housing Board and served on the Taxi Commission, Library board and Northlands board.

SPECIAL SESSION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 19 at NOON at Country Kitchen Catering A government-appointed commission's latest ideas were put forth recently following a series of public hearings in the fall. A new Lethbridge riding would cover the city and county of Lethbridge, including Coaldale, Coalhurst, Picture Butte and Nobleford, while Cardston would join an expanded Foothills constituency. Raymond, Magrath and Stirling, as well as Milk River, would join Medicine Hat Medicine Hat MP LaVar Payne has filed a protest to the changes, citing concerns about potentially losing Brooks from his riding to become part of Bow River, which also would include Taber and Vauxhall. As well, the Blood Reserve would move to the Medicine Hat constituency, while the Piikani Nation would be part of the redefined Foothills riding along with communities north along Highway 2. The exact process for objections and changes has yet to be announced, but a final decision on the new boundaries will be made in September and become effective for the next federal election, likely in 2015. Speaker: LaVar Payne, MP for Medicine Hat Since first being elected to the House of Commons in 2008, LaVar Payne has had the privilege to sit on the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and also on National Defence. LaVar currently sits on the Standing Committees on Agriculture and Agri-Food and also on Public Safety and National Security. LaVar graduated from the University of Calgary Human Resource Management program, and has a background in business and accounting. Prior to entering political life, LaVar enjoyed a satisfying career in Human Resources as Human Resources Manager for Alberta Gas Chemicals, Novacor and Methanex. He also managed his own consulting company, Solution Source, Before his election as Member of Parliament in 2008, LaVar was Special Assistant to former Med Hat MP Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. LaVar worked with various organizations in Medicine Hat and served as President of the Medicine Hat Conservative Riding Association for the eight years prior to being elected.

SPECIAL SESSION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 19 at NOON at Country Kitchen Catering A government-appointed commission's latest ideas were put forth recently following a series of public hearings in the fall. A new Lethbridge riding would cover the city and county of Lethbridge, including Coaldale, Coalhurst, Picture Butte and Nobleford, while Cardston would join an expanded Foothills constituency. Raymond, Magrath and Stirling, as well as Milk River, would join Medicine Hat Medicine Hat MP LaVar Payne has filed a protest to the changes, citing concerns about potentially losing Brooks from his riding to become part of Bow River, which also would include Taber and Vauxhall. As well, the Blood Reserve would move to the Medicine Hat constituency, while the Piikani Nation would be part of the redefined Foothills riding along with communities north along Highway 2. The exact process for objections and changes has yet to be announced, but a final decision on the new boundaries will be made in September and become effective for the next federal election, likely in 2015. Speaker: LaVar Payne, MP for Medicine Hat Since first being elected to the House of Commons in 2008, LaVar Payne has had the privilege to sit on the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and also on National Defence. LaVar currently sits on the Standing Committees on Agriculture and Agri-Food and also on Public Safety and National Security. LaVar graduated from the University of Calgary Human Resource Management program, and has a background in business and accounting. Prior to entering political life, LaVar enjoyed a satisfying career in Human Resources as Human Resources Manager for Alberta Gas Chemicals, Novacor and Methanex. He also managed his own consulting company, Solution Source, Before his election as Member of Parliament in 2008, LaVar was Special Assistant to former Med Hat MP Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. LaVar worked with various organizations in Medicine Hat and served as President of the Medicine Hat Conservative Riding Association for the eight years prior to being elected.

Voter turnout has dropped in almost every advanced industrial country but Alberta’s voter turnout has dropped even more precipitously. According to the speaker, the reduced voter turnout is a symptom of a larger problem: people have become disengaged from government, and they have to be reconnected. What is to be done about such disconnection? The speaker will argue that a provincial constitution would give people control over their government and reconnect citizens with government. It would provide Albertans with a document to inspire our future and reflect our past. Mr. Sindlinger is trying to build a coalition of individuals throughout Alberta to build a citizen’s constitution for the province. Speaker: Tom Sindlinger Tom Sindlinger is a Canadian Economist with a focus on the marketing of natural resources and transportation, and governance. He is a former elected member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly and has successfully completed 18 international projects in 12 countries for both private and public entities (such as the Canadian International Development Agency; The National Democratic Institute in Washington; and, The Jimmy Carter Center in Atlanta).