Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

It has not been uncommon to hear people decry the democratic deficit in Canada. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin defined a democratic deficit as MPs having, among other things, very limited independence. Prime Minister Harper has been accused of increasing the democratic deficit by using parliamentary tactics and omnibus bills to confine parliamentary debate. These tactics have not been limited to the federal government as provincial premiers across Canada have cancelled sittings of the legislature and used prorogation to severely restrict debate. Has Harper’s government altered the role of Parliament in debate and scrutiny? With the recent omnibus crime bill and two budget implementation bills that both included over 400 pages of wide-ranging changes to legislation, many critics have argued that the Prime Minister has sidelined the House of Commons. Is there a difference in the role of Parliament under this government when compared with previous experiences? Should we be concerned about the function of an institution that has, for some Canadians, been deficient in democracy for decades? In a democracy, shouldn’t governments do their utmost to find a fair balance between “getting things done” and provide parliamentary debate and scrutiny of legislation? The speaker will address these questions and unravel the relationship between voter apathy and elected governments in the context of today’s reality, where majorities can be elected by 25% or less of the eligible voters. Speaker: Dr. Duane Bratt Duane Bratt is Chair and Professor in the Department of Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. Duane was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (PhD 1996). His primary teaching area is international relations and public policy. His primary research interest delves into Canada’s nuclear policies. Duane is a regular guest on Access Television’s Alberta PrimeTime and CBC-Radio’s Alberta at Noon, as well as a general media commentator on political matters. Recent publications include: Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen’s University Press: Montreal, 2012) and co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy 2nd edition (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2011).

It has not been uncommon to hear people decry the democratic deficit in Canada. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin defined a democratic deficit as MPs having, among other things, very limited independence. Prime Minister Harper has been accused of increasing the democratic deficit by using parliamentary tactics and omnibus bills to confine parliamentary debate. These tactics have not been limited to the federal government as provincial premiers across Canada have cancelled sittings of the legislature and used prorogation to severely restrict debate. Has Harper’s government altered the role of Parliament in debate and scrutiny? With the recent omnibus crime bill and two budget implementation bills that both included over 400 pages of wide-ranging changes to legislation, many critics have argued that the Prime Minister has sidelined the House of Commons. Is there a difference in the role of Parliament under this government when compared with previous experiences? Should we be concerned about the function of an institution that has, for some Canadians, been deficient in democracy for decades? In a democracy, shouldn’t governments do their utmost to find a fair balance between “getting things done” and provide parliamentary debate and scrutiny of legislation? The speaker will address these questions and unravel the relationship between voter apathy and elected governments in the context of today’s reality, where majorities can be elected by 25% or less of the eligible voters. Speaker: Dr. Duane Bratt Duane Bratt is Chair and Professor in the Department of Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. Duane was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (PhD 1996). His primary teaching area is international relations and public policy. His primary research interest delves into Canada’s nuclear policies. Duane is a regular guest on Access Television’s Alberta PrimeTime and CBC-Radio’s Alberta at Noon, as well as a general media commentator on political matters. Recent publications include: Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen’s University Press: Montreal, 2012) and co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy 2nd edition (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2011).

Recently, British Columbia became the first province in Canada to implement a policy requiring health-care employees working at publicly funded facilities, including long-term care homes, to get a flu shot or wear a mask to protect patients during the flu season. This policy has been applied elsewhere, at some other major health centres. The B.C. Nurses’ Union has taken issue with that policy and is fighting to keep the vaccinations voluntary. Arguments against flu shots include objections to the government forcing anyone to be vaccinated, as a matter of principle. Some of those against mandatory flu shot vaccination state that they do not believe the vaccination is effective in preventing influenza, and that serious reactions, although rare, may occur. Some do not trust the safety of the ingredients. Arguments for flu shots include patient protection through reduction of transmissions to those who are not able to be vaccinated, and through herd immunity, in which the vaccination of a sufficient proportion of the population can protect those who are vulnerable (including infants and the elderly that potentially could die should they come in contact with the virus). Studies of efficacy and degree of effectiveness for different age groups exist, and indicate moderate but useful value of vaccines. Speaker: Dr. Dan Johnson Dan is interested in data, evidence, and science-based policy. He has agreed to start off the discussion. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia (Institute of Resource Ecology), and BSc in Biology from the University of Saskatchewan. He is a Professor of Environmental Science at the University of Lethbridge, where he teaches biogeography, evolution, environmental science, data analysis and experimental design. He conducts research on pathology (he notes “not human pathology”) and other topics. Dan is a member of the Alberta Environmental Appeals Board, and has served with a wide range of organizations, government agencies, NGO’s and scientific societies. He promotes Public Understanding of Science, and is one of the organizers of the Public Professor column in the Lethbridge Herald, 2009-2012.

Biochar (the non-fuel use of charcoal) is a carbon-rich residue produced by low-oxygen pyrolysis from biomass (agriculture/forest residues and waste biomass). There is good evidence that soil-applied biochar establishes a long-term, stable and easily measurable carbon sink. Therefore, by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in plant tissues, and by converting it into a highly stable form of carbon, a low cost and effective type of carbon storage emerges. Furthermore, the addition of biochar to poor soils, such as the extensive marginal and solonetzic soils of Alberta hold the promise of increasing crop yields due to anticipated maintenance of soil fertility, quality and productivity. Biochar is an emerging technology with global impact and considerable potential benefits for Alberta. Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures has conducted biochar work for the past five years, developing small-scale (batch and continuous types) pyrolyzers and producing and testing biochar from different Alberta feedstock. This presentation will explore the potential benefits of large-scale biochar production and use in Alberta and will also highlight the major technology and market gaps that must be filled to achieve these benefits. Speaker: Dr. Anthony Anyia, M.Sc., Ph.D. Dr. Anthony Anyia received his Ph.D. in 2001 from the Humboldt University of Berlin. He joined the Alberta Research Council (now part of Alberta Innovates-Technology Futures, AITF) as a Research Scientist in 2002. He is currently a lead Scientist and Manager of the Bioresource Technologies Business Unit at AITF. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta. As a plant physiologist with interests in drought tolerance and water use efficiency, Dr. Anyia has presented results of his work in many national and international symposia and conferences. He is the author of several refereed journal articles, book chapters and conference proceedings. As manager, Dr. Anyia provides scientific and management leadership to programs in Plant Biotechnology & Genomics, Biofibre Feedstock Development, Biomass Processing Technologies, and Engineered Biofibre Composite Products. His portfolio of programs also includes the biomass pyrolysis program that focuses on biochar production and end-use applications development.

Biochar (the non-fuel use of charcoal) is a carbon-rich residue produced by low-oxygen pyrolysis from biomass (agriculture/forest residues and waste biomass). There is good evidence that soil-applied biochar establishes a long-term, stable and easily measurable carbon sink. Therefore, by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in plant tissues, and by converting it into a highly stable form of carbon, a low cost and effective type of carbon storage emerges. Furthermore, the addition of biochar to poor soils, such as the extensive marginal and solonetzic soils of Alberta hold the promise of increasing crop yields due to anticipated maintenance of soil fertility, quality and productivity. Biochar is an emerging technology with global impact and considerable potential benefits for Alberta. Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures has conducted biochar work for the past five years, developing small-scale (batch and continuous types) pyrolyzers and producing and testing biochar from different Alberta feedstock. This presentation will explore the potential benefits of large-scale biochar production and use in Alberta and will also highlight the major technology and market gaps that must be filled to achieve these benefits. Speaker: Dr. Anthony Anyia, M.Sc., Ph.D. Dr. Anthony Anyia received his Ph.D. in 2001 from the Humboldt University of Berlin. He joined the Alberta Research Council (now part of Alberta Innovates-Technology Futures, AITF) as a Research Scientist in 2002. He is currently a lead Scientist and Manager of the Bioresource Technologies Business Unit at AITF. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta. As a plant physiologist with interests in drought tolerance and water use efficiency, Dr. Anyia has presented results of his work in many national and international symposia and conferences. He is the author of several refereed journal articles, book chapters and conference proceedings. As manager, Dr. Anyia provides scientific and management leadership to programs in Plant Biotechnology & Genomics, Biofibre Feedstock Development, Biomass Processing Technologies, and Engineered Biofibre Composite Products. His portfolio of programs also includes the biomass pyrolysis program that focuses on biochar production and end-use applications development.

By looking at three historically significant eras in American history, the speaker will contextualize the 2012 US election and relate to how these eras shaped the results. First, he will look at the long view emphasizing the colonial, revolutionary and early republican inheritances. He will then look at the medium historical view, from Reagan through Clinton. Finally, the speaker will examine the short view, from 2000 to now, during which time Americans seemingly have adopted a kind of post-democratic polity based on ignorance and belief. Speaker: Dr. James Tagg Dr. James Tagg joined the University of Lethbridge in 1969. He received his PhD in History from Wayne State University in Michigan in 1973. For almost 35 years, he taught the sweep of American History, initiated the first southern Alberta history course and helped establish a program in Liberal Education at the University of Lethbridge. Dr. Tagg's research interests have been related to the Early Republic of the United States (1789-1815), with an emphasis on early American politics and journalism. Currently, Dr. Tagg is working on a kind of "anti-biography" of Gouverneur Morris-- the man who wrote the U.S. constitution -- giving attention and importance to his grandiose psychological make-up and his sex life.

By looking at three historically significant eras in American history, the speaker will contextualize the 2012 US election and relate to how these eras shaped the results. First, he will look at the long view emphasizing the colonial, revolutionary and early republican inheritances. He will then look at the medium historical view, from Reagan through Clinton. Finally, the speaker will examine the short view, from 2000 to now, during which time Americans seemingly have adopted a kind of post-democratic polity based on ignorance and belief. Speaker: Dr. James Tagg Dr. James Tagg joined the University of Lethbridge in 1969. He received his PhD in History from Wayne State University in Michigan in 1973. For almost 35 years, he taught the sweep of American History, initiated the first southern Alberta history course and helped establish a program in Liberal Education at the University of Lethbridge. Dr. Tagg's research interests have been related to the Early Republic of the United States (1789-1815), with an emphasis on early American politics and journalism. Currently, Dr. Tagg is working on a kind of "anti-biography" of Gouverneur Morris-- the man who wrote the U.S. constitution -- giving attention and importance to his grandiose psychological make-up and his sex life.

On September 27, 2012, nearly two weeks after E. coli 0157:H7 alarm bells first sounded, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) suspended the operating license of XL Foods Inc. beef processing plant in Brooks, AB. 1800+ products of potentially contaminated beef was recalled/destroyed here and in the US, the largest recall of beef ever in Canada. XL Foods Inc. is a privately held Alberta corporation with beef packing facilities located mainly in Alberta and Nebraska, US and is the largest Canadian owned and operated beef processor, although a sale to the huge multi-national Brazilian meatpacker JBS is pending. With over 2000 employees, XL Foods in Brooks is a major employer in Southern Alberta. The suspension of XL Foods Inc. plants and the massive recall of their beef products have created much controversy….who is responsible, what role did Governments play, should the plant have been shut down earlier, was dumping millions of pounds of beef necessary and are beef producers again on the receiving end of US/Canadian border politics? The speaker will address these questions and the effects on producers caused by the plant suspension. As well, he will discuss past and future animal health and food safety concerns Speaker: Ted Haney Ted Haney was raised on a mixed farm including a beef cattle feedlot, a cow/calf ranch, and grain and forage crops. His family operated this integrated farm in the Picture Butte area of Southern Alberta for over 85 years. Haney received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1982 and his Master of Science in Agriculture Economics in 1991, both from the University of Alberta. Ted managed the Canada Beef Export Federation (CBEF) for 20 years (1992-2011). This organization was established by the Canadian cattle and beef industry to expand export markets for its product in the global marketplace. As President, Ted was responsible for planning and implementing a multi-million-dollar international market development program delivered through six international offices located in Asia and Mexico.

On September 27, 2012, nearly two weeks after E. coli 0157:H7 alarm bells first sounded, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) suspended the operating license of XL Foods Inc. beef processing plant in Brooks, AB. 1800+ products of potentially contaminated beef was recalled/destroyed here and in the US, the largest recall of beef ever in Canada. XL Foods Inc. is a privately held Alberta corporation with beef packing facilities located mainly in Alberta and Nebraska, US and is the largest Canadian owned and operated beef processor, although a sale to the huge multi-national Brazilian meatpacker JBS is pending. With over 2000 employees, XL Foods in Brooks is a major employer in Southern Alberta. The suspension of XL Foods Inc. plants and the massive recall of their beef products have created much controversy….who is responsible, what role did Governments play, should the plant have been shut down earlier, was dumping millions of pounds of beef necessary and are beef producers again on the receiving end of US/Canadian border politics? The speaker will address these questions and the effects on producers caused by the plant suspension. As well, he will discuss past and future animal health and food safety concerns Speaker: Ted Haney Ted Haney was raised on a mixed farm including a beef cattle feedlot, a cow/calf ranch, and grain and forage crops. His family operated this integrated farm in the Picture Butte area of Southern Alberta for over 85 years. Haney received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1982 and his Master of Science in Agriculture Economics in 1991, both from the University of Alberta. Ted managed the Canada Beef Export Federation (CBEF) for 20 years (1992-2011). This organization was established by the Canadian cattle and beef industry to expand export markets for its product in the global marketplace. As President, Ted was responsible for planning and implementing a multi-million-dollar international market development program delivered through six international offices located in Asia and Mexico.

Escherichia coli, usually called E. coli, refer to a large group of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless; however, some strains, such as E. coli O157:H7 can make people sick, causing severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and very occasionally kidney failure or even death. Food can become contaminated with E. coli when animals are slaughtered or processed, even if precautions are taken. In processed or ground meat, the bacteria can be spread throughout the meat. Food can also be contaminated if handled by a person infected with E. coli, or from cross-contamination because of unsanitary food handling practices. Raw fruits and vegetables as well can become contaminated with E. coli while in the field by improperly composted manure, contaminated water, wildlife or poor hygiene by farm workers. E. coli infections can also spread easily from person to person. The speaker will explain the various myths and facts related to E. coli contamination and food safety, while being mindful of the many challenges facing food processors and inspectors working in a high volume environment. Speaker: Dr. Tim McAllister Dr. Tim McAllister is a Principal Research Scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at the Lethbridge Research Centre. McAllister works in multiple areas including ruminant nutrition, microbial ecology and measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ruminants. His work on E. coli O157:H7 has focused on the ecology of this bacterium in cattle and their environment as well as looking at using various approaches to lower the presence of this human pathogen in the cattle host. Work on the use of viruses (bacteriophage) that are specific for killing E. coli O157:H7 has been one of McAllister’s labs key accomplishments. His group has identified strains that are highly adept at killing E. coli O157:H7 and were the first to publish the genome sequence of a .T-5 like phage with these characteristics. His team’s most recent interest is in defining the role that “Super Shedder Cattle” play in the ecology of E. coli O157:H7 from farm to fork