Shows
Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)More Coal, Fewer Parks: The Future of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains?When you think of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, including the Oldman Watershed in Southern Alberta, you probably think of scenic mountaintops, rolling foothills and clear blue streams. You probably don’t think of decommissioned parks or open-pit coal mines, but that’s exactly what the future could hold. On June 1, 2020, the Government of Alberta rescinded the provincial Coal Policy, created in 1976, restricting open pit coal mining and coal exploration in Alberta’s most environmentally sensitive areas in the Rocky Mountains. The area most affected by this change covers 1.5 million hectares of lands that provide drinking water to downstream communities in Alberta...
2020-10-0100 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)The Politics of Education in Alberta: Is our current Government’s approach to Education encouraging privatization of Schools?Alberta already has the most choice in K-12 education in Canada, with private school pupils being funded to the tune of 70 percent per pupil compared to public school pupils, more than any other province. Charter schools, started in 1994 by Ralph Klein, receive the same level of per pupil funding as public schools, but are run by private parent or corporate boards. No other province in Canada even has charter schools.
Since gaining power in the spring of 2019, Alberta’s UCP Government has lifted the cap on establishing charter schools and is advocating for a voucher system that would increase the pe...
2020-09-2400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Is the Sun Setting on Alberta’s Conventional Oil and Gas Producers? (Part 2 Q&A)Alberta’s conventional oil and gas liabilities have been growing for decades with reported estimates ranging from $58 to $130 billion involving 450,000 oil and gas wells, 400,000 Km of pipelines, 1.4 trillion litres of fluid waste, Only $1.5 billion is held in securities to protect Albertan taxpayers from the risk of being left on the hook for costs. Oil sands liabilities are estimated at another (largely unsecured) $130 billion.
If the issue of backlogged and unsecured oil and gas liabilities is allowed to stay quiet, the problem will simply continue to grow, with no true transparency around its scale and scope. Long-term solutions to this problem wi...
2020-03-0500 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Is the Sun Setting on Alberta’s Conventional Oil and Gas Producers? (Part 1)Alberta’s conventional oil and gas liabilities have been growing for decades with reported estimates ranging from $58 to $130 billion involving 450,000 oil and gas wells, 400,000 Km of pipelines, 1.4 trillion litres of fluid waste, Only $1.5 billion is held in securities to protect Albertan taxpayers from the risk of being left on the hook for costs. Oil sands liabilities are estimated at another (largely unsecured) $130 billion.
If the issue of backlogged and unsecured oil and gas liabilities is allowed to stay quiet, the problem will simply continue to grow, with no true transparency around its scale and scope. Long-term solutions to this problem wi...
2020-03-0500 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta’s Alternative Budget: What is the Official Opposition NDP Proposing? (Part 2 Q&A)The Official Opposition’s 2019 Alternative Budget lays out a path for Alberta to create jobs, diversify the economy, protect vital public services, and bring the provincial budget to balance. This path is based on economic data in the government’s budget, and more crucially, on widespread consultation with Albertans.
Last fall, the NDP Caucus held town hall meetings in communities across Alberta, and the people that spoke up, provided a tremendous amount of information about what values and priorities they wanted to see reflected in the provincial budget. NDP’s budget suggests that there is another way. It does not includ...
2020-01-0900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta’s Alternative Budget: What is the Official Opposition NDP Proposing? (Part 1)The Official Opposition’s 2019 Alternative Budget lays out a path for Alberta to create jobs, diversify the economy, protect vital public services, and bring the provincial budget to balance. This path is based on economic data in the government’s budget, and more crucially, on widespread consultation with Albertans.
Last fall, the NDP Caucus held town hall meetings in communities across Alberta, and the people that spoke up, provided a tremendous amount of information about what values and priorities they wanted to see reflected in the provincial budget. NDP’s budget suggests that there is another way. It does not includ...
2020-01-0900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Are Public Sector Workers better off in Alberta than in other provinces? (Part 1)The September 3, 2019 release of the Report and Recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Alberta’s Finances (the MacKinnon report) argues that both the size and compensation of Alberta’s public sector are higher than comparator provinces, and suggests that the government could reduce the size of the public sector (through employee attrition), consider alternative delivery of government programs and services (through the private and non-for-profit sectors), and recommends that the government establishes a legislative mandate that sets the salary levels for all public sector employees.
Those recommendations were largely followed in the provincial budget tabled on Oct 24, but the spea...
2019-12-1900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Are Public Sector Workers better off in Alberta than in other provinces? (Part 2 Q&A)The September 3, 2019 release of the Report and Recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Alberta’s Finances (the MacKinnon report) argues that both the size and compensation of Alberta’s public sector are higher than comparator provinces, and suggests that the government could reduce the size of the public sector (through employee attrition), consider alternative delivery of government programs and services (through the private and non-for-profit sectors), and recommends that the government establishes a legislative mandate that sets the salary levels for all public sector employees.
Those recommendations were largely followed in the provincial budget tabled on Oct 24, but the spea...
2019-12-1900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)What are the Opportunities and Challenges for Alberta in its 2019 Budget? (Part 2 Q&A)Budget 2019 reflects a commitment to responsible fiscal management and a promise to balance the budget in 4 years. It's focused on creating jobs and delivering public services and infrastructure to support private sector investment and a vibrant society. Alberta's many successive provincial deficits have created a serious financial situation and a debt burden that has reached $62.7 billion. Government spent almost $2 billion on interest (debt servicing) last year – more than what was spent on 17 out of 21 ministries.
Economic growth is expected at 0.6% in 2019 reflecting market access challenges. The economy should pick up strength next year, but it will take time for the la...
2019-11-1400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)What are the Opportunities and Challenges for Alberta in its 2019 Budget? (Part 1)Budget 2019 reflects a commitment to responsible fiscal management and a promise to balance the budget in 4 years. It's focused on creating jobs and delivering public services and infrastructure to support private sector investment and a vibrant society. Alberta's many successive provincial deficits have created a serious financial situation and a debt burden that has reached $62.7 billion. Government spent almost $2 billion on interest (debt servicing) last year – more than what was spent on 17 out of 21 ministries.
Economic growth is expected at 0.6% in 2019 reflecting market access challenges. The economy should pick up strength next year, but it will take time for the la...
2019-11-1400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Are Environmentally Sensitive Areas of southwestern Alberta being Sacrificed for Wind Power? (Part 1)Southern Alberta, including the MD of Pincher Creek, is one of Canada’s windiest regions and the area’s rich wind resources are extremely attractive to developers. This renewable potential, however, is having an unexpected negative environmental impact – wind farms and associated transmission infrastructure are threatening one of the last remaining areas in Alberta with large tracts of native grassland and unique ecosystems of critical importance to preserving the unique bioversity of the plains.
The Livingstone Landowners Group (LLG) is concerned about the cumulative impact of continued wind and transmission development on these environmentally sensitive areas of southwestern Alberta. The LLG re...
2019-05-3000 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Are Environmentally Sensitive Areas of southwestern Alberta being Sacrificed for Wind Power? (Part 2 Q&A)Southern Alberta, including the MD of Pincher Creek, is one of Canada’s windiest regions and the area’s rich wind resources are extremely attractive to developers. This renewable potential, however, is having an unexpected negative environmental impact – wind farms and associated transmission infrastructure are threatening one of the last remaining areas in Alberta with large tracts of native grassland and unique ecosystems of critical importance to preserving the unique bioversity of the plains.
The Livingstone Landowners Group (LLG) is concerned about the cumulative impact of continued wind and transmission development on these environmentally sensitive areas of southwestern Alberta. The LLG re...
2019-05-3000 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)The New Alberta Advantage? Technology, Policy, and the Future of the Oil Sands (Part 2 Q&A)The global energy system is being transformed by new technologies that will revolutionize oil and gas markets — whether Alberta is ready for it or not. In his new book, energy journalist Markham Hislop examines how visionary oil sands executives like Suncor CEO Steve Williams are preparing their companies – which produce two-thirds of Alberta’s oil – for the onrushing low-carbon future.
An integral part of the oil sands’ savvy business strategy is the energy and climate policies of Premier Rachel Notley’s government. In fact, the oil sands CEOs met privately with environmental groups for months before the 2015 election, hammering out a “carbon fo...
2019-04-0400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)The New Alberta Advantage? Technology, Policy, and the Future of the Oil Sands (Part 1)The global energy system is being transformed by new technologies that will revolutionize oil and gas markets — whether Alberta is ready for it or not. In his new book, energy journalist Markham Hislop examines how visionary oil sands executives like Suncor CEO Steve Williams are preparing their companies – which produce two-thirds of Alberta’s oil – for the onrushing low-carbon future.
An integral part of the oil sands’ savvy business strategy is the energy and climate policies of Premier Rachel Notley’s government. In fact, the oil sands CEOs met privately with environmental groups for months before the 2015 election, hammering out a “carbon fo...
2019-04-0400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta’s Partisan Politics and Ideology: Would Independent MLA’s with No Party Affiliation be a better Option? (Part 1)Alberta’s Partisan Politics and Ideology: Would Independent MLA’s
with No Party Affiliation be a better Option?
Canada’s NorthWest Territories has a consensus government, in which all members are Independent and do not belong to a political party caucus. This form of government has been in place for over 40 years. The direct democratic governance model used in the North West Territories has allowed their Legislative Members the innate ability to put their constituents’ needs singularly ahead of all else.
It is often argued that regardless of who people vote for, Left, Right or Center, their representative MLA will be force...
2019-02-2100 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta’s Partisan Politics and Ideology: Would Independent MLA’s with No Party Affiliation be a better Option? (Part 2 Q&A)Alberta’s Partisan Politics and Ideology: Would Independent MLA’s
with No Party Affiliation be a better Option?
Canada’s NorthWest Territories has a consensus government, in which all members are Independent and do not belong to a political party caucus. This form of government has been in place for over 40 years. The direct democratic governance model used in the North West Territories has allowed their Legislative Members the innate ability to put their constituents’ needs singularly ahead of all else.
It is often argued that regardless of who people vote for, Left, Right or Center, their representative MLA will be force...
2019-02-2100 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta Politics, Budgets and Pipelines – the Alberta Liberal Party Perspective (Part 2 Q&A)Many Albertan worry about public spending, deficits and a growing debt. Does balancing the books in Alberta hinge on building pipelines to tidewater or are there other ways to achieve that goal? Are the present provincial Government’s budget predictions unrealistic? The speaker will articulate his and the Alberta Liberal Party views on deficits, pipelines, economic development, opioids and Alberta politics.
David Kahn will further talk about his vision for the Alberta Liberals and argue that corporate and union donations to PACs should be barred, restrictions on out-of-province donations and setting donation limits for individuals. Donations to PACs above $250 and PA...
2018-11-2900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta Politics, Budgets and Pipelines – the Alberta Liberal Party Perspective (Part 1)Many Albertan worry about public spending, deficits and a growing debt. Does balancing the books in Alberta hinge on building pipelines to tidewater or are there other ways to achieve that goal? Are the present provincial Government’s budget predictions unrealistic? The speaker will articulate his and the Alberta Liberal Party views on deficits, pipelines, economic development, opioids and Alberta politics.
David Kahn will further talk about his vision for the Alberta Liberals and argue that corporate and union donations to PACs should be barred, restrictions on out-of-province donations and setting donation limits for individuals. Donations to PACs above $250 and PA...
2018-11-2900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta’s Tax Regime is the Lowest in Canada - Is a Revenue Reno Needed to Maintain Strong Public Service? (Part 1)Alberta’s budget documents show that our tax system is grossly inferior to that of every other province in the country at raising revenue. Applying the tax system of any other province to Alberta would raise us a minimum of $11.2 billion in additional annual revenue, more than covering the projected $8.8-billion deficit in this year’s budget.
Protecting our public services from cuts is perhaps the most important reason to fix our tax system, but there are also other good reasons to do so. Universal pharmaceutical coverage could become part of our public health-care system and would actually be a net...
2018-09-2000 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta’s Tax Regime is the Lowest in Canada - Is a Revenue Reno Needed to Maintain Strong Public Service? (Part 2 Q&A)Alberta’s budget documents show that our tax system is grossly inferior to that of every other province in the country at raising revenue. Applying the tax system of any other province to Alberta would raise us a minimum of $11.2 billion in additional annual revenue, more than covering the projected $8.8-billion deficit in this year’s budget.
Protecting our public services from cuts is perhaps the most important reason to fix our tax system, but there are also other good reasons to do so. Universal pharmaceutical coverage could become part of our public health-care system and would actually be a net...
2018-09-2000 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta Politics, Budgets and Pipelines – the Alberta Party Perspective (Part 2 Q&A)The Alberta Party is a political movement dedicated to transforming government through citizen engagement. Instead of representing a particular segment of the traditional political spectrum, the Alberta Party seeks out the best ideas regardless of whether they are perceived to be from the left or the right. As a result, they are attracting thousands of Albertans from all regions, urban and rural, of all ideological backgrounds including those who have never been involved in a political party. Traditional parties arguably focus on what divides Albertans. The Alberta Party focusses on the common ground that unites them so they can build...
2018-05-2400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta Politics, Budgets and Pipelines – the Alberta Party Perspective (Part 1)The Alberta Party is a political movement dedicated to transforming government through citizen engagement. Instead of representing a particular segment of the traditional political spectrum, the Alberta Party seeks out the best ideas regardless of whether they are perceived to be from the left or the right. As a result, they are attracting thousands of Albertans from all regions, urban and rural, of all ideological backgrounds including those who have never been involved in a political party. Traditional parties arguably focus on what divides Albertans. The Alberta Party focusses on the common ground that unites them so they can build...
2018-05-2400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta Politics, Budgets and Pipelines – Premier Rachel Notley’s PerspectiveThe Honourable Premier Rachel Notley has graciously made herself available to Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) for a speaking event. After 50 years of trying, SACPA is very happy to finally host a sitting Premier of Alberta. Rachel previously spoke at SACPA in 2011 and 2014 as an MLA.
Premier Notley will explain some of the items in last week’s Alberta budget and the importance of pipelines and transportation in getting Alberta resources to tidewater. She will also give the audience her view of Alberta’s political landscape.
The Honourable Shannon Phillips, MLA for Lethbridge West and Minister of Environment and...
2018-03-2900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)How can Consumers keep up? Changes in Alberta’s Electricity Sector (Part 1)There are several significant shifts underway in Alberta’s electricity sector including: the phase-out of coal power plants, the Renewable Energy Program, development of micro and community generation, the design of the capacity market, changes to the regulated rate option (RRO) including a price cap, and banning of door-to-door energy sales. In addition, rapid technological change continues to impact all aspects of the electricity sector from generation to transmission and distribution, to how consumers use their electricity.
Chris Hunt leads the Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) which has a mandate to educate, advocate, and mediate for Alberta’s resi...
2018-03-2200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)How can Consumers keep up? Changes in Alberta’s Electricity Sector (Part 2 Q&A)There are several significant shifts underway in Alberta’s electricity sector including: the phase-out of coal power plants, the Renewable Energy Program, development of micro and community generation, the design of the capacity market, changes to the regulated rate option (RRO) including a price cap, and banning of door-to-door energy sales. In addition, rapid technological change continues to impact all aspects of the electricity sector from generation to transmission and distribution, to how consumers use their electricity.
Chris Hunt leads the Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) which has a mandate to educate, advocate, and mediate for Alberta’s resi...
2018-03-2200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)How will Retail Legislation for Cannabis (Marijuana) be Rolled out in Alberta? (Part 2 Q&A)Please note that this is a special Tuesday session at the Royal Canadian Legion
The Alberta Cannabis Framework has outlined what Albertans can expect when cannabis becomes legal in Canada on July 1, 2018. After months of engagement with Albertans, stakeholders and partners, extensive research of other jurisdictions, and consideration of existing liquor and tobacco laws, the framework sets the stage for the responsible use of cannabis in Alberta
.
Aspects of this framework will be implemented through various pieces of legislation introduced during the fall of 2017 and spring of 2018, including substantive changes to the Gaming and Liquor Act that will address oversight, di...
2018-03-2000 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)How will Retail Legislation for Cannabis (Marijuana) be Rolled out in Alberta? (Part 1)Please note that this is a special Tuesday session at the Royal Canadian Legion
The Alberta Cannabis Framework has outlined what Albertans can expect when cannabis becomes legal in Canada on July 1, 2018. After months of engagement with Albertans, stakeholders and partners, extensive research of other jurisdictions, and consideration of existing liquor and tobacco laws, the framework sets the stage for the responsible use of cannabis in Alberta
.
Aspects of this framework will be implemented through various pieces of legislation introduced during the fall of 2017 and spring of 2018, including substantive changes to the Gaming and Liquor Act that will address oversight, di...
2018-03-2000 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Should Affordable Early Learning and Child Care Centre’s be Widely Available to Alberta Families? (Part 2 Q&A)In April 2017, Alberta announced Phase 1 of the Early Learning and Child Care Centres (ELCC) pilot program capping fees at 22 quality child care centres at $25 per day per child. ELCC Centre’s offers flexible child care for parents who work part-time or shifts that are outside typical day care hours or offers care in accessible settings such as co-location with other public buildings. These centres will provide support for children with diverse needs and implement an early learning child care curriculum.
Following a Federal ELCC funding commitment, Alberta’s program was expanded to 78 more Centres in December 2018. A rigorous evaluation process has...
2018-02-2200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Should Affordable Early Learning and Child Care Centre’s be Widely Available to Alberta Families? (Part 1)In April 2017, Alberta announced Phase 1 of the Early Learning and Child Care Centres (ELCC) pilot program capping fees at 22 quality child care centres at $25 per day per child. ELCC Centre’s offers flexible child care for parents who work part-time or shifts that are outside typical day care hours or offers care in accessible settings such as co-location with other public buildings. These centres will provide support for children with diverse needs and implement an early learning child care curriculum.
Following a Federal ELCC funding commitment, Alberta’s program was expanded to 78 more Centres in December 2018. A rigorous evaluation process has...
2018-02-2200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)In what way are Minimum Wage Increases and Changes to the Provincial Labour Code likely to affect Alberta’s Economy? (Part 1)Alberta’s minimum wage increased to $13.60 on Oct 1, 2017 and is scheduled for a further hike to $15 on Oct 1, 2018. As well, thanks to recent changes to the provincial Labour Code, it will now be a little easier for workers to exercise their constitutional right to join a union and bargain collectively with their employers.
What will that mean for Alberta businesses and workers? Arguably, the people who light their hair on fire about unions are the same ones who said tax cuts for the rich would bring prosperity for everyone (instead, they brought rising inequality); that budget cuts could end recessions (in...
2017-11-3000 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)In what way are Minimum Wage Increases and Changes to the Provincial Labour Code likely to affect Alberta’s Economy? (Part 2 Q&A)Alberta’s minimum wage increased to $13.60 on Oct 1, 2017 and is scheduled for a further hike to $15 on Oct 1, 2018. As well, thanks to recent changes to the provincial Labour Code, it will now be a little easier for workers to exercise their constitutional right to join a union and bargain collectively with their employers.
What will that mean for Alberta businesses and workers? Arguably, the people who light their hair on fire about unions are the same ones who said tax cuts for the rich would bring prosperity for everyone (instead, they brought rising inequality); that budget cuts could end recessions (in...
2017-11-3000 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Uniting Alberta’s Wildrose and PC Parties: What are the Obstacles? (Part 2 Q&A)Former MP and federal Conservative cabinet minister Jason Kenney became the new leader of Alberta's Progressive Conservative (PC) Party on March 18, 2017. Kenney ran on a platform to unite Alberta conservatives by dissolving the PC Party and creating a single right-wing party under a new constitution combining with the Wildrose Party of Alberta.
Wildrose Leader Brian Jean has roughly the same goal as Kenney but may differ on how to get there. Jean envisions his party being the foundation of a united conservative movement. The Wildrose Party has even registered the name it alone can use to rebrand itself. The Conservative...
2017-05-0400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Uniting Alberta’s Wildrose and PC Parties: What are the Obstacles? (Part 1)Former MP and federal Conservative cabinet minister Jason Kenney became the new leader of Alberta's Progressive Conservative (PC) Party on March 18, 2017. Kenney ran on a platform to unite Alberta conservatives by dissolving the PC Party and creating a single right-wing party under a new constitution combining with the Wildrose Party of Alberta.
Wildrose Leader Brian Jean has roughly the same goal as Kenney but may differ on how to get there. Jean envisions his party being the foundation of a united conservative movement. The Wildrose Party has even registered the name it alone can use to rebrand itself. The Conservative...
2017-05-0400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Vital Signs: Taking the Pulse of Southwestern Alberta (Part 1)Have you ever wondered what some of the big issues in southwestern Alberta are? With its annual Vital Signs report, the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta presents important issues, topics, and themes in six key impact areas. The Community Foundation uses Vital Signs to build local knowledge, set strategic priorities, inform granting, and connect donors with causes close to their hearts.
One of the issues identified in this year’s report is the high rate of interpersonal violence in Alberta, the highest in the country, and the resulting demand on local women’s emergency shelters, which are increasingly forc...
2017-01-1200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Vital Signs: Taking the Pulse of Southwestern Alberta (Part 2 Q&A)Have you ever wondered what some of the big issues in southwestern Alberta are? With its annual Vital Signs report, the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta presents important issues, topics, and themes in six key impact areas. The Community Foundation uses Vital Signs to build local knowledge, set strategic priorities, inform granting, and connect donors with causes close to their hearts.
One of the issues identified in this year’s report is the high rate of interpersonal violence in Alberta, the highest in the country, and the resulting demand on local women’s emergency shelters, which are increasingly forc...
2017-01-1200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Public Schools? Private Schools? Charter Schools? Navigating the Complexities of Alberta’s Education System (Part 2 Q&A)Alberta has a complex educational system that includes public schools, charter schools, and private schools. Recent action in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and by some school boards, as well as the current review of legislation, demonstrate a need for a provincial conversation. What makes for an equitable educational system that serves diverse learning needs and provides for quality schooling?
Historical reasons for this complexity will be explored detailing the various school systems and how each are funded. The speakers will also explain differences between the systems in terms of accessibility and governance and describe how an equitable and fair...
2016-06-1600 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Public Schools? Private Schools? Charter Schools? Navigating the Complexities of Alberta’s Education System (Part 1)Alberta has a complex educational system that includes public schools, charter schools, and private schools. Recent action in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and by some school boards, as well as the current review of legislation, demonstrate a need for a provincial conversation. What makes for an equitable educational system that serves diverse learning needs and provides for quality schooling?
Historical reasons for this complexity will be explored detailing the various school systems and how each are funded. The speakers will also explain differences between the systems in terms of accessibility and governance and describe how an equitable and fair...
2016-06-1600 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Wildrose has a Different Vision for Alberta (Part 1)Alberta’s official opposition has criticized the recent provincial NDP budget, expressing concern about the huge anticipated provincial deficit. They have called for cuts to provincial staff levels and some programs.
Official opposition leader, Brian Jean will speak to this. He will outline the Wildrose Party vision for Alberta and his party’s view on a better fiscal management plan of Alberta’s finances. We will hear where a Wildose government would take Alberta.
Speaker: Brian Jean, Alberta’s Official Opposition leader
Brian Jean was elected as Wildrose Leader on March 28, 2015 and has served as leader of the Official Opposition and MLA for Fort...
2016-06-0900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Wildrose has a Different Vision for Alberta (Part 2 Q&A)Alberta’s official opposition has criticized the recent provincial NDP budget, expressing concern about the huge anticipated provincial deficit. They have called for cuts to provincial staff levels and some programs.
Official opposition leader, Brian Jean will speak to this. He will outline the Wildrose Party vision for Alberta and his party’s view on a better fiscal management plan of Alberta’s finances. We will hear where a Wildose government would take Alberta.
Speaker: Brian Jean, Alberta’s Official Opposition leader
Brian Jean was elected as Wildrose Leader on March 28, 2015 and has served as leader of the Official Opposition and MLA for Fort...
2016-06-0900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)S*l*s Tax: The Tax that Dare Not Speak its Name (in Alberta) (Part 2 Q&A)It is conventional wisdom in Alberta that bringing in a sales tax would be political suicide, but there is nothing unusual about sales taxes. They are part of the fiscal fabric everywhere else in Canada, many U.S. states, and throughout Europe. A provincial sales tax of five percent could net Alberta $5 billion yearly and still be one of the lowest taxed provinces.
The Alberta Taxpayer Protection Act, introduced by Premier Ralph Klein in 1995, states that a referendum must be held before a Provincial Sales Tax can be introduced. However, previous governments have shown that they have no problem sweeping aw...
2016-04-2100 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)S*l*s Tax: The Tax that Dare Not Speak its Name (in Alberta) (Part 1)It is conventional wisdom in Alberta that bringing in a sales tax would be political suicide, but there is nothing unusual about sales taxes. They are part of the fiscal fabric everywhere else in Canada, many U.S. states, and throughout Europe. A provincial sales tax of five percent could net Alberta $5 billion yearly and still be one of the lowest taxed provinces.
The Alberta Taxpayer Protection Act, introduced by Premier Ralph Klein in 1995, states that a referendum must be held before a Provincial Sales Tax can be introduced. However, previous governments have shown that they have no problem sweeping aw...
2016-04-2100 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Are the Alberta Government Guidelines for Best Practices with Respect to Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression Appropriate for Drafting LGBTQ School Policies? (Part 1)On June 1, 2015, Alberta’s Bill 10 became law. The content of this bill has twofold implications for policy within school districts. The first impact is that Gay Straight Alliances (GSA’s) must be allowed in any school where students request to have them. The second is that “gender identity” and “gender expression” are now included in Alberta’s Bill of Rights. In December, 2015, those rights were also added to Alberta’s Human Rights Act through Bill 7.
In the fall of 2015, Alberta’s Minister of Education released Guidelines for Best Practices: Creating Learning Environments that Respect Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression...
2016-03-0300 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Are the Alberta Government Guidelines for Best Practices with Respect to Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression Appropriate for Drafting LGBTQ School Policies? (Part 2 Q&A)On June 1, 2015, Alberta’s Bill 10 became law. The content of this bill has twofold implications for policy within school districts. The first impact is that Gay Straight Alliances (GSA’s) must be allowed in any school where students request to have them. The second is that “gender identity” and “gender expression” are now included in Alberta’s Bill of Rights. In December, 2015, those rights were also added to Alberta’s Human Rights Act through Bill 7.
In the fall of 2015, Alberta’s Minister of Education released Guidelines for Best Practices: Creating Learning Environments that Respect Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression...
2016-03-0300 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)How did Alberta Arrive at its Present Political and Financial State? (Part 2 Q&A)Since 1971, Alberta has been ruled by a majority Progressive Conservative Government, the longest unbroken run in government at the provincial level in Canada. When the PC’s replaced Social Credit in 1971, that party had been in power for 36 years.
Under the leadership of Premier Peter Lougheed, Alberta prospered, due to substantial growth in the resource sector coupled with an increased share of revenues from oil and gas. Also established was the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, a non-renewable resource fund designed to be of long-term benefit to Alberta. Sadly though, since Lougheed retired from politics in 1986, opportunities have arguably been sq...
2015-04-2300 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)How did Alberta Arrive at its Present Political and Financial State? (Part 1)Since 1971, Alberta has been ruled by a majority Progressive Conservative Government, the longest unbroken run in government at the provincial level in Canada. When the PC’s replaced Social Credit in 1971, that party had been in power for 36 years.
Under the leadership of Premier Peter Lougheed, Alberta prospered, due to substantial growth in the resource sector coupled with an increased share of revenues from oil and gas. Also established was the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, a non-renewable resource fund designed to be of long-term benefit to Alberta. Sadly though, since Lougheed retired from politics in 1986, opportunities have arguably been sq...
2015-04-2300 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta Provincial Election Forum for Lethbridge East (Part 1)The May 5, 2015 Alberta Provincial Election promises to be an interesting contest and ought to attract more attention than normally would be expected of such. The SACPA forum will be conducted using both formulated and audience questions. Voice your concerns and help frame the issues you consider important, by asking the candidates to explain their views and party policies on those topics.
Please plan to attend this forum and please also exercise you democratic right and duty by voting in the advance polls or on May 5, 2015.
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2015 for Lethbridge EAST
Time: 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Country Kitchen Catering (downstairs at the Ke...
2015-04-2200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta Provincial Election Forum for Lethbridge East (Part 2 Q&A)The May 5, 2015 Alberta Provincial Election promises to be an interesting contest and ought to attract more attention than normally would be expected of such. The SACPA forum will be conducted using both formulated and audience questions. Voice your concerns and help frame the issues you consider important, by asking the candidates to explain their views and party policies on those topics.
Please plan to attend this forum and please also exercise you democratic right and duty by voting in the advance polls or on May 5, 2015.
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2015 for Lethbridge EAST
Time: 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Country Kitchen Catering (downstairs at the Ke...
2015-04-2200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta’s NDP Party: New Leader, Enhanced Perspective? (Part 1)Alberta’s NDP Party: New Leader, Enhanced Perspective?
The new leader of Alberta’s NDP party, Rachel Notley, received 70 per cent of the votes cast on the first ballot, easily defeating two other candidates in the recent NDP leadership race. In her victory speech, Notley promised a viable alternative to the Progressive Conservative, Liberal and Wildrose parties in the next election.
The speaker will argue that arrogance, entitlement and the narrow minded vision of days gone by is not the “Alberta Advantage”. "Let's leave the parties of the past behind," she says "This time, let's not forget history. Let's not repeat h...
2014-11-1300 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta’s NDP Party: New Leader, Enhanced Perspective? (Part 2 Q&A)Alberta’s NDP Party: New Leader, Enhanced Perspective?
The new leader of Alberta’s NDP party, Rachel Notley, received 70 per cent of the votes cast on the first ballot, easily defeating two other candidates in the recent NDP leadership race. In her victory speech, Notley promised a viable alternative to the Progressive Conservative, Liberal and Wildrose parties in the next election.
The speaker will argue that arrogance, entitlement and the narrow minded vision of days gone by is not the “Alberta Advantage”. "Let's leave the parties of the past behind," she says "This time, let's not forget history. Let's not repeat h...
2014-11-1300 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Southern Alberta as a Clean Energy Hub – What are the Opportunities and Challenges? (Part 2 Q&A)Alberta’s electricity system is at a cross-roads. Coal, which has been the dominant source of electricity in the province for a generation is slowly being phased out, while industrial growth forecasts mean Alberta’s electricity system will double in size over the next 20 years. Rapid price declines in both wind and more recently solar, as well as technological innovation in integrating these technologies worldwide has meant that wind and solar have the potential to displace vast amount of fossil fuels if Alberta choses to invest in them.
Southern Alberta has some of Canada’s best wind and solar resources and co...
2014-11-0600 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Southern Alberta as a Clean Energy Hub – What are the Opportunities and Challenges? (Part 1)Alberta’s electricity system is at a cross-roads. Coal, which has been the dominant source of electricity in the province for a generation is slowly being phased out, while industrial growth forecasts mean Alberta’s electricity system will double in size over the next 20 years. Rapid price declines in both wind and more recently solar, as well as technological innovation in integrating these technologies worldwide has meant that wind and solar have the potential to displace vast amount of fossil fuels if Alberta choses to invest in them.
Southern Alberta has some of Canada’s best wind and solar resources and co...
2014-11-0600 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Striving for Fairness: How does Alberta’s Ombudsman Connect the Dots? (Part 1)In 1967, Alberta became the first jurisdiction in North America and the tenth in the world to create an ombudsoffice. One of seven Legislative Officers for Alberta, the Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner reports directly to the Legislature and is meant to promote fairness in public administration and investigate complaints from individuals regarding unfair actions or decisions made by provincial government departments, agencies and some professional organizations.
The Alberta government may also be credited with blurring the lines of accountability that are so critical to ensuring administrative fairness. 47 years after its creation, Alberta’s ombudsoffice continues its quest to ensure administrative fa...
2014-09-1800 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Striving for Fairness: How does Alberta’s Ombudsman Connect the Dots? (Part 2 Q&A)In 1967, Alberta became the first jurisdiction in North America and the tenth in the world to create an ombudsoffice. One of seven Legislative Officers for Alberta, the Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner reports directly to the Legislature and is meant to promote fairness in public administration and investigate complaints from individuals regarding unfair actions or decisions made by provincial government departments, agencies and some professional organizations.
The Alberta government may also be credited with blurring the lines of accountability that are so critical to ensuring administrative fairness. 47 years after its creation, Alberta’s ombudsoffice continues its quest to ensure administrative fa...
2014-09-1800 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Another political party? The Alberta Green Party re-emerges (Part 1)The Progressive Conservative Party has been the governing party for more than four decades in Alberta for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that there has rarely been a viable alternative party with enough support to move from the Opposition to the Government benches. In almost every political system that employs a single member plurality electoral system the opposition parties merge into one party (or a coalition) to provide an alternative to the government. But in Canada we have done the opposite by creating multiple parties that do not cooperate during elections.
So the rebirth of...
2013-05-0900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Another political party? The Alberta Green Party re-emerges (Part 2 Q&A)The Progressive Conservative Party has been the governing party for more than four decades in Alberta for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that there has rarely been a viable alternative party with enough support to move from the Opposition to the Government benches. In almost every political system that employs a single member plurality electoral system the opposition parties merge into one party (or a coalition) to provide an alternative to the government. But in Canada we have done the opposite by creating multiple parties that do not cooperate during elections.
So the rebirth of...
2013-05-0900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Why is Disparity Running Rampant in Alberta? (Part 1)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 re...
2013-03-1400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Why is Disparity Running Rampant in Alberta? (Part 2 Q&A)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 re...
2013-03-1400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Biochar – a Product of Ancient Technology with Possible Global Impact and New Opportunities for Alberta (Part 1)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...
2012-11-1500 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Biochar – a Product of Ancient Technology with Possible Global Impact and New Opportunities for Alberta (Part 2 Q&A)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...
2012-11-1500 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Electrical Deregulation in Alberta: Has it Made Sense? (Part 1)In 1995 Premier Ralph Klein and the Progressive Conservative party began the restructuring of electricity in Alberta with the introduction of "The Electrical Utilities Act". In 2001 a fully deregulated electricity market was opened. The only province in Canada with a deregulated market in electricity, Alberta is said by many to have one of the highest electricity rates in Canada. Voices on both sides of this have debated the gains and losses of this deregulation.
The speaker knows something about this, as owner of Lethbridge Iron Works, an industry which uses a considerable amount of electricity. He will give some background on...
2012-05-2400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Electrical Deregulation in Alberta: Has it Made Sense? (Part 2 Q&A)In 1995 Premier Ralph Klein and the Progressive Conservative party began the restructuring of electricity in Alberta with the introduction of "The Electrical Utilities Act". In 2001 a fully deregulated electricity market was opened. The only province in Canada with a deregulated market in electricity, Alberta is said by many to have one of the highest electricity rates in Canada. Voices on both sides of this have debated the gains and losses of this deregulation.
The speaker knows something about this, as owner of Lethbridge Iron Works, an industry which uses a considerable amount of electricity. He will give some background on...
2012-05-2400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)"Same Old Story?" - Unpacking the 2012 Alberta Provincial Election (Part 1)The front page headline in the Lethbridge Herald April 24 read, "Same Old Story". Was it really? Was this another automatic victory for the PCs? How did the Conservatives manage to win this one? How did the Wildrose manage to lose it? Did the pundits and pollsters miss something? What do the various parties have to learn – as they look back on this election? How has the Alberta electorate changed in the past few years – and what did the outcome say about Alberta in 2012?
Our speaker will explore the layers and issues that affected the Provincial election outcome, and what we need...
2012-05-1000 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)"Same Old Story?" - Unpacking the 2012 Alberta Provincial Election (Part 2 Q&A)The front page headline in the Lethbridge Herald April 24 read, "Same Old Story". Was it really? Was this another automatic victory for the PCs? How did the Conservatives manage to win this one? How did the Wildrose manage to lose it? Did the pundits and pollsters miss something? What do the various parties have to learn – as they look back on this election? How has the Alberta electorate changed in the past few years – and what did the outcome say about Alberta in 2012?
Our speaker will explore the layers and issues that affected the Provincial election outcome, and what we need...
2012-05-1000 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)World Water Day: Why are the Themes of Water and Food Security Relevant to Alberta? (Part 1)This year’s theme for World Water Day (March 22) is water and food security. In Alberta we do not often feel food insecure, so how does the theme of World Water Day have an impact in our world? Southern Alberta has a limited water supply for both urban and rural residents. As well, agricultural production relies heavily on irrigation, so it is essential to ensure our water is not polluted.
Water pollution is a main cause of reduced water availability and can have serious impacts on the environment and on human health. The pollution can stem from inadequate rules for re...
2012-03-2200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)World Water Day: Why are the Themes of Water and Food Security Relevant to Alberta? (Part 2 Q&A)This year’s theme for World Water Day (March 22) is water and food security. In Alberta we do not often feel food insecure, so how does the theme of World Water Day have an impact in our world? Southern Alberta has a limited water supply for both urban and rural residents. As well, agricultural production relies heavily on irrigation, so it is essential to ensure our water is not polluted.
Water pollution is a main cause of reduced water availability and can have serious impacts on the environment and on human health. The pollution can stem from inadequate rules for re...
2012-03-2200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta Federation of Labour: 100 Years of Promoting Unity... Will it Last? (Part 1)Seeking better working conditions, representatives of all Alberta’s trade unions met, along with members of the recently (1909) formed United Farmers of Alberta (UFA), at a founding convention of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) in Lethbridge on July 14-15, 1912. The convention was chaired by Donald McNabb, a Lethbridge coal miner who had served a brief term as Alberta’s first independent labour MLA (supporting the governing Liberals).
The AFL blossomed early and in 1926, they had several MLA’s elected resulting in many improvements to Alberta labour laws and the Workman’s Compensation Act, making Alberta a leader of such laws in...
2012-01-2600 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta Federation of Labour: 100 Years of Promoting Unity... Will it Last? (Part 2 Q&A)Seeking better working conditions, representatives of all Alberta’s trade unions met, along with members of the recently (1909) formed United Farmers of Alberta (UFA), at a founding convention of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) in Lethbridge on July 14-15, 1912. The convention was chaired by Donald McNabb, a Lethbridge coal miner who had served a brief term as Alberta’s first independent labour MLA (supporting the governing Liberals).
The AFL blossomed early and in 1926, they had several MLA’s elected resulting in many improvements to Alberta labour laws and the Workman’s Compensation Act, making Alberta a leader of such laws in...
2012-01-2600 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)A New Alberta: Is It Prime Time to Change the Culture of Political Entitlement?With a provincial election imminent, the leader of the official provincial opposition will suggest and discuss the changes we arguably need in Alberta if we are to meet the challenges facing us on many fronts. From health care, education and social services to balancing economic development with growing concerns about the environment and clean water security, the speaker will offer solutions.
Speaker: Dr. Raj Sherman, Leader of Alberta’s Official Opposition
Dr. Raj Sherman was elected to his first term as a Member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Meadowlark on March 3, 2008. He served as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of...
2012-01-1800 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Will Economic Strategy be Paramount in Shaping Alberta's Future? (Part 1)A new report challenges Albertans to consider recommendations that focus on the province’s long-term prosperity by realizing the full potential of Alberta’s energy resources and broadening its economic base.
“Shaping Alberta’s Future”, the report from the 12-member Premier’s Council for Economic Strategy, also calls on all Albertans to consider their role to ensure future success.
“My goal for this council was to ‘think big’ on how we can best position Alberta, looking 30 years into the future. This type of long-term planning has been done on behalf of all Albertans, and their children and grandchildren,” said former Premier Ed Stelmach...
2011-11-1700 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Will Economic Strategy be Paramount in Shaping Alberta's Future? (Part 2 Q&A)A new report challenges Albertans to consider recommendations that focus on the province’s long-term prosperity by realizing the full potential of Alberta’s energy resources and broadening its economic base.
“Shaping Alberta’s Future”, the report from the 12-member Premier’s Council for Economic Strategy, also calls on all Albertans to consider their role to ensure future success.
“My goal for this council was to ‘think big’ on how we can best position Alberta, looking 30 years into the future. This type of long-term planning has been done on behalf of all Albertans, and their children and grandchildren,” said former Premier Ed Stelmach...
2011-11-1700 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Funding Alberta's Municipalities (Part 1)As Alberta’s population continues to go up, the quality of life in many of its towns and cities is going down. Many municipalities struggle to build and maintain adequate roads and sidewalks and cope with the increased pressure that larger populations put on garbage collection, recycling, snow removal and policing; let alone ensure that our leisure and sports facilities remain up to par.
Glenn Taylor says that the problem is not just a shortage of funds. He believes that the way in which core infrastructure and services are funded, as well as the diminished role that our locally elected of...
2011-10-0600 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Funding Alberta's Municipalities (Part 2 Q&A)As Alberta’s population continues to go up, the quality of life in many of its towns and cities is going down. Many municipalities struggle to build and maintain adequate roads and sidewalks and cope with the increased pressure that larger populations put on garbage collection, recycling, snow removal and policing; let alone ensure that our leisure and sports facilities remain up to par.
Glenn Taylor says that the problem is not just a shortage of funds. He believes that the way in which core infrastructure and services are funded, as well as the diminished role that our locally elected of...
2011-10-0600 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)With Alberta's Economy Fuelled by Hydrocarbons, is Water Playing Second Fiddle? (Part 1)Alberta’s government has made some major organizational changes related to research and development. Five new organizations have been formed which encompass the activities of many predecessors in the research and innovation community. The Alberta Research and Innovation Authority have replaced the Alberta Science and Research Authority and four “Alberta Innovates” corporations have been created within its auspices. The former Alberta Water Research Institute and the Alberta Energy Resource Institute have become Alberta Innovates, Energy and Environment Solutions.
The speaker will provide an overview of the current “Alberta Innovates” system of corporations and their respective roles. He will also explain how Energy...
2011-09-2900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)With Alberta's Economy Fuelled by Hydrocarbons, is Water Playing Second Fiddle? (Part 2 Q&A)Alberta’s government has made some major organizational changes related to research and development. Five new organizations have been formed which encompass the activities of many predecessors in the research and innovation community. The Alberta Research and Innovation Authority have replaced the Alberta Science and Research Authority and four “Alberta Innovates” corporations have been created within its auspices. The former Alberta Water Research Institute and the Alberta Energy Resource Institute have become Alberta Innovates, Energy and Environment Solutions.
The speaker will provide an overview of the current “Alberta Innovates” system of corporations and their respective roles. He will also explain how Energy...
2011-09-2900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Is Oil from the Alberta Tar Sands a Sticky Environmental Issue? (Part 1)Many people in Canada, including David Schindler, a respected environmental scientist at the University of Alberta, have for many years questioned the government sponsored environmental monitoring data of the oil sands as being inadequate. Last year, politicians and the general public in the United States began making critical remarks about “Canada’s dirty oil” threatening Canada’s reputation and possibly a portion of its export markets. This attention raised public concern to a new level resulting in both the federal and Alberta governments taking action. Several major initiatives, including work by the Royal Society of Canada, were started in the fall of...
2011-09-2200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Is Oil from the Alberta Tar Sands a Sticky Environmental Issue? (Part 2 Q&A)Many people in Canada, including David Schindler, a respected environmental scientist at the University of Alberta, have for many years questioned the government sponsored environmental monitoring data of the oil sands as being inadequate. Last year, politicians and the general public in the United States began making critical remarks about “Canada’s dirty oil” threatening Canada’s reputation and possibly a portion of its export markets. This attention raised public concern to a new level resulting in both the federal and Alberta governments taking action. Several major initiatives, including work by the Royal Society of Canada, were started in the fall of...
2011-09-2200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Is the Alberta Government Investing in What Matters to Albertans? (Part 1)The latest provincial budget is going to impact on many Alberta families and communities very hard. We are told that there needs to be cuts to many essential public services due to the current deficit, but when you look deeper at the budget, you see that there are many choices that the government is making that clearly do not support what matters most to Albertans. In this talk, the speaker will not only explore how the provincial budget is affecting our communities and families, but will also talk about what we can do to advocate for a better vision for...
2011-05-0500 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Is the Alberta Government Investing in What Matters to Albertans? (Part 2 Q&A)The latest provincial budget is going to impact on many Alberta families and communities very hard. We are told that there needs to be cuts to many essential public services due to the current deficit, but when you look deeper at the budget, you see that there are many choices that the government is making that clearly do not support what matters most to Albertans. In this talk, the speaker will not only explore how the provincial budget is affecting our communities and families, but will also talk about what we can do to advocate for a better vision for...
2011-05-0500 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta's Looming Water Market: Is Public Consultation Necessary? (Part 2 Q&A)Alberta appears to be moving towards a serious water crisis. Climate change is causing rapid melting of the glaciers and decreasing snowpack on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the source of most Alberta's water. Alberta has the fastest growing population in Canada and this growing population is centered in the southern most, driest region of the province. Industry and agriculture continue to thirst for more water to expand their operations; but as rivers are beginning and expected to continue to decline, the water limits are becoming evident.
An Our Water Is Not For Sale (OWINF) working group came...
2011-03-1000 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Alberta's Looming Water Market: Is Public Consultation Necessary? (Part 1)Alberta appears to be moving towards a serious water crisis. Climate change is causing rapid melting of the glaciers and decreasing snowpack on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the source of most Alberta's water. Alberta has the fastest growing population in Canada and this growing population is centered in the southern most, driest region of the province. Industry and agriculture continue to thirst for more water to expand their operations; but as rivers are beginning and expected to continue to decline, the water limits are becoming evident.
An Our Water Is Not For Sale (OWINF) working group came...
2011-03-1000 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Can the Alberta Party be a Viable Alternative in Provincial Politics?Wednesday, February 9, 2011
7 – 9 pm
At Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S
The Conservative Party in Alberta, which for the last 40 years has formed our provincial government, appears to be in disarray. Premier Ed Stelmach’s recent resignation and rumblings regarding property owners rights, the environment, deficits and the upcoming budged seems to have shaken their long standing, right of center, foundation.
The Alberta Party, which has existed in one form or another since 1985, aims to represent the center of the political spectrum. They have recently consulted with a wide range of Albertans before the development of t...
2011-02-0900 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Smoke and Mirrors: The Alberta Health Act?A few weeks ago, with Halloween just around the corner, the government introduced the new Alberta Health Act in the legislature. How appropriate that timing was, as the Act, like Halloween, appears to require Albertans to suspend their disbelief.
The principles being proposed for the Health Act sounds rosy and includes, quality and safety, timely and appropriate care, and access not based on ability to pay. However, many of these principles are already being violated across the province; rural Albertans cannot access timely care and seniors across Alberta are often accessing care based on ability to pay, not need. Just...
2010-11-1800 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Back to the Future: Why Alberta needs more pioneer-style collective action and less American-style conservative ideology. (Part 1)Back to the Future: Why Alberta needs more pioneer-style collective action and less American-style conservative ideology.
Job loss; declining quality and accessibility of public services; environmental impact of development; and cut throat competition from abroad are the kinds of challenges Alberta faces as it moves into the second decade of the 21st century.
Will we be able to maintain our prosperity and quality of life in the face of these challenges? Will we adapt, innovate and develop better ways to support each other and our communities? Or will we see more and more of our neighbours tossed to the curb...
2010-10-0700 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Back to the Future: Why Alberta needs more pioneer-style collective action and less American-style conservative ideology. (Part 2 Q&A)Back to the Future: Why Alberta needs more pioneer-style collective action and less American-style conservative ideology.
Job loss; declining quality and accessibility of public services; environmental impact of development; and cut throat competition from abroad are the kinds of challenges Alberta faces as it moves into the second decade of the 21st century.
Will we be able to maintain our prosperity and quality of life in the face of these challenges? Will we adapt, innovate and develop better ways to support each other and our communities? Or will we see more and more of our neighbours tossed to the curb...
2010-10-0700 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Equality between Women and Men in Alberta: How long will it take? (Part 1)12- 1:30pm
There is a deafening silence around women''s issues in Alberta, the only province in Canada with no ministry for the status of women, no policy secretariat, or no advisory council on the status of women. All other jurisdictions have some kind of formal voice, within government, for women.
The speaker will present evidence from various sources, including Statistics Canada and other national data sources, that women in Alberta still experience disproportionate levels of poverty, low wages and high levels of economic inequality in comparison with men. Such data are contained in a report produced by partnership between Parkland...
2010-04-0100 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Equality between Women and Men in Alberta: How long will it take? (Part 2 Q&A)12- 1:30pm
There is a deafening silence around women''s issues in Alberta, the only province in Canada with no ministry for the status of women, no policy secretariat, or no advisory council on the status of women. All other jurisdictions have some kind of formal voice, within government, for women.
The speaker will present evidence from various sources, including Statistics Canada and other national data sources, that women in Alberta still experience disproportionate levels of poverty, low wages and high levels of economic inequality in comparison with men. Such data are contained in a report produced by partnership between Parkland...
2010-04-0100 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)What you should know about Alberta''s water market (Part 1)Pressure on Alberta''s water resources is growing by the day.
Limits on water availability have brought about Canada''s first market for water. This is a controversial topic but is not well understood by many Albertans.
The Alberta government is considering changes to this water market as well as fundamental changes to water use and allocation.
The speaker will provide an overview of Alberta''s current water allocation system, key issues on the table and alternatives for the future.
Speaker: Danielle Droitsch
Danielle Droitsch is the Executive Director of Water Matters, an Alberta non-governmental organization founded in 2007 to address province-wide watershed issues.
...
2009-05-1400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)What you should know about Alberta''s water market (Part 2 Q&A)Pressure on Alberta''s water resources is growing by the day.
Limits on water availability have brought about Canada''s first market for water. This is a controversial topic but is not well understood by many Albertans.
The Alberta government is considering changes to this water market as well as fundamental changes to water use and allocation.
The speaker will provide an overview of Alberta''s current water allocation system, key issues on the table and alternatives for the future.
Speaker: Danielle Droitsch
Danielle Droitsch is the Executive Director of Water Matters, an Alberta non-governmental organization founded in 2007 to address province-wide watershed issues.
...
2009-05-1400 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Why Political Revival in Alberta? (Part 1)The historically low voter turnout at Alberta''s general election last year is cause for concern about the health of democracy in our province. The ruling Progressive Conservatives increased their already commanding majority at the legislature, reducing the number of seats held by opposition parties to just eleven: 9 by the Liberals and 2 by the NDP. Can so few opposition MLAs ensure that the major concerns of all Albertans are subjected to rigorous debate in our 83-seat legislature before the ruling party decides what becomes the law of the land?
The Alberta Liberals have a new leader: David Swann, M.D. the...
2009-01-2200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Why Political Revival in Alberta? (Part 2 Q&A)The historically low voter turnout at Alberta''s general election last year is cause for concern about the health of democracy in our province. The ruling Progressive Conservatives increased their already commanding majority at the legislature, reducing the number of seats held by opposition parties to just eleven: 9 by the Liberals and 2 by the NDP. Can so few opposition MLAs ensure that the major concerns of all Albertans are subjected to rigorous debate in our 83-seat legislature before the ruling party decides what becomes the law of the land?
The Alberta Liberals have a new leader: David Swann, M.D. the...
2009-01-2200 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Should Alberta be Kept Free of Nuclear Power? (Part 1)The wheels have been set in motion to build western Canada’s first nuclear power plant. Bruce Power Alberta bought the assets of Energy Alberta Corporation and filed an application with the federal government to build a nuclear power plant earlier this year. On the same day, Bruce Power Alberta also filed an application with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to prepare a site for the construction of this nuclear power plant. The proposed plant would be built on private land next to Lac Cardinal Lake, about 30 kilometres west of Peace River and about 480 kilometres northwest of Edmonton
Bruce Power Al...
2008-11-1300 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Should Alberta be Kept Free of Nuclear Power? (Part 2 Q&A)The wheels have been set in motion to build western Canada’s first nuclear power plant. Bruce Power Alberta bought the assets of Energy Alberta Corporation and filed an application with the federal government to build a nuclear power plant earlier this year. On the same day, Bruce Power Alberta also filed an application with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to prepare a site for the construction of this nuclear power plant. The proposed plant would be built on private land next to Lac Cardinal Lake, about 30 kilometres west of Peace River and about 480 kilometres northwest of Edmonton
Bruce Power Al...
2008-11-1300 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Forty Years of SACPA: A Tribute to Gordon Campbell (Part 1)Even before arriving in Lethbridge Gordon Campbell was an established Adult Educator, first in Regina and later as President of the College in Castlegar. Within his first year in Lethbridge, he was already pondering a possible gathering of citizens that would make a difference in the community. In typical Gordonesque manner, no sooner had the idea gelled, he had it up and running, albeit with a little help from his friends. Some of those friends from the early days of SACPA will speak at this special session. SACPA was Gordon’s conception. Forty years later it is alive and well an...
2008-06-0500 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Forty Years of SACPA: A Tribute to Gordon Campbell (Part 2 Q&A)Even before arriving in Lethbridge Gordon Campbell was an established Adult Educator, first in Regina and later as President of the College in Castlegar. Within his first year in Lethbridge, he was already pondering a possible gathering of citizens that would make a difference in the community. In typical Gordonesque manner, no sooner had the idea gelled, he had it up and running, albeit with a little help from his friends. Some of those friends from the early days of SACPA will speak at this special session. SACPA was Gordon’s conception. Forty years later it is alive and well an...
2008-06-0500 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Oil Sands Fever: The Environmental Implications of Alberta’s Oil Sands Rush (Part 1)Special Session: Tuesday March 27th!
Oil Sands Fever: The Environmental Implications of Alberta’s Oil Sands Rush
SACPA, in partnership with The University of Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group and Student Union is pleased to announce a special SACPA- on-Campus session on this very important issue.
Managing the environmental impacts arising from the pace and scale of development in the oil sands is a considerable challenge that must be urgently addressed, particularly in light of new goals to increase oil sands production five-fold. As Alberta’s boreal forest is torn up for oil sands development, the environmental impacts to air, land...
2007-03-2700 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Oil Sands Fever: The Environmental Implications of Alberta’s Oil Sands Rush (Part 2 Q&A)Special Session: Tuesday March 27th!
Oil Sands Fever: The Environmental Implications of Alberta’s Oil Sands Rush
SACPA, in partnership with The University of Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group and Student Union is pleased to announce a special SACPA- on-Campus session on this very important issue.
Managing the environmental impacts arising from the pace and scale of development in the oil sands is a considerable challenge that must be urgently addressed, particularly in light of new goals to increase oil sands production five-fold. As Alberta’s boreal forest is torn up for oil sands development, the environmental impacts to air, land...
2007-03-2700 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Critical Alberta Issues in the Post-Klein Era (Part 1)With an overheated booming provincial economy, key challenges face the new Conservative Stelmach Team, including:
The need for alternative energy programs,
Long term planning for royalties and when the resources run out,
Affordable housing for an expanding population,
Oil sands and Kyoto: is there any reconciliation of benefit to Alberta?, and
The democratic deficit: can we expect more of the same?
Brian Mason, leader of the provincial New Democratic Party, will provide his perspective on these issues and how they should be addressed.
Speaker: Brian Mason, MLA, Leader of the Alberta New Democratic Party
Brian Mason served as a City...
2007-02-1500 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Critical Alberta Issues in the Post-Klein Era (Part 2 Q&A)With an overheated booming provincial economy, key challenges face the new Conservative Stelmach Team, including:
The need for alternative energy programs,
Long term planning for royalties and when the resources run out,
Affordable housing for an expanding population,
Oil sands and Kyoto: is there any reconciliation of benefit to Alberta?, and
The democratic deficit: can we expect more of the same?
Brian Mason, leader of the provincial New Democratic Party, will provide his perspective on these issues and how they should be addressed.
Speaker: Brian Mason, MLA, Leader of the Alberta New Democratic Party
Brian Mason served as a City...
2007-02-1500 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)The Face of HIV in Alberta (Part 1)SACPA Thursday, December 1, 2005
The Face of HIV in Alberta
Since testing began in 1985, the number of Canadians living with HIV/AIDS has continued to increase at a rate of approximately 11 new infections every day. Health Canada estimates that there are more than 56,000 people in Canada living with HIV/AIDS, of which approximately 17,000 do not know they are infected. There are an estimated 4,000 Albertans living with HIV/AIDS.
HIV-related discrimination stops people from getting the information and support they need. Anyone can get infected with HIV, no matter your age, your sex, your sexual orientation or your ethnic origin. It is...
2005-12-0100 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)The Face of HIV in Alberta (Part 2 Q&A)SACPA Thursday, December 1, 2005
The Face of HIV in Alberta
Since testing began in 1985, the number of Canadians living with HIV/AIDS has continued to increase at a rate of approximately 11 new infections every day. Health Canada estimates that there are more than 56,000 people in Canada living with HIV/AIDS, of which approximately 17,000 do not know they are infected. There are an estimated 4,000 Albertans living with HIV/AIDS.
HIV-related discrimination stops people from getting the information and support they need. Anyone can get infected with HIV, no matter your age, your sex, your sexual orientation or your ethnic origin. It is...
2005-12-0100 min