Shows
The Alberta Screen ImpactS1 E9: The Final Step - Calgary International Film Festival’s Importance to Alberta’s Film Ecosystem with Katherine PenhaleIn this episode of the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast, we sit down with Katherine Penhale, Executive Director of the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF). Katherine shares her remarkable journey from a last-minute venue coordinator in 2016 to leading one of Canada’s most celebrated festivals through its 25th anniversary and beyond. She dives into the strategic vision behind CIFF’s Constellation Plan, challenges with Calgary’s venue infrastructure, the importance of filmmaker experience, and her mission to ensure cinema remains vibrant in the city’s core. Whether you’re a filmmaker, industry professional, or festival fan, this episode offers a masterclas...
2025-07-2435 min
The Alberta Screen ImpactS1 E1: Homegrown and World-Class - SEVEN24Films and the Alberta Advantage with Tom Cox & Jordy RandallIn this episode of the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast, we sit down with Tom Cox and Jordy Randall, the executive producers behind SEVEN24 Films. With Heartland as Canada’s longest running one-hour drama and one of the most-watched shows on Netflix globally, these two Alberta industry leaders reflect on building a production company that’s helped define the province’s screen identity. From early days of advocating for local infrastructure to managing major productions like Wynonna Earp and Brokeback Mountain, Tom and Jordy share lessons on longevity, leadership, and the work ethic that drives Alberta-made storytelling....
2025-06-1042 min
The Alberta Screen ImpactTrailer: Alberta Screen Impact Podcast: A New Era for Alberta’s Screen IndustryWelcome to the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast, a dynamic new series showcasing the creativity, innovation, and stories driving Alberta’s thriving film, television, and digital media sectors. In this trailer episode, hosts Justine Gamez Huckabay and Brent Kawchuk offer an exclusive preview of what’s ahead: powerful conversations with emerging talent, celebrated industry leaders, and the creative forces shaping Alberta’s screen future. Listeners will discover how Alberta’s creators are navigating new challenges, seizing opportunities, and making a mark on both the national and international stage. Each episode delivers authentic insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and fresh perspectives on the province...
2025-05-3001 min
Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)The disappearing Alberta Advantage – what can be done to reverse Alberta’s collapsing standard of living? With Gil McGowanOverwhelmed hospitals. Overcrowded schools. Threats from Donald Trump. Coal mines that could contaminate our water supply. If all that wasn’t enough for Albertans to worry about, Alberta wages and living standards are also falling. Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan will explain what’s behind the disappearance of the Alberta Advantage – and what we can do about it.
Speaker: Gil McGowan
Gil McGowan is a passionate labour leader, advocate for workers’ rights, and dedicated champion of social and economic justice. Since 2005, he has served as the president of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL), Al...
2025-03-181h 10
What On EARTH Can We Do?Alberta's Recycling LegacyFor over 30 years, the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) has been at the forefront of environmental stewardship, diverting millions of tires, litres of oil, and other materials from landfills. Joining us in this episode is Ed Gugenheimer, CEO of ARMA, to discuss the province's leadership in recycling, the evolution of ARMA's programs, and what the future holds for Alberta’s circular economy.Key Topics01:00 - The origins of ARMA and Alberta's early leadership in recycling12:06 - Milestones in environmental impact15:33 - Innovations in recycling, such as renewable energy components and AI-powered sorting systems22:58 - Alberta’s ongo...
2024-11-2128 min
Forestry TalksAdapting to Change: Minister Todd Loewen on Alberta’s Evolving Forest StrategyJoin us as we kick off the 2024 AGM series with a special return guest, Minister Todd Loewen, Alberta’s Minister of Forestry and Parks. In this episode, Minister Loewen expands on the lessons learned from Alberta’s unprecedented wildfire seasons and the steps being taken to protect Alberta’s forests, communities, and wildlife. From the advanced use of night vision helicopters and drones to the increased collaboration with local communities and industries, Minister Loewen discusses innovative changes in wildfire response. We also explore the importance of fuel management, forest age diversity, and how Alberta’s forestry policies adapt to enviro...
2024-11-1922 minWhat On EARTH Can We Do?Transforming Alberta’s Orphan WellsAlberta is facing a growing challenge with over 170,000 abandoned oil wells across the province, creating environmental risks and economic burdens for rural communities. RenuWell Energy Solutions is addressing this issue by converting these orphan well sites into community solar projects that generate clean energy and support rural communities. Keith Hirsche, founder of RenuWell, joins host Bri to explain how this innovative approach works, the positive impacts on Albertan communities, and what it means for Alberta’s renewable energy future.Key Topics:Understanding orphan wells (01:33) and their environmental and economic impact (05:31)RenuWell’s journey to repurpose orphan well...
2024-11-0724 minWhat On EARTH Can We Do?Building Alberta's Low-Carbon FutureIn this episode of What On EARTH Can We Do?, host Bri chats with Pam Goertzen, Executive Director of the Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA), about the critical role of sustainable building practices in Alberta's path to a low-carbon future. With Alberta’s rapid population growth fueling demand for new buildings, Pam discusses how the construction industry can innovate to meet the challenge of building fast, affordable, and low-carbon homes without compromising sustainability. They also explore the economics of green building, the importance of operational efficiency, and the potential for groundbreaking materials like recycled plastic to reshape the wa...
2024-10-0320 min
BCA PodcastsThe Brief: Alberta's mid-summer 2024 Economic SnapshotEpisode Description Join us as we explore the intricate economic landscape of Alberta in mid-summer, where high inflation and interest rates contrast with robust economic growth. Alongside our chief economist, Mike Holden, we unpack the paradox of a thriving economy and rising unemployment rates in major cities like Calgary and Edmonton. Despite the high business optimism and strong private sector job growth, the rapid influx of newcomers is outpacing job creation, presenting unique challenges for the province. We also examine the financial struggles facing Albertans amidst rising living costs. Inflation may be slowing...
2024-07-2323 min
BCA PodcastsThe Brief: How innovation is helping Alberta adapt to a changing water futureAlberta's opportunity to contribute to global solutions in agriculture, energy, and health is immense. Seizing this opportunity will take big ideas, lots of collaboration, and a little “can do” attitude. In the special series of The Brief, called Missions & Moonshots, we are talking to top experts, business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders across Alberta and Canada exploring solutions to the world’s biggest challenges in energy, agriculture, and health. Our guest is Vicki Lightbown, the Director of the Water Innovation Program at Alberta Innovates. She discusses the state of drought in Alberta today, how innovation can ma...
2024-06-2714 min
BCA PodcastsThe Brief: Alberta’s Economy Leads in Growth, But Headwinds RemainAlberta has seen the strongest employment growth of all large provinces, but while resilient, Alberta has not escaped weak expectations globally or nationally. The labour market is softening, unemployment has ticked up, and Albertans are still feeling the impact of inflation and interest rates, with less than half feeling good about their finances. Despite this, Alberta businesses are among the most optimistic in the country, and they intend to continue to spend on capital this year. Further, Alberta is attracting a larger share of venture capital dollars, despite a national dip in overall investment. On...
2024-04-3027 min
Land Use PodcastWater Licencing and Drought In Alberta with Lorraine NicolAs Alberta faces drought, how do we work with water licence holders to ensure Albertans have access to water? Find out more from our latest podcast episode with Lorraine Nicol.
For more information check out these resources:
Priority? Licence transfers? Here's how Alberta's water system works: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/priority-licence-transfers-here-s-how-alberta-s-water-system-works-drought-1.7115044
Municipal Development and Alberta's Water Management Framework (PDF)(on pg 27): https://www.albertaplanners.com/sites/default/files/civicrm/persist/contribute/files/PlanNW_Fall2017_WaterIssue_WEB.pdf
Modeling Sustainable Land and Water Policy in Alberta’s Irrigation Sector: https://www.albertalandinstitute.ca/research/research-projects/project/Alberta-irrigation-sustainable-land-and-water-policy
Alberta go...
2024-04-0332 min
BCA PodcastsThe Brief: Top of the Bottom: Expectations for Alberta’s Economy at the Start of the YearAs we enter 2024, Alberta finds itself in a relatively strong position compared to the rest of Canada and is forecasted, once again, to be a leader in economic growth for the nation. This strength is underpinned by Alberta’s outperformance in several areas including population growth, renewed vitality in the resources sector, a stronger labour market, and strong residential and capital investment. But while Alberta holds strong, the rest of the country finds itself sputtering. On this episode, we’re back with BCA’s economics team, Mike Holden and Alicia Planincic, to break down the Winter 2024 update of the...
2024-01-2427 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Canada Pension Plan Under Threat: How Can We Save Our Retirement Security? Speaker Brad Lafortune from Public Interest AlbertaAlberta Premier Danielle Smith and Take Back Alberta supporters in the United Conservative Party arguably want to take Albertans out of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and substitute an “Alberta Pension Plan” (APP). Given its possible long-term effect on the lives of Albertans, this should have been one of the more important issues in the recent election campaign. Instead, the Premier refused to discuss it at all, and now the provincial government is spending more than 7.5 million dollars promoting the plan. This means that Albertans don’t have meaningful information about the proposed new plan. The benefit structure is likely...
2023-11-181h 00
BCA PodcastsThe Brief: Reimagining Health Care in Alberta (BONUS)Alberta's opportunity to contribute to global solutions in agriculture, energy, and health is immense. Seizing this opportunity will take big ideas, lots of collaboration, and a little “can do” attitude. In the special series of The Brief, called Missions & Moonshots, we are talking to top experts, business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders across Alberta and Canada exploring solutions to the world’s biggest challenges in energy, agriculture, and health. Our guest is Dr. Breanne Everett, co-founder and CEO of Orpyx Medical Technologies, a leading digital therapeutics company in Alberta, to discuss what health care could look l...
2023-08-0126 min
BCA PodcastsThe Brief: Spring Economic Update on Alberta’s EconomyAlberta has been calling, and Canadians have been answering. Enticed by Alberta’s affordable cost of living and opportunity, thousands of people are moving to the province to make their home and living here, injecting some much-needed positivity into the province. And while affordability and opportunity are attracting people to Alberta, and businesses are optimistic about our economic future, there are a few things we need to address in order make this short-term success translate to long-term growth and prosperity. On this episode, we speak with BCA’s economics team, Mike Holden and Alicia Planincic, to b...
2023-04-1926 min
BCA PodcastsThe Brief: Transforming Healthcare in Alberta Through Innovation (BONUS)Alberta's opportunity to contribute to global solutions in agriculture, energy, and health is immense. Seizing this opportunity will take big ideas, lots of collaboration, and a little “can do” attitude. In the special series of The Brief, called Missions & Moonshots, we are talking to top experts, business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders across Alberta and Canada exploring solutions to the world’s biggest challenges in energy, agriculture, and health. Our guest is Reg Joseph, CEO of Health Cities, a leader in healthcare innovation, and he will be sharing his insights on Alberta's big opportunity to transf...
2023-03-3029 min
BCA PodcastsThe Brief: Alberta Can Win the Global Race for Hydrogen (BONUS)Alberta's opportunity to contribute to global solutions in agriculture, energy, and health is immense. Seizing this opportunity will take big ideas, lots of collaboration, and a little “can do” attitude. In the special series of The Brief, called Missions & Moonshots, we are talking to leading experts, business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders across Alberta and Canada exploring solutions to the world’s biggest challenges in energy, agriculture, and health. Our guest is Brent Lakeman, Director of the Hydrogen Initiative at Edmonton Global, and he will be sharing his insights on Alberta's big opportunity in hydrogen includ...
2023-02-0217 min
BCA PodcastsThe Brief: Tackling Long-Term Unemployment in AlbertaFor a long time, Alberta’s labour market was strong. If you lost a job, it wouldn’t be long before you were hired elsewhere. However, over the past several years, Alberta’s labour market has been some turmoil, and Albertans have navigated employment and unemployment through oil price crashes, global pandemics, and more. And just a few short months ago, Alberta’s long-term unemployment rate was one of the highest in Canada—the second highest in fact. Recent job news shows that long-term unemployment in Alberta is improving, we still have a problem that needs fixing. On t...
2022-08-2338 min
BCA PodcastsThe Energy Evolution: Alberta & The Path to Net ZeroAlberta has a unique emissions profile in Canada. As the centre of much of the nation’s energy production, Alberta is a significant emitter of greenhouse gas emissions. But that fact also points to the opportunity that is found in Alberta to move the needle on emissions reduction efforts in Canada. In early 2022, the Business Council of Alberta released a report called A Low-Carbon Industrial Strategy for Alberta, which outlines a clear pathway for Alberta and Canada to seize this opportunity. The report’s recommendations highlight the need for a tailored plan for Alberta and what...
2022-08-0953 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)The Alberta Irrigation Modernization Program with Richard PhillipsThe development of large irrigation projects in Southern Alberta over 100 years ago brought secure
water supplies to a previously arid landscape, establishing irrigation as an integral part of our society
and environment. On October 9, 2020 the Government of Alberta and the Canada Infrastructure Bank announced an $815 million investment in partnership with eight irrigation districts to “modernize irrigation district infrastructure and increase water storage capacity”, which is now known as the Alberta Irrigation
Modernization Program. The announcement projected that over 200,000 acres of new irrigated farmland would be created from this “single largest irrigation expansion in Alberta...
2022-03-1757 minSouthern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Is the Contract Dispute between AHS and Alberta Nurses strictly about Money?Alberta Health Services (AHS) (the Alberta Government) are demanding across-the-board pay cuts of 3 percent, plus additional monetary cuts that would raise the cost of the rollbacks to an average 5 percent in their negotiations with United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) members who have already endured six years of zero percent increases. All this arguably amounts to a relatively large reduction in nurses pay under the guise that Alberta nurses are being paid more than their provincial counter-parts.
The government claims it respects the sacrifice and dedication of Alberta’s nurses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which is continuing. Under thes...
2021-09-091h 00
Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Post Pandemic Recovery: What are the Main Issues Facing Alberta?Alberta is arguably in the midst of a generational economic shift as we face the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead to the post-pandemic recovery, what should Albertans expect from their Government with regards to the serious economic challenges we face as a province.
Alberta's government recently tabled Budget 2021 during this public health and economic crisis that has led to reduced revenue and increased costs. The speaker will argue that this budget is a responsible approach to spending, while creating more investment in priority areas like health care and job creation. As the COVID pandemic continues to affect all...
2021-04-291h 06
Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)The Wildrose Independence Party: What is their Vision for Alberta?With Alberta running an $18 billion deficit in its 2021-22 budget and more than $100 billion in accumulated debt, it appears obvious that fiscal changes are needed – spending cuts or revenue increases or both?
The speaker will argue fundamental changes are needed and that his Wildrose Independence Party (WIP) plan to be a strong contender in Alberta’s next provincial election. Should they gain power, WIP would assert Alberta’s independence and redefine its relationship with Canada, create a “Constitution of Alberta” and affirm all individual freedoms and rights. An Alberta Police Force, an Alberta Revenue Agency, an Alberta Pension/Employment Insurance Plan, and...
2021-04-221h 05
Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)Current Challenges for Alberta’s and Canada’s FarmersAgriculture is an important sector of Canada’s economy supplying the much larger food production and processing industries. The Alberta Federation of Agriculture is Alberta's largest producer funded general farm organization. It is an organization comprised of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural enterprises that wish to have a voice in shaping the future of farming operations. Unlike many other farm organizations, there are no check-offs. Nearly 85% of the money raised each year comes from membership and membership services.
There are many challenges facing Alberta’s and Canada’s farmers. Among the topics that will be covered include research and funding, carbon tax, b...
2021-04-151h 02
Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)The Corporate interests and -ideologies shaping Alberta's universities: What do they mean for our future?The speaker asserts that: “If ever there were a time for universities to assume a leadership role in providing the knowledge needed for socio-ecological change, this is surely that moment.” But what drives research and innovation in Alberta’s largest universities, and in what directions? What kinds of knowledge are our universities producing to help Albertans make a transition to a post-carbon economy that can provide income security and a good life for all?
These are the questions that motivated the research that led to the June 2020 report, Knowledge for an Ecologically Sustainable Future? Innovation Policy and Alberta Universities, published by the...
2021-01-211h 14
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 min
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...
2020-10-0157 min
Southern 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...
2020-01-0928 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 min
Southern 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...
2020-01-0935 min
Southern 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...
2019-12-1930 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)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 min
Southern 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...
2019-12-1933 min
Southern 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...
2019-05-3022 min
Southern 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...
2019-05-3030 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)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 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 min
Southern 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...
2018-11-2933 min
Southern 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...
2018-11-2933 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 min
Southern 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...
2018-03-2956 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)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)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)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)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)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 min
Southern 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...
2016-06-1629 min
Southern 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...
2016-06-1625 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)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)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 min
Southern 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...
2016-06-0931 min
Southern 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...
2016-06-0927 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 min
Southern 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...
2014-11-1332 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 min
Southern 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...
2014-11-1333 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)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)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)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)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)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 min
Southern 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...
2012-03-2227 min
Southern 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...
2012-03-2219 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 min
Southern 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...
2012-01-2625 min
Southern 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...
2012-01-2637 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 min
Southern 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...
2012-01-1824 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 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 min
Southern 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...
2011-11-1723 min
Southern 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...
2011-11-1734 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)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 min
Southern 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...
2011-10-0629 min
Southern 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...
2011-10-0626 min
Southern 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...
2011-09-2928 min
Southern 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...
2011-09-2931 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)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 min
Southern 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...
2011-03-1034 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 min
Southern 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...
2011-03-1027 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)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)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)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)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 min