SACPA acknowledges that our events takes place on the lands of the Blackfoot People and Metis Nation of Alberta, Region lll and we pay respect to their past, present and future cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship to the land. SACPA commits to assist reconciliation efforts by raising awareness of the ways past and present injustices can be reconciled.

Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) was founded in 1967. It is an independent forum, moderated by volunteers, meeting Thursdays at noon some 40 weeks a year and at occasional special sessions, to debate local, provincial, national, and international issues of concern to the residents of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta.

SACPA sessions are at the LSCO (Lethbridge Senior Citizen Organization) at 500 11 St. S. Lethbridge, lunch at 11:30 am, speaker 12:00 to 1:00 and made available on our YouTube channel for viewing and you are invited to explore them on our YouTube channel.

The rationale of the Council is that the strength of a political democracy is lodged in the freedom of citizens to assemble and freely discuss ideas and issues. SACPA seeks to promote a sense of community and citizenship amongst the public. It is strictly non-partisan in its political outlook and encourages the expression of divergent viewpoints. SACPA does not take sides on the issues debated at its sessions. The opinions expressed by speakers are their own and are not necessarily shared by the Board of Directors.

Upcoming Sessions

Upcoming Sessions

How important is independent mobility for children?

Thursday, November 28, 2024 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dr. Richard Larouche, Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Lethbridge

Parents today likely won’t be surprised to know their children have far less freedom to travel in their neighbourhoods than they did. But what they might not know is how that could affect their children’s physical activity and mental health. Most children and adolescents worldwide are not active enough to obtain optimal benefits for health and development. Among the many factors associated with physical activity, children’s independent mobility (CIM), which is their freedom to roam and explore their neighbourhood without adult supervision, is gaining increasing attention.

Downtown fire safety and what is everyone's role in fire prevention?

Thursday, December 5, 2024 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Troy Hicks, Chief Fire Marshal

There has been a recent spike in downtown fires. The speaker will discuss why fire prevention is essential, how we can minimize fire risks and hazards, and the importance of regular checks and maintenance. Speaker: Troy Hicks, Chief Fire Marshal, Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services Mr Hicks has been with the Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services Fire Prevention Bureau for 13 years and has been the Chief Fire Marshal since Feb of 2024.

Why the change from Lethbridge College to Lethbridge Polytechnic?

Thursday, December 12, 2024 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dr. Brad Donaldson, Lethbridge Polytechnic president and chief executive officer

What is the difference between a college and a polytechnic and how long has this change been in the works? How much will this change cost and will it change the funding the institution receives from the Government of Alberta? Other changes at Lethbridge Polytechnic will be addressed by the speaker - among them, what does it mean for applied research and will programs be modified from present teaching methods? For example, will more programs be compatible - and or transferable with the University of Lethbridge?

Recent Sessions

Recent Sessions

After 106 years, how do diversification and self-sufficiency keep the Wilson Hutterite Colony viable?

Thursday, November 21, 2024 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Paul Wurz

The Wilson Hutterite Colony has been in existence in its present location since 1918 when the original settlers arrived from North Dakota. Originally they came from Europe where people in parts of Austria speak a language similar to theirs even now. Today there are 128 people residing on the colony, located south of Coaldale. The successful farming operation includes livestock and poultry production as well as beautifully crafted goods for colony use sold both locally and even internationally.

What are the Dangers of Slogans and Populism?

Thursday, November 14, 2024 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

James Moore

Slogans and populism cliches can become dangerously powerful when not critically examined. Does their persistence, despite lack of merit, speak to their utility for some dominant power? Two examples are: ” There is no such thing as society.” and “The government has no money of its own.” The speaker will explore these examples on their own lack of merit, while touching more broadly on human responsibility for our world today and tomorrow.

What’s the deal? The primary care access crisis and integrating nurse practitioners.

Thursday, November 7, 2024 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Christiane Eitzenberger, NP, Vice President, Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta

This Nov 7 session will be an in-person virtual presentation, including Q & A, shown on the LSCO screens via Zoom. You can also join the session virtually from anywhere via Zoom Meeting ID: 878 8620 0118 Passcode: SACPA The speaker will contend that Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are versatile, experienced clinicians with extensive clinical training and graduate level specialization. NPs are completely independent health professionals and require no outside supervision of their practice.

What Does It Mean to Be Charitable When We Argue?

Thursday, October 31, 2024 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dr. Katharina Stevens

The argumentative exchange of reasons is often seen as the most equality-affirming, respectful way in which parties can engage with each other’s minds. But for argumentation to fulfill this promise, we often have to invest extra effort. One of the places where such extra effort may be required is when we try to understand the reasons that the person we are arguing with is trying to communicate to us. This can be difficult, especially when they are not very good speakers, or when we strongly disagree with their worldview.

Method in the Madness: Is chaos used to advance the Alberta Government agenda?

Thursday, October 24, 2024 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Jason Foster, Director Parkland Institute

Since the May 2023 provincial election, the UCP government has arguably embarked on an ambitious, rapid and multi-faceted policy agenda. The pace and breadth of these changes appears to create a sense of chaos. This chaos may not be a byproduct of their aggressive agenda, but one of its central goals. The rapid-fire announcements, overhaul of key government functions, pursuit of unpopular positions and provocative talk from the Premier can work together to sow a sense of chaos and create cover for a longer term agenda.
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