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

Recent Sessions

Recent Sessions

SACPA Annual General Meeting 2025

Thursday, June 26, 2025 1:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

chaired by Knud Petersen

SACPA’s AGM is scheduled immediately following the final 2023 – 2024 session featuring Dr. Duane Bratt. Members in good standing eligible to vote. Date/time: Thursday June 27, 2023, 1:15 pm. Location**:** Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) Dining Room, 500-11 Street S, Lethbridge, AB

Addiction recovery: What are the main issues involved before, during and after treatment?

Thursday, June 26, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Centre (LSCO)

Bruce Holstead

Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. Recovery isn’t a single moment; it’s an ongoing journey that often begins long before treatment and continues well after. At Fresh Start Recovery, we understand that recovery involves more than just removing the substance. It takes connection, stability, and support. That’s why we focus on a full continuum of care, offering housing, treatment, and long-term support to help individuals and families rebuild their lives.

How did the hugely successful Henderson Lake Dragon Boat festival get started?

Thursday, June 19, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Karen Johnson and Wendy Aitkens

This year marks the 24th ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival. The speakers will share some of the festival’s early beginnings. What is it about, and how did it start? The abreast of Bridge Dragon Boat Team has, for 25 years, provided a social and recreational environment that embraces a full and active lifestyle for cancer survivors. An overview of their history and how that helped to inspire the development of the Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival will also be discussed.

What are the pillars of ULethbridge’s new Strategic Plan?

Thursday, June 12, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dr. Digvir Jayas, ULethbridge President & Vice-Chancellor

An inclusive and engaging journey that brought together all aspects of its internal and external communities has culminated with the recent release of the new strategic plan for University of Lethbridge — a shared vision that addresses the changing landscape of post-secondary education provincially, nationally and globally. The new plan for Iniskim; the Blackfoot name gifted to the University of Lethbridge, defines its values and commitment, and sets the course for the next 10 years.

Lethbridge as a living City: How can green infrastructure and water-wise design help our community adapt to a changing climate?

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Kathleen Sheppard and Amber Murray

This talk will give a brief history of Environment Lethbridge, the Living Cities initiative, the Lethbridge Living Cities Pathway (and why we need it), and Environment Lethbridge’s role in pursuing the Pathway through education and engagement with citizens in the community. Speakers: Kathleen Sheppard and Amber Murray Kathleen Sheppard joined Environment Lethbridge as Executive Director in November of 2015. Originally from southern Alberta, Kathleen has more than 25 years experience working for non-profit organizations in BC and Alberta.

Finding Opportunity in the Storm – Impacts of Tariffs and Trade on Southern Alberta

Thursday, May 29, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Trevor Lewington

Lethbridge and southern Alberta are considered particularly vulnerable to a trade war with the United States, especially due to their strong trade ties with the US, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce identified Lethbridge as the 10th most vulnerable city in Canada to potential U.S. tariffs. To mitigate the negative effects on this region, a Lethbridge Region Economic Resilience Task Force has been established, focusing on developing strategies to support businesses in the region and ensure they can navigate the challenges posed by the tariffs, implemented by US President Donald Trump.

What does the recent federal election results in Alberta and Saskatchewan tell us about Canadian unity?

Thursday, May 22, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dr. Duane Bratt

Many Canadians may be seeing red, but nearly as many are seeing blue. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Mark Carney will form a new minority government in Canada after his Liberal Party secured the most seats in parliament in the recent federal election, completing a remarkable political turnaround amid a growing confrontation with President Trump and the United States. Although opposition leader Pierre Poilievre lost his own seat, the Conservatives grew their proportion of the popular vote substantially and made inroads in Ontario with 44 per cent of the vote there.

Receding Glaciers - Vanishing Glaciers

Thursday, May 15, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Hester Jiskoot

The United Nations declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and proclaimed 21 March the annual World Day for Glaciers. Related initiatives are highlighting the importance of glaciers worldwide, including their role in freshwater supplies and sea level rise, and the increasing threats of glacial hazards, while illustrating the impacts of climate change on the critical role that glaciers play in our Earth’s systems. Professor Hester Jiskoot will present the trends and future projections in receding glaciers and ice sheets worldwide and the related implications for humanity.
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