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

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.

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.

Recent Sessions

Recent Sessions

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.

What can a Game Warden teach us about Wildlife Conservation?

Thursday, October 17, 2024 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Jim Mitchell

The speaker, a game warden with 38 years of experience in Alberta, will share stories about his work in protecting the region’s fish and wildlife. He will highlight the delicate balance between humans and nature, the diverse wildlife in Alberta, and the challenges faced by conservation efforts. This presentation will showcase the dedication required to safeguard these natural resources and provide insight into the tireless work of individuals committed to conservation.

Can Alberta's Health Care system be Fixed without the Government's proposed restructuring of AHS?

Thursday, October 10, 2024 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Chris Gallaway, Executive Director Friends of Medicare

Albertans are no strangers to disruptive restructuring of our health care system. Decades of austerity have left us with reduced services, creeping privatization, and worse care conditions. None of this, however, can fully prepare us for the harm that may be caused by the provincial government’s ongoing dismantling of Alberta Health Services (AHS). Danielle Smith’s government is undertaking a massive restructuring of health care delivery. As the government continues to roll out their plan, it has become increasingly clear that this isn’t actually about improving patient care or local input, but arguably, a systematic overhaul designed to benefit the profits of the government’s private sector friends.

Why is the YWCA Lethbridge & District still needed after 75 Years?

Thursday, October 3, 2024 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Jill Young, CEO YWCA Lethbridge

YWCA Lethbridge & District has been rooted in Lethbridge for 75 years, continuously adapting to the needs of the community. In 2024, the organization continues to play a crucial role in addressing the escalating social and economic challenges faced by vulnerable women, children, and youth. With rising housing and rental costs, many families are unable to secure affordable, stable housing, driving them to YWCA services. The rising cost of living further deepens financial instability, leaving individuals at greater risk of homelessness and domestic violence.

Is a Battery Electric Vehicle Right For You?

Thursday, September 26, 2024 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Tom Moffat

There’s a whole new vehicle technology out there - electric vehicles. When you’re in the market for a new or new-to-you vehicle a question arises. Is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) right for you? This presentation looks at the pluses and minuses of fully electric vehicles. Amid the flood of information and disinformation out there, we’ll pick out some of the more important things you need to know about BEVs.

Are cows really the scourge of the planet?

Thursday, September 19, 2024 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dr. Tim McAllister, Lethbridge Research and Development Research Centre

The speaker will present the latest strategies for reducing methane emissions in cattle, focusing on how advancements in rumen microbiome research and optimized nutrition can lower environmental impact. He will highlight new data and technologies that improve feed efficiency and sustainability in cattle production. Speaker: Dr. Tim McAllister, Lethbridge Research and Development Research Centre Dr. Tim McAllister is a Principal Research Scientist at AAFC’s Lethbridge Research Centre. His research focuses on microbiology, nutrition and beef production and on food and environmental safety issues related to livestock production, strategies for mitigation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, prion inactivation within the environment, antimicrobial resistance in bacteria in feedlots and investigating the discovery and characterization of fibrolytic enzymes from rumen microbes.
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