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

With the threat of US trade tariffs, are Canada’s political leaders responding effectively?

Thursday, February 20, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Shannon Phillips

Canada has experienced a disruptive start to 2025, with PM Justin Trudeau stepping down as Liberal leader, prompting a leadership campaign and a prorogued parliament . With a federal election looming, Canadians, among other problems, are facing affordability issues and to top it off, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 25-percent tariffs on a wide range of imports from Canada and 10-percent tariffs on oil and gas. Those US tariffs were set to begin Feb 4, but have been delayed by at least 30 days as the countries work together on border security and trade imbalance.

Why will your food prices remain elevated?

Thursday, February 27, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Derek Melting Tallow, Program Director of Secure Your Food (SYF) Program

Since 2017, the Secure Your Food Program (SYF) has known that food prices will rise due to systemic issues. Other contributing factors such as history, war, climate change, etc., will also keep prices elevated for the foreseeable future. SYF can confidently summarize for you and your family why this is happening and why it’s important to prepare during these volatile times. SYF works at all levels of society to improve food security.

Coal Mining in the Oldman River Watershed: What are the Risks - and Benefits?

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 5:00 PM

Southminster Church

More details on our special panel discussion coming soon

Lethbridge Policing: After Four Years of Change and Progress, what is Different?

Thursday, March 6, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Shahin Mehdizadeh, Lethbridge Police Service Chief

Building a stronger, more accountable and community-driven police service is paramount to fostering public trust. “Lethbridge Policing: Four Years of Change and Progress” highlights the transformation of the Lethbridge Police Service from late 2020 to today. When Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh was sworn in, LPS faced a series of internal morale issues and significant public scrutiny. His presentation will discuss the reforms that have taken place since that time to change organizational culture, prioritize employee well-being and the journey to rebuild fractured relationships.

How do Neighbourhood Connections support a Stronger, more Resilient City?

Thursday, March 20, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Jerry Firth, Community Development Officer

Neighbourhood connections are the foundation of a resilient city. They enhance safety, well-being, and local engagement, strengthening Lethbridge as a whole. This session explores why these connections matter, insights from the Neighbourhood Engagement Project, and the role of neighbourhood associations—like the League of YQL Neighbourhoods—in fostering community. Beyond discussion, this is a call to action: whether by engaging with neighbours, supporting local initiatives, or simply being a friendly presence, small efforts make a big impact.

Recent Sessions

Recent Sessions

Growing a City presents Challenges and Opportunities - How is Lethbridge Managing?

Thursday, February 13, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Blaine Hyggen, Mayor of Lethbridge

Recently, Mayor Hyggen presented his annual State of the City address for the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and he highlighted our rapid population growth and the challenges and opportunities. What are our current needs? What do we foresee in the near future and beyond? How do we pay for it? Who should pay for it? The speaker will talk about the issues, costs, priorities and realities. Speaker: Blaine Hyggen, Mayor of Lethbridge

The disappearing Alberta Advantage – what can be done to reverse Alberta’s collapsing standard of living?

Thursday, February 6, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Gil McGowan, Pres., Alberta Federation of Labour

Overwhelmed 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.

What are the Roles and Rules of Community Television?

Thursday, January 30, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Ryan Cradduck

Community television programming is considered an important source for information and provides a reflection of local realities that few other television services currently showcase. All programming on Rogers TV must be “Community Programming”, which is defined by CRTC regulations as programming that refers directly to the community, which could be defined as the station’s contours, broadcasting distribution undertakings service area, municipality, census metropolitan area or census agglomeration; and is produced by the personnel of the local station, independent local producers or members of the community for the local station.
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