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 does Biological Technology play into the practice of Sustainable and Regenerative Farming?

Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Joshua Day Chief, Chief Executive Officer of AdvancedAg

Sustainable practices, by definition, seek to maintain the same, whereas regenerative practices recognize that natural systems are currently impacted and it applies management techniques to restore the system to improved productivity. Regenerative and sustainable actions can use essentially the same practices, the difference is the application and the management of those tools. Farmers are faced with skyrocketing input costs, declining product efficiency and industry pressure to implement sustainable and regenerative practices.

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.

What story do we create about the homeless?

Thursday, March 27, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Yale Belanger

When we think about how storytelling shapes our understanding of community, we often turn to historians, musicians, and other public commentators to help us make sense of our shared narrative. However, the role of policymakers and journalists in shaping this understanding is often overlooked. This presentation explores how two key institutions—the Lethbridge Herald and Lethbridge City Council—have shaped public discourse about local homelessness. The speaker will explore how their framing of this issue has influenced the community’s ability to respond.

Chess for Life at University of Lethbridge - How might chess help those involved in the criminal justice system?

Thursday, April 3, 2025 12:00 PM

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Dr. Lance Grigg, Joel Fortier & Jade Oldfield

Friday afternoons in a southern Alberta classroom, youth may be learning how to keep their troubles in check. Leaning over chess boards at the ULethbridge, teens and young adults who are at-risk or have been convicted of various crimes are taught to think, think again, then think some more as they move their pawns, kings, queens and rooks across 64 black and white spaces. The founder of Chess for Life says the program helps them learn how to accomplish short-term goals, like completing community service hours, following a curfew and staying out of trouble.

Recent Sessions

Recent Sessions

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.

A Panel Discussion - Coal Mining in the Oldman Watershed: Are there Potential Risks?

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 6:00 PM

Southminster Church

There is significant interest in establishing metallurgical coal mining operations throughout the eastern slopes of Alberta. The areas residing within the Oldman watershed are no exception. Currently, there are four companies exploring potential mining operations in the region. All of the currently proposed coal mines are open-pit “mountain top removal” mines and are located in the Crowsnest Pass area. Coal mining exploration is also happening along the Livingstone Range and in the Bighorn area west of Red Deer.

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.

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.
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