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.

Speaker: Yale D. Belanger, Ph.D.

Dr. Yale Belanger is Professor of Political Science at the University of Lethbridge, and Member of the Royal Society of Canada, College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists (2017-2024). He has written numerous articles, book chapters, and reports about housing and homelessness.

Date/Time: Thursday, March 27, 2025. The session begins at noon and concludes at 1 p.m.

Cost is free, donations however, are gratefully accepted.

Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 -11 Street S, Lethbridge

Lunch and Refreshments: Please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy its excellent variety of good-value food options. The Atrium Dining Room is available by 11:15 a.m.

Join SACPA on YouTube

In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming.