Has Christmas Been Hijacked by Santa Claus?

Has Christmas Been Hijacked by Santa Claus?

Trudy Govier and Rossitsa Yalamova
Thursday, December 15, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Although Santa Claus was originally viewed as the Christian figure of Saint Nicholas, a patron saint of children, Santa Claus is arguable wholly secular in today’s world. Some Christians object to him because he is secular rather than Christian; some non-Christians object to him because of his Christian roots. He is a powerful cultural symbol which is nearly impossible to ignore, but does this mean that he should simply be accepted without question?

Why should you care about historic buildings?

Why should you care about historic buildings?

Belinda Crowson and Jean Johnstone
Thursday, December 8, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

“Somebody should do something to protect historic buildings.” There are many passionate, hard-working individuals, municipalities and organizations working to preserve our built heritage. Much is being done in Lethbridge and across Alberta. However, as the reality of the Chinese National League Building shows us, sometimes it’s just not enough. What sort of systemic changes must be made to help protect historic buildings? What can be done to help owners protect built heritage on behalf of all Albertans?

Challenges and Advantages of Dealing with a Disability …

The speaker will illustrate the different types of stigma experienced by people with mental illness and examine whether living in a rural or urban community makes life easier for them. A large percentage of homeless people have mental illness and are found in bigger cities, however research indicate that per capita, mental illness occur equally in rural settings where very little homelessness appear. Do people with mental illness gravitate to large population centers?

The Occupy Movement: Past, Present, and Future?

The Occupy Movement: Past, Present, and Future?

Trevor Harrison
Thursday, November 24, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

For months, politicians, media pundits, and ordinary citizens have watched the Occupy Wall Street protesters grow in numbers throughout the United States and elsewhere, including Canada. In this part of the country, Occupy protesters have made camp in several cities, including Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary, eliciting both support and condemnation from public officials and citizens. But how might we understand the Occupy phenomenon? Is it a genuine movement, in the sense of past movements, or just a passing phase?

Should a Moratorium and a Full Scale Environmental …

Special Session Nov 24th 7-9pm at PE 264 at the University of Lethbridge Much of the general public know little or nothing about Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking), an increasingly popular, but controversial technique of drilling for oil and natural gas. Fracking involves vertical and sometimes horizontal drilling into coal bed, or shale rock using extreme pressure for the fracture treatments. Anywhere from 200,000 to 1500,000 liters of water and various stimulation and fracturing fluids, and from 75,000 to 320,000 pounds of propellant are consumed during a typical hydraulic fracture of a single well.

Will Economic Strategy be Paramount in Shaping Alberta's …

Will Economic Strategy be Paramount in Shaping Alberta's Future?

Lorne Taylor
Thursday, November 17, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

A new report challenges Albertans to consider recommendations that focus on the province’s long-term prosperity by realizing the full potential of Alberta’s energy resources and broadening its economic base. “Shaping Alberta’s Future”, the report from the 12-member Premier’s Council for Economic Strategy, also calls on all Albertans to consider their role to ensure future success. “My goal for this council was to ‘think big’ on how we can best position Alberta, looking 30 years into the future.

Will Alberta's New Premier Seek Broad Political Cooperation …

Will Alberta's New Premier Seek Broad Political Cooperation ?

Bridget Pastoor
Thursday, November 10, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Alberta’s political leaders have long cast themselves as the tough-talking lone wolf, eager to take on foes in Ottawa and around the world. Is it an unabashed and partisan political entitlement or will Alison Redford attempt to change that culture? Days after Ms. Redford became Premier of Alberta by winning the leadership race of Alberta’s venerable Progressive Conservative Party, her vision appeared to emerge as a constructive compromise to a strong arm.

Are You in Favour of Medically Assisted Dying?

Are You in Favour of Medically Assisted Dying?

John Warren
Thursday, November 3, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Like most good things in life, a good death is worth planning for. But many people don’t even talk about dying, never mind plan for it. Medical science is able to keep us alive longer and longer, but length of life does not necessarily relate to its quality. The end of life can be painful, degrading, lonely and not much fun. As in many other things that touch our lives in the 21st century, technology is ahead of ethics and compassion.

The Epidemic and Crisis of Missing and Murdered Women in …

The Epidemic and Crisis of Missing and Murdered Women in Canada

Jennifer Allan
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 1:00 PM
University of Lethbridge

7-9PM in AH116 (Anderson Hall) at the University of Lethbridge Due to the graphic nature of the talk it is not recommended for those under 16. Media stories about missing and murdered women seem to appear on a regular basis, but other than a few sentences about the woman and a grainy picture of her we learn little more than about one family’s tragedy. However, when Jennifer Allan sees those stories, she sees the human tragedy as each new victim is profiled and she sees a societal crisis that needs to be addressed.

Should the Canadian Wheat Board's Future be Decided by …

Should the Canadian Wheat Board's Future be Decided by Farmers?

Glen Tole
Thursday, October 27, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. One of Canada’s biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based organization sells grain to over 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less marketing costs, to farmers. The CWB is single desk in its marketing structure and its whole premise is built upon the concept that farmers benefit from marketing their grain together, as one, big or small.

A Voyage through the Northwest Passage

A Voyage through the Northwest Passage

Michael Byers
Thursday, October 20, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

In August 2011, Michael Byers sailed the Northwest Passage on two vessels: the Canadian Coast Guard research icebreaker Amundsen and the Russian expedition ship Akademik Ioffe. His photographs from those two voyages provide a vivid backdrop to a riveting tale of exploration, economic ambition, geopolitics and a looming environmental crisis – and yes – cooperation. Speaker: Michael Byers Michael Byers holds the Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

Fallacies about Bats, Birds and the Breeze: What are the …

Fallacies about Bats, Birds and the Breeze: What are the Real Facts of Wind Power?

Kris Hodgson
Thursday, October 13, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

With recent financial support from the Rural Alberta Development Fund, the International Wind Energy Academy (IWEA) at Lethbridge College has a goal of “Community Capacity Building for Wind Energy Development.” The IWEA is engaging southern Albertans to take advantage of the emerging economic opportunities, including quality jobs, associated with the development and operation of large and small wind energy projects. Are subsidies necessary for wind energy to succeed? Is wind and renewable energy receiving infrastructure support from governments similar to that of the non renewable energy sector?

Funding Alberta's Municipalities

Funding Alberta's Municipalities

Glenn Taylor
Thursday, October 6, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

As Alberta’s population continues to go up, the quality of life in many of its towns and cities is going down. Many municipalities struggle to build and maintain adequate roads and sidewalks and cope with the increased pressure that larger populations put on garbage collection, recycling, snow removal and policing; let alone ensure that our leisure and sports facilities remain up to par. Glenn Taylor says that the problem is not just a shortage of funds.

With Alberta's Economy Fuelled by Hydrocarbons, is Water …

With Alberta's Economy Fuelled by Hydrocarbons, is Water Playing Second Fiddle?

David Hill
Thursday, September 29, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Alberta’s government has made some major organizational changes related to research and development. Five new organizations have been formed which encompass the activities of many predecessors in the research and innovation community. The Alberta Research and Innovation Authority have replaced the Alberta Science and Research Authority and four “Alberta Innovates” corporations have been created within its auspices. The former Alberta Water Research Institute and the Alberta Energy Resource Institute have become Alberta Innovates, Energy and Environment Solutions.

Is Oil from the Alberta Tar Sands a Sticky Environmental …

Is Oil from the Alberta Tar Sands a Sticky Environmental Issue?

Howard Tennant
Thursday, September 22, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Many people in Canada, including David Schindler, a respected environmental scientist at the University of Alberta, have for many years questioned the government sponsored environmental monitoring data of the oil sands as being inadequate. Last year, politicians and the general public in the United States began making critical remarks about “Canada’s dirty oil” threatening Canada’s reputation and possibly a portion of its export markets. This attention raised public concern to a new level resulting in both the federal and Alberta governments taking action.

Why Do So Many People Vote Against Their Own Best Interest?

Why Do So Many People Vote Against Their Own Best Interest?

Rachel Notley
Thursday, September 15, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Alberta is facing many problems as the next boom approaches. Besides environmental and infrastructure challenges, it can be argued that this boom will once again benefit the wealthy and the larger corporations while most other people in Alberta will gain little in terms of quality lifestyle. In the past, Alberta has witnessed many booms and busts, but still realized long-term growth in the size of the economy and a dramatic increase in wealth, particularly for well to do individuals and large multi-national corporations, who receive sizeable subsidies and pay little or, in some cases, no taxes.

What You've Always Wanted to Know About American Politics …

What You've Always Wanted to Know About American Politics but were Afraid to Ask

Ed Webking
Thursday, September 8, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Over the last few months the news has been filled with stories of stalemates and showdowns in the halls of the United States Congress. Sometimes it has seemed as though the country was on the brink of collapse. For Canadians, the specter of American politics can appear very confusing, even if it does dominate our media airwaves. As the United States prepare for the November 2012 elections, interested outsiders have many questions about American politics and the structure of an American government that often see party politics work against the common good of the country.

SACPA's Annual General Meeting

SACPA's Annual General Meeting

chaired by Knud Petersen
Thursday, June 16, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

2011 Annual General Meeting of Southern Alberta Council of Public Affairs WELCOME APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY VOTING PRIVILEGES (who can vote) ADOPTION OF MINUTES – JUNE 10, 2010 ANNUAL REPORTS* *Chairperson - SACPA on Campus Program Committee *Finance Committee (Treasurer’s Report and Budget for 2011-2012) *Program Committee *Policy and Bylaw Committee *Administrative Manager *Personnel Committee BREAK FOR LUNCH AT 12:30 pm *Nomination Committee Elections of Directors and Open Discussion of SACPA’s Future Direction

Unconventional oil and gas - an opportunity for Canada?

Unconventional oil and gas - an opportunity for Canada?

Steven Dunk
Thursday, June 9, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

A SACPA presentation in February introduced the issue of “hydraulic fracking” in the Lethbridge area. In particular, two oil companies have leased land on the Blood reserve and are exploring the use of hydraulic fracking to recover oil and gas from formations which underly Southern Alberta. The speaker will discuss, from an industry perspective, what unconventional oil and gas is and where it has been found. As well he will introduce the techniques used to develop it, including hydraulic fracturing (fraccing) and horizontal drilling.

Are the harms associated with polygamy significant enough to …

Are the harms associated with polygamy significant enough to justify a limitation on freedom of religion?

Linda McKay-Panos and Pamela Dos Ramos
Thursday, June 2, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

According to section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada, it is illegal for people to practice polygamy. Under s. 293, not only is any form of polygamy illegal but any type of polygamous union that purports to result from a rite of polygamy is illegal. Despite this prohibition, there is a community of polygamists in British Columbia called Bountiful which, to date, the authorities in British Columbia have refrained from prosecuting.

Water Under Threat: CETA, Fracking and Water Markets

Water Under Threat: CETA, Fracking and Water Markets

Maude Barlow
Wednesday, June 1, 2011 1:00 PM
Yates Memorial Theatre

Water Under Threat: CETA, Fracking and Water Markets Featuring Maude Barlow, Council of Canadians National Chairperson Wednesday, June 1 7:00 - 9:00 pm Yates Memorial Centre (1002 4 Ave S, Lethbridge) Free admission! Everyone is welcome. Presented by the Council of Canadians-Lethbridge Chapter and the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs Co-sponsored by: Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group, University of Lethbridge Students’ Union, Lethbridge College Students’ Association Water is vital to people’s health and livelihoods and yet our freshwater faces crises including contamination, shortages, and privatization.

Farmers Markets and Local Food Production: Is It a Growing …

Farmers Markets and Local Food Production: Is It a Growing Trend ?

Tom Johnston
Thursday, May 26, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

An increasing number of Canadian households are embracing “locally-produced” food. A response to a complex of factors, it appears that local food may be on the verge of moving from a niche market to a market segment. Notwithstanding the growing popularity of local foods, a number of important questions remain unresolved. In this presentation the following questions will be addressed: Just how “local” is locally-produced food? Is the growing popularity of locally-produced food really a “turn toward quality”, or is it simply another example of branding and product differentiation?

Building Lethbridge's Cultural Corridor: The Performing Arts …

Building Lethbridge's Cultural Corridor: The Performing Arts Theatre

Barbara Lacey and Ian Randell
Thursday, May 19, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Since 2007 the Allied Arts Council and the arts community of Lethbridge have collaborated on the Arts Re:Building Together initiative, which addresses concerns regarding the City’s arts facilities and proposed the concept of a “Cultural Corridor” for Lethbridge. In this campaign three buildings were identified as needing urgent care or replacement. First up was a renovation and expansion to the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, which was completed in September 2010; and in process now is a new Community Arts Centre to replace the Bowman Arts Centre, which is scheduled to break ground this spring.

What Are the Political Aftershocks Following the 2011 …

What Are the Political Aftershocks Following the 2011 Federal Election Earthquake?

Duane Bratt
Thursday, May 12, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

The 2011 election saw many interesting developments. The Conservatives winning a majority was the immediate story, but the long-term story was one of party realignment. Realignment elections (1921, 1957, 1993) are few and far between, but when they occur they are significant. 2011 was a realignment election. First, we have seen the destruction of the Bloc Quebecois. Second, the Liberals – the Natural Governing Party of Canada – suffered a historic (and possibly fatal) defeat.

Is the Alberta Government Investing in What Matters to …

Is the Alberta Government Investing in What Matters to Albertans?

Bill Moore-Kilgannon
Thursday, May 5, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

The latest provincial budget is going to impact on many Alberta families and communities very hard. We are told that there needs to be cuts to many essential public services due to the current deficit, but when you look deeper at the budget, you see that there are many choices that the government is making that clearly do not support what matters most to Albertans. In this talk, the speaker will not only explore how the provincial budget is affecting our communities and families, but will also talk about what we can do to advocate for a better vision for Alberta.

Choking our Lakes and Waterways

Choking our Lakes and Waterways

Jim Byrne
Thursday, April 28, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

NEW: The link to the video Jim Byrne screened is here: http://scientiaproductions.com/clw/introduction Run-off and waste streams from farms, factories and cities is choking our lakes and waterways. Chemical fertilizers, intensive livestock operations, industrial waste and lawn and household products are just some of the causes. Massive blue-green algae blooms have appeared in Lake Winnipeg and other water bodies across the Canadian prairies. Eutrophication is fast becoming a problem; not just in Canada but in the most heavily-populated parts of the industrialized and developing world.

Why are Baha'is still being persecuted in Iran?

Why are Baha'is still being persecuted in Iran?

Janet Youngdahl
Thursday, April 21, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

The recent sentencing of seven innocent members of the Baha’i Faith in Iran is testament to the continued mistreatment of this religion under the Iranian government. Persecution of Bahai’s began in the nineteenth century and has continued to the present day. Many members of this minority religion in Iran have been imprisoned and executed. Iranian Bahai’s now face increasingly restrictive laws concerning employment, education, marriage and the right to assemble.

Federal Election Forum

Federal Election Forum

Candidates
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 1:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library

7-9pm in the Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery

Does Post-Secondary (Science) Education set up Barriers to …

Does Post-Secondary (Science) Education set up Barriers to Success for Aboriginal Students?

Michelle Hogue
Thursday, April 14, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

To date, there has been very little work done or literature available on the stories, the narratives of experience, of those Aboriginal individuals who have journeyed through post-secondary, Eurocentric paradigm-based Western education successfully. This is a critical missing (qualitative) piece in the literature. So much quantitative data and attention around the issues of Aboriginal success focuses on the lack of success, on Western education, on the negatives or deficiencies, on how poorly Aboriginal students do relative to non-Aboriginal students.

Meltdown: The Scoop on Glaciers

Meltdown: The Scoop on Glaciers

Hester Jiskoot
Thursday, April 7, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Glaciers and ice sheets play an important role in the global environment. They are storage systems of most of the world’s fresh water, dramatically alter the landscape and sea level, affect ecosystems and provide us with unique records of climate and atmospheric conditions that go back hundreds of thousands of years. Global climate change has caused widespread accelerated glacier retreat, which has negative effects on fresh water availability, causes global sea level rise and affects climate and ecosystems at the local and global scales.

Upheaval in the Middle East: An Insiderâ??s Perspective

Upheaval in the Middle East: An Insiderâ??s Perspective

Thabit Alomari
Thursday, March 31, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

In recent weeks we have witnessed dramatic and sometime violent social unrest in many Middle East countries. While these protests have led to democratic reform in Egypt and Tunisia, civil war has been the result in Libya. Populations in several other countries have gained some concessions, but are nevertheless still demonstrating against the ruling class. Nervous Arab leaders in these countries are scrambling to stay in power. The speaker will explore the unique culture and demography of this region.

Can the Traditional Family Farm Survive Globalization and …

Can the Traditional Family Farm Survive Globalization and Free Trade?

Brian Otto
Thursday, March 24, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Arguments for supporting the family farm appear to be plentiful among both urban and rural folks. However, paying more for food is not one of them. This type of farming has in the past been the lifeblood of the rural society economy, but driven by many different factors, the landscape is changing. What was considered an “industrial farm” 30 years ago is now the norm and as technology expands, chances are, so will the size of family farms.

The Cancun Climate Change Conference Deal: What Does it …

The Cancun Climate Change Conference Deal: What Does it Mean?

Richard Mrazek, George Gallant and Stephen McGlenn
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 1:00 PM
Galt Museum

Delegate’s from all 194 countries except one agreed to cut carbon emissions and assist developing countries tackle climate change as part of a “historic” deal in Cancun to help stop global warming. The deal falls far short of what many scientists, environmentalist and the country of Bolivia claim is needed to stop catastrophic global warming. But it represents a step towards the eventual goal of many, a legally binding treaty aimed at preventing temperatures rising more than 2C this century.

What is global justice and how can it be achieved?

What is global justice and how can it be achieved?

Channing Stenhouse and Thomas Fox
Thursday, March 17, 2011 1:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Eight Student competitors kicked off the 2011 U of L Student Speaker Challenge on January 18, 2011. Robbie Rolfe and Thomas Fox, Brittany Kocken and Taylor Webb, Channing Stenhouse and Sara Ortiz Ospina, Alex Masse and Rory Tarant competed in the preliminary rounds with Thomas Fox and Taylor Webb, Channing Stenhouse and Rory Tarant squaring off in the semifinals. A wide variety of solutions were offered, ranging from globalization to climate justice to upholding human rights and the rule of law.

What is global justice and how can it be achieved?

What is global justice and how can it be achieved?

Student speaker challenge
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 1:00 PM
University of Lethbridge

January 18 – March 15, 2011 Ballroom A in the SU building and at Andy’s Place (AH 100) University of Lethbridge The third annual Student Speaker Challenge will kick off on Tuesday, Jan. 18 with a total of eight students competing in this year’s event, addressing the question: What is global justice and how can it be achieved? The Student Speaker Challenge is a collaboration of SACPA, LPIRG and the U of L Students Union, with financial and promotional support from the University of Lethbridge.

Alberta's Looming Water Market: Is Public Consultation …

Alberta's Looming Water Market: Is Public Consultation Necessary?

Kevin Force
Thursday, March 10, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Alberta appears to be moving towards a serious water crisis. Climate change is causing rapid melting of the glaciers and decreasing snowpack on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the source of most Alberta’s water. Alberta has the fastest growing population in Canada and this growing population is centered in the southern most, driest region of the province. Industry and agriculture continue to thirst for more water to expand their operations; but as rivers are beginning and expected to continue to decline, the water limits are becoming evident.

The Tea Party Movement: How Did it Affect the 2010 US …

The Tea Party Movement: How Did it Affect the 2010 US Elections?

Trevor Harrison
Thursday, March 3, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

The Tea Party is an American populist political movement, which is generally recognized as conservative and libertarian and has sponsored protests and supported political candidates since 2009. Reduced government spending, opposition to taxation in varying degrees, reduction of the national debt and federal budget deficit are on the Tea Party’s agenda, as is adherence to an originalist interpretation of the United States Constitution. The name “Tea Party” is a reference to the Boston Tea Party, a protest by colonists who objected to a British tax on tea in 1773 and demonstrated by dumping British tea taken from docked ships into the harbor.

Is Alberta About to Witness a Generational Shift In …

Is Alberta About to Witness a Generational Shift In Provincial Politics?

Peter McCormick
Thursday, February 24, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

In the course of a week, Alberta’s political landscape changed dramatically. First, Premier Ed Stelmach announced he would not run in the next provincial election. Then David Swann, leader of the Alberta Liberal Party and leader of the Official Opposition, also announced his resignation. On the one side: a new party with a dynamic young leader is scoring high in the public opinion polls. On the other side: the two major parties in the legislature both face leadership races.

In a world of free trade, where does direct fair trade fit …

In a world of free trade, where does direct fair trade fit in?

Stacey Toews
Thursday, February 24, 2011 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library

7:00 – 9:00 PM Lethbridge Public Library, Theatre Gallery, 810 – 5 Ave S Despite its more than 60-year history, fair trade is still a relatively new concept for many North Americans and is unfortunately often confused with free trade. However, this has begun to change according to online surveys. Consumer recognition of Fair Trade-certified labeling has increased greatly in the past few years. Awareness and understanding, however, are two different things.

Hydraulic Fracking: What is it and is it blessing or …

Hydraulic Fracking: What is it and is it blessing or disaster?

Mike Bruised Head
Thursday, February 17, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

In recent months two commercial drilling firms have received permission to begin drilling for gas and oil on leases within the Blood Reserve in Southern Alberta. Conventional drilling and exploration have taken place there in the past. However, a different technique using hydraulic fracking is planned for drilling the proposed wells, which may have potential to yield large amounts of gas and oil previously not reachable by conventional means. While several locations in the surrounding area of Lethbridge may have seen hydraulic fracking being used to drill for gas and oil, many people in Alberta and North America have already raised concerns about the technology of hydraulic fracking and its potential threat to the water and environment.

Dialogue on Democracy: Should Voting be Compulsory?

Dialogue on Democracy: Should Voting be Compulsory?

Heather MacIntosh, Dan Shapiro and Dr. Gordon Campbell
Thursday, February 10, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

12- 1:30pm In some countries, voting is an obligation or legal responsibility. Mandatory voting is promoted as a means of addressing low voter turnout and ensuring election results reflect the will of the majority. In Australia, which has an established tradition of compulsory voting, recent polls show ¾ of the population supports the practice. In Canada, voting is a right which a citizen can choose to exercise or not. What happens when citizens stop exercising this right?

Dialogue on Democracy: Should Voting be Compulsory?

Dialogue on Democracy: Should Voting be Compulsory?

Heather MacIntosh, Dan Shapiro and Dr. Gordon Campbell
Thursday, February 10, 2011 12:00 PM
Lethbridge College

Notice of Special Session Thursday Feb 10 4-5:30pm at Room TH241 In some countries, voting is an obligation or legal responsibility. Mandatory voting is promoted as a means of addressing low voter turnout and ensuring election results reflect the will of the majority. In Australia, which has an established tradition of compulsory voting, recent polls show ¾ of the population supports the practice. In Canada, voting is a right which a citizen can choose to exercise or not.

Can the Alberta Party be a Viable Alternative in Provincial …

Can the Alberta Party be a Viable Alternative in Provincial Politics?

Sue Huff
Wednesday, February 9, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 7 – 9 pm At Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S The Conservative Party in Alberta, which for the last 40 years has formed our provincial government, appears to be in disarray. Premier Ed Stelmach’s recent resignation and rumblings regarding property owners rights, the environment, deficits and the upcoming budged seems to have shaken their long standing, right of center, foundation.

Is the Road Ahead Bumpy for Canadian Universities?

Is the Road Ahead Bumpy for Canadian Universities?

Mike Mahon
Thursday, February 3, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

As a result of changing demographics, enrolment rates are expected to drop off in Canada soon and un¬less universities find a way to fill the gap, the future may see a lot more empty seats in class. Right now many universities are at max¬imum capacity in post-secondary en¬rolments, but over the next three, four, five years the number of enrolments may start to decline throughout the sys¬tem. Many universities are looking to ex¬pand their campuses and programs, because of maxed-out capacity coming from the large num¬ber of children that were born out of the baby boom generation.

The Sexualization of Female Athletes

The Sexualization of Female Athletes

Dayna Daniels
Thursday, January 27, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

12-1:30pm In the 21st century girls and women are as likely as boys and men to be participants in sports. It would be easy to challenge this statement from a media perspective as very few women athletes are seen on television, in sports magazines, on sport-related internet sites or on the sports pages of newspapers. In the world of sport, women are still seen to be intruders in a male domain.

Can Religious Institutions Survive the Sexual Scandals of …

Can Religious Institutions Survive the Sexual Scandals of Clergy?

Tad Mitsui
Thursday, January 20, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

The sexual scandals of some priests in the Roman Catholic Church make big news but are extremely distressing to the faithful. The Roman Catholics are not alone in their distress though. Nearly every religious institution in Canada has faced the fallibility of their human leaders. Some formerly faithful people claim the scandals have pushed them away from organized religions and we have seen church attendance plummet over the last few decades.

You Don't Like the Truth: Canada's Role in the Trial of Omar …

You Don't Like the Truth: Canada's Role in the Trial of Omar Khadr

Dennis Edney
Thursday, January 13, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Omar Khadr was captured by American Forces in July 2002 in Afghanistan following a firefight between Afghani insurgents and US soldiers. Severely wounded by two M-16 bullets in his back, Khadr, who was just 15 at the time, was flown to Bagram airbase where he was treated for his injuries and later subjected to “enhanced interrogation techniques” before being transported to the notorious US prison camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The US government deemed Khadr an “enemy combatant” in 2002 which allowed US military interrogators to use “enhanced techniques” on the teenager that are described by various human rights groups as forms of torture that would otherwise be banned under the Geneva Conventions.

You Don't Like the Truth: Canada's Role in the Trial of Omar …

You Don't Like the Truth: Canada's Role in the Trial of Omar Khadr

Dennis Edney
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 12:00 PM
University of Lethbridge

Wednesday January 12, 2011 7:00-9:00 pm at Room PE 261 Omar Khadr was captured by American Forces in July 2002 in Afghanistan following a firefight between Afghani insurgents and US soldiers. Severely wounded by two M-16 bullets in his back, Khadr, who was just 15 at the time, was flown to Bagram airbase where he was treated for his injuries and later subjected to “enhanced interrogation techniques” before being transported to the notorious US prison camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Lethbridge Municipal By- Election Forum for Aldermanic …

Lethbridge Municipal By- Election Forum for Aldermanic Candidates

Aldermanic candidates
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Public Library

VIDEO of this event is available at: http://vimeo.com/18757495 http://vimeo.com/18758415 With a by-election scheduled on February 1, 2011 to fill an open seat on Lethbridge City Council, Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs will be hosting an all candidates forum on Tuesday, Jan 11, 2011. The council seat was left open as a result of Bob Babki’s untimely death, shortly after he was elected to council at the municipal election in October 2010.

The Future of Irrigation: Will the Highest Bidder Get the …

The Future of Irrigation: Will the Highest Bidder Get the Water?

Ron Renwick
Thursday, January 6, 2011 12:00 PM
Country Kitchen

Some 1,370,000 acres are assessed for irrigation among thirteen irrigation districts in Southern Alberta. In addition, approximately 280,000 acres are assessed for irrigation outside the irrigation districts. Irrigation waters are however used for much more than growing food. Irrigation infrastructure provides water for many communities and is essential to much of the commerce, industry, wildlife, wetlands and recreation in Southern Alberta. Increasing demand for food production and economic growth will provide challenges for the irrigation industry.