Canada – China Relations: Can this Relationship be Saved?
Dr. Gordon Houlden
Thursday, November 26, 2020 12:00 PM
Youtube
For almost two years since the December, 2018 detention of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, and the subsequent arrest of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, Canada-China relations have been at the lowest point since the 1989 Tiananmen violence, and perhaps since Canada recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC) 50 years ago. What are the prospects for a reduction in tensions in 2021? What are the chances that the “two Michaels” will be released soon?
Multiple Marginalization's, Masculinities, and Militias: How Aggrieved Masculinity is playing an Intersectional Role in the Politics of Division
Peter Kellett PhD RN
Thursday, November 12, 2020 12:00 PM
Youtube
A complex intersection of economic, political, environmental, and social conditions are fueling the rise of populism, political polarization, xenophobia, and racism in The United States, and other countries. Indeed many predicted the rise of divisive politics and decreased social cohesion as economic inequality soared, with globalization and neoliberal politics further contributing to the increasing precarity of employment and earnings among the working and middle classes of western countries. While few have been spared these challenges, the face of these emerging angry populist movements, militias, and white supremacist movement’s remains overwhelmingly male, white, and working class.
Lethbridge Overdose Prevention Society: Radical Love at the Boundary of Law
Kaley Ann Boudoin
Thursday, November 5, 2020 12:00 PM
Youtube
Lethbridge was once home to the busiest supervised consumption site in North America, operated by ARCHES. On August 31, 2020, this supervised consumption site was permanently closed. As the number of overdose deaths in Lethbridge continued to climb at record-breaking rates, harm reductionists and people who use drugs were left wondering where to go. In September 2020, a handful of former ARCHES employees and clients got together and formed the Lethbridge Overdose Prevention Society (LOPS) with the mission to keep our neighbours, friends, and loved ones alive.
Thank you for Your Service: How well are we Recognizing and Supporting Canadian Armed Forces Veterans as they re-enter Society?
Brad Hagen and Wayne King
Thursday, October 22, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
As we approach the 75th Veterans Day ceremonies since World War II, we hopefully prepare ourselves to remember past and current Canadian Armed Forces veterans who have served both in Canada and in numerous conflicts around the world. While many civilians are familiar with the battles of World War I and II, they are typically less familiar with the other important and challenging missions the Canadian Military have served in, such as Korea, Rwanda, Bosnia, Namibia, Haiti, Cyprus, and Afghanistan, to name just a few.
This is no ordinary World Food Day. Addressing Global Hunger in a time of COVID.
Julie Marshall
Thursday, October 15, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
October 16 is World Food Day. This year’s theme of the Food & Agriculture Organization is: Grow, Nourish, Sustain Together. But this is no ordinary World Food Day, hunger is on the rise due to conflict, climate change & now COVID-19. The battle against COVID-19 is shifting across the globe, making the poorest poorer, and the hungriest hungrier. It is multiplying misery by preying on the weak & vulnerable, pushing millions out of work & into hunger, disrupting vital supply chains & threatening the very fabric of society.
Mental Illness Awareness Week Mental Health & Coping & Covid-19
Brad Moser
Thursday, October 8, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 4th-11th; a national campaign created to educate the public on the importance of mental illness, end the stigma of mental illness, and advocate for mental health support. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to the mental health of many people within Canada and made this campaign especially important this year. The speaker will talk about this campaign, the difference between mental illness and mental health, how COVID-19 has impacted people’s mental health, and strategies for practicing positive mental health during the pandemic.
More Coal, Fewer Parks: The Future of Alberta's Rocky Mountains?
Katie Morrison
Thursday, October 1, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
When you think of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, including the Oldman Watershed in Southern Alberta, you probably think of scenic mountaintops, rolling foothills and clear blue streams. You probably don’t think of decommissioned parks or open-pit coal mines, but that’s exactly what the future could hold. On June 1, 2020, the Government of Alberta rescinded the provincial Coal Policy, created in 1976, restricting open pit coal mining and coal exploration in Alberta’s most environmentally sensitive areas in the Rocky Mountains.
The Politics of Education in Alberta: Is our current Government's approach to Education encouraging privatization of Schools?
Bridget Stirling
Thursday, September 24, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
Alberta already has the most choice in K-12 education in Canada, with private school pupils being funded to the tune of 70 percent per pupil compared to public school pupils, more than any other province. Charter schools, started in 1994 by Ralph Klein, receive the same level of per pupil funding as public schools, but are run by private parent or corporate boards. No other province in Canada even has charter schools.
Are there Issues with Kids going back to School as usual during COVID-19
Brandi Rai
Thursday, September 17, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
Recognized as the provincial organization representing parents on school councils in Alberta, Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA) has worked alongside other education partners and stakeholders to advise the Ministry of Education on matters related to the K-12 Re-entry plan. As schools reopen, ASCA will continue to help parents on school councils fulfill their legislated roles, engage with parents and their school communities, advise their principals, and work with their school boards on education issues including, but not limited to, COVID-19.
Health Care in Crisis: COVID19 & Beyond
Sandra Azocar, Executive Director Friends of Medicare
Thursday, September 10, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
The past few months have certainly been a difficult time for all of us, but as we look around the world and to each other, we can see that this pandemic has shone a light on the importance of Canada’s universal public health care system. This pandemic has made it clear that the true measure of a government’s leadership will be made evident through the political choices they make as we deal with this health crisis, and as we move forward to deal with the new political and economic reality that will face us after it is done.
Is Lethbridge likely to experience response time delays if Emergency Dispatch is centralized in Calgary?
Warren Nelson
Thursday, September 3, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
Recently, Alberta Health Services announced ambulance dispatch services will be consolidated across the province, pulling Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer and Wood Buffalo into existing EMS dispatch centres. Lethbridge Fire Department (LFD) has been providing Ambulance/EMS services to citizens since 1912, and have always been the dispatch service as well. They are currently under contract to AHS EMS to provide the EMS service as well as the Dispatch service. The Dispatch service provides coverage not only to the City of Lethbridge, but many other EMS services in the area.
Annual General Meeting of Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)
Board of DIrectors
Monday, June 22, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
Approval of Agenda and appointment of Secretary Adoption and discussion of Minutes – June 20, 2019 Annual Reports: Chairperson Finance Committee & Treasurer’s Report and Budget for 2020-2021 Program Committee SACPA on Campus Program Committee Policy and Bylaw Committee Administrative Manager Personnel Committee Nomination Committee Appointment of Auditors Open discussion on new ideas and how long SACPA may be able to operate our present YouTube live streaming events while the COVID-19 pandemic keep us from having regular lunch sessions.
Why should people give Money to UN's World Food Program (WFP) or other Aid Agencies when there is so much need in the Developed World Countries?
Marwa Awad
Friday, June 19, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
The COVID19 crisis and its aftermath has shown that infectious diseases respect borders no more than climate change – both of which impact billions of lives, migration trends and economic prosperity worldwide. In the modern world where national boundaries matter very little, we are inseparably connected to one another. The Syria Crisis and the subsequent refugee numbers to Canada is a case in point. So is the Ebola outbreak in 2014 which led Canada to adopt preventative measures in its public spaces.
Has the Role of Pharmacies Changed Due to the COVID-19 Virus?
Ron Hendry
Thursday, June 18, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
The COVID-19 virus has prompted many people to seek preventive medications with vitamins, minerals and probiotics flying off pharmacy shelves like hot cakes. Unproven and sometimes even dangerous medications have been touted as cures for this virus, some by well-known people. Such claims put pharmacists in the position of protecting us from ourselves. Some people were even hoarding medications; now all are restricted to only a 30 day supply. The speaker, pharmacist and owner of Thriftway Pharmacy, is living this journey since pharmacies have been designated as an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he will share his pre COVID-19 experiences while also elaborating on his perceptions of the role pharmacies will play in a post pandemic future.
Cuts to Funding for Post-Secondary Education: What is U of L's New Reality?
Dr. Mike Mahon
Monday, June 15, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
Post-secondary institutions in Alberta have experienced substantial reductions to their Campus Alberta Grants from the Government of Alberta. In the case of the University of Lethbridge, these reductions represent slightly more than 20% of the university’s government operating grant. The reductions have resulted in difficult budget decisions including layoffs, deletion of athletic programs and structural changes. The emergence of COVID 19 has added to the challenges for the U of L.
Tackling Systemic Racism and Police Brutality: What can You Do?
Desmond Cole
Friday, June 12, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
Not only Americans, but Canadians need to have an “uncomfortable conversation” about racism and police violence against black people, particularly around who benefits from it. The difficult conversation is, that racism may not be about some bad feelings inside somebody’s heart, but arguably, it’s about power that benefits white people and their property. The benefits of white supremacy are not built on the oppression of black communities alone, white people have made careers managing the files of Indigenous children who are being taken from their families.
Resilience During a Pandemic: From Zoom Calls to Dealing with the Economic Crisis, Strategies for Surviving & Thriving
Dr. Michael Ungar, Director Resilience Research Centre, Dalhousie University
Thursday, June 11, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
As the COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc on our lives, the good news is that resilience is possible, but it requires more than just a positive mindset. Building on his research from around the world and clinical work with populations that have experienced the stress of social isolation, poverty, stigma and violence, the speaker will share stories and strategies we can use to not only survive but thrive during this pandemic.
After the Pandemic: Some Social, Political, and Economic Impacts
Dr. Trevor Harrison
Thursday, June 4, 2020 1:00 PM
Youtube
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues its relentless path across the world, politicians, policy-makers, and pundits have begun thinking of the world that comes after. What are likely to be the short, medium, and long-term impacts on society resulting from Covid-19? How will it change the economy, politics, society at large? Which of these will be temporary and which more permanent? This talk will explore some of these possible changes and the policy changes that should be considered as a result.
What is it Like Owning a Business in Downtown Lethbridge during the Drug Crisis?
Erica Pyska
Thursday, March 12, 2020 1:00 PM
Legion
Several businesses in Lethbridge’s downtown and the surrounding area have closed their doors in the last several months. Other business owners say they are feeling the pinch as well, and attribute much of the struggles to what they say are pervasive negative perceptions of the downtown area. Concerns over everything from the opioid/drug crisis and taxation to parking, are the main issues. Those business owners and employees are feeling the pressure of that, but today’s speaker will explain how she, along with other business owners, are fighting back and meeting with with city officials to address the issues
Is the Sun Setting on Alberta's Conventional Oil and Gas Producers?
Regan Boychuk
Thursday, March 5, 2020 12:00 PM
Legion
Alberta’s conventional oil and gas liabilities have been growing for decades with reported estimates ranging from $58 to $130 billion involving 450,000 oil and gas wells, 400,000 Km of pipelines, 1.4 trillion litres of fluid waste, Only $1.5 billion is held in securities to protect Albertan taxpayers from the risk of being left on the hook for costs. Oil sands liabilities are estimated at another (largely unsecured) $130 billion. If the issue of backlogged and unsecured oil and gas liabilities is allowed to stay quiet, the problem will simply continue to grow, with no true transparency around its scale and scope.
Is Community Support for Children Essential?
Peter Imhof
Thursday, February 27, 2020 12:00 PM
Legion
Arguably, governments have a mandate to keep our most vulnerable citizens safe, including young children. Recently, the Province of Alberta and the City of Lethbridge have initiated significant realignments of their prevention and early intervention services for families. The speaker will explore these changes from the perspective of an agency that provides preventive services on behalf of governments. The goal is to continue a wholesome and productive discussion about how we protect children in our community.
Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability and Economic Development
Bev Thornton
Thursday, February 20, 2020 12:00 PM
Legion
Alberta SouthWest Regional Economic Development (AlbertaSW) is a partnership of 16 towns, villages and rural municipal districts bordering on BC and MT. Key sectors of the economy in the region are agriculture, renewable energy and tourism. All these industries require consideration of the natural resources and landscapes, creating a natural focus on sustainability, In 2007, in collaboration with National Geographic, AlbertaSW was a founding partner of the transboundary Crown of the Continent Geotourism Council, which highlights sustainable tourism business development.
The Importance of Play: Are Children getting enough Playtime?
Vicki Hazelwood
Thursday, February 13, 2020 12:00 PM
Legion
The early years of human development needs to be an essential priority for the whole community and by creating awareness of the importance of the early years in children’s development, communities can help create and implement an action plan specific to enhancing healthy childhood development. One essential element for children’s development is play. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. It is through play that children at a very early age learn to engage and interact with the world around them.
Why is Liberal Education Important in the 21st Century?
Shelly Wismath
Thursday, February 6, 2020 12:00 PM
Legion
Liberal Education is rooted in an approach to learning that empowers individuals and prepares them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change. It provides students with broad knowledge of the wider world (e.g. science, culture, and society) as well as in-depth study in a specific area of interest. The philosophy of Liberal Education traces back to the Classical Era of the ancient Greeks and Romans, who developed a logical and systematic approach to looking at the world around us, and an education system to produce informed leaders who would engage in the running of their city-states.
For the Love of Headwaters: What Can We Do?
Sofie Forsstrom
Thursday, January 30, 2020 12:00 PM
Legion
Our drinking water comes from the Oldman River, but where does this river start? The tributaries that feed a river are collectively called headwaters, the source or ‘birthplace’ of our river. Located along the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the headwaters of the Oldman River flow from an increasingly busy landscape - one that includes mining, logging, grazing, and recreation. This unique area offers important habitat for threatened species, as well as ecological services beyond providing most of the water used by over 210,000 people living, working, and playing in our watershed.
Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Future and a new Economy: What are the main Barriers?
Bruce Wilson
Thursday, January 23, 2020 12:00 PM
Legion
Canada has joined many other national and regional jurisdictions in declaring a climate emergency. Recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warn of increasingly deterioriating conditions across the globe in the face of unchecked global heating. While human generated emissions of CO2 and other greenhouses gases are accepted as the major cause, efforts to bend the emissions trajectory are still not sufficient. The world’s economies must rapidly decarbonize over this decade to avoid lock-in to a future of climate extremes and damaging impacts to society.
Climate Change, Hunger and Migration: Can we attain the UN's Sustainable Development Goals?
Trevor Page
Thursday, January 16, 2020 12:00 PM
Legion
Five years ago, in 2015, the governments of the United Nations agreed on a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that we would need to attain by 2030 to make life better and more sustainable for future generations. Our governments had come to accept that we were rapidly overpopulating the planet, depleting our natural resources and destroying our environment. These goals cover the full range of socio-economic and environmental factors that our governments agreed were essential for our peace, wellbeing and prosperity.
Alberta's Alternative Budget: What is the Official Opposition NDP Proposing?
MLA Shannon Phillips
Thursday, January 9, 2020 12:00 PM
Legion
The Official Opposition’s 2019 Alternative Budget lays out a path for Alberta to create jobs, diversify the economy, protect vital public services, and bring the provincial budget to balance. This path is based on economic data in the government’s budget, and more crucially, on widespread consultation with Albertans. Last fall, the NDP Caucus held town hall meetings in communities across Alberta, and the people that spoke up, provided a tremendous amount of information about what values and priorities they wanted to see reflected in the provincial budget.