Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Young animals of many species, including humans, devote up to 25% of their lives to play. Yet parents and institutions often discourage play, especially when it involves rough-housing, and instead encourage children to focus on what they view as more serious forms of enrichment. But is play simply a childish waste of time? The evidence from research on non-human animals suggests that for some species, such as rats and monkeys, the answer is no. The experience of rough-and-tumble play, in particular, is necessary for the proper development of the brain mechanisms that are essential for regulating competent social behaviour. Given that similar brain mechanisms are involved in the social behaviour of humans, it may well be that denying children the opportunity for such play could be deleterious to their cognitive and social development.

Speaker: Sergio Pellis

Dr. Sergio Pellis has been on the faculty of the University of Lethbridge since 1990 and currently holds a Board of Governor’s Research Chair in the Department of Neuroscience. He first began exploring the mysteries of play in Australian magpies thirty years ago. Since that time, he has made detailed studies of play in a multitude of species, including many rodents and many primates. He and his wife, Dr. Vivien Pellis, are currently completing a book that highlights their work in this field titled “Making a Playful Brain”.

Dr. Pellis is an Associate Editor of the journal Aggressive Behavior and a Consulting Editor for Journal of Comparative Psychology and International Journal of Comparative Psychology. His publications include 142 research papers in scientific journals with about half of those publications being on play behaviour.

Time: 12 noon - 1:30 p.m.

Cost $10 (includes lunch)

If Austin Mardon had not strictly adhered to his treatment regime of taking antipsychotic medications he believes that he could very easily have ended up on the street. Between 35 to 75% of our homeless have at least one serious mental illness. Many have schizophrenia or a similar psychotic illness. Over 80% of those with schizophrenia do not take their medication consistently, and thus keep getting ill over and over again. Austin will discuss solutions for reaching those with serious mental illness from his personal experience specifically related to the current crisis of homelessness. He believes there is always hope.

Speaker: Austin Mardon

Austin Mardon was born in Edmonton but raised in Lethbridge until he finished his degree at the University. While an undergraduate geography student, he was accepted as a field scientist on the ASMET NSF/NASA sponsored Antarctic meteorite recovery expedition. His descent into mental illness slowly started after he returned from Antarctica suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He was able to complete two additional graduate degrees in the USA before suffering a complete breakdown, and was subsequently diagnosed with schizophrenia. Since he was first diagnosed, he has adhered to his treatment regime. This has allowed him to work part time for CMHA, serve as an adjunct faculty member and volunteer for numerous charities. He has received both the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award for his work with Prosper Place Clubhouse and the Order of Canada in 2007 for his ongoing advocacy for the mentally ill, specifically those with schizophrenia.

Time: 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

Cost: $10 (includes lunch)

If Austin Mardon had not strictly adhered to his treatment regime of taking antipsychotic medications he believes that he could very easily have ended up on the street. Between 35 to 75% of our homeless have at least one serious mental illness. Many have schizophrenia or a similar psychotic illness. Over 80% of those with schizophrenia do not take their medication consistently, and thus keep getting ill over and over again. Austin will discuss solutions for reaching those with serious mental illness from his personal experience specifically related to the current crisis of homelessness. He believes there is always hope.

Speaker: Austin Mardon

Austin Mardon was born in Edmonton but raised in Lethbridge until he finished his degree at the University. While an undergraduate geography student, he was accepted as a field scientist on the ASMET NSF/NASA sponsored Antarctic meteorite recovery expedition. His descent into mental illness slowly started after he returned from Antarctica suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He was able to complete two additional graduate degrees in the USA before suffering a complete breakdown, and was subsequently diagnosed with schizophrenia. Since he was first diagnosed, he has adhered to his treatment regime. This has allowed him to work part time for CMHA, serve as an adjunct faculty member and volunteer for numerous charities. He has received both the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award for his work with Prosper Place Clubhouse and the Order of Canada in 2007 for his ongoing advocacy for the mentally ill, specifically those with schizophrenia.

Time: 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

Cost: $10 (includes lunch)

”Business as usual” is not an option in today’s world of global competition for market share. Technological improvements must be ongoing to achieve “world-class” quality products.

Canada’s steady trend of reduction in manufacturing jobs has been caused mainly by two factors: cheap labour elsewhere in the world and the massive export of unprocessed natural resources. This has had a very negative impact on our large and small manufacturing sectors. Currency fluctuations are also a factor but can work for or against different sectors.

It is vital that Canada’s manufacturing sector remain healthy so that we don’t become reduced to “hewers of wood and drawers of water”. Canada needs to process its own agricultural products and mineral commodities in order to add value to our economy.

Dr. Myers will outline strategies and policies required to ensure that the Canadian manufacturing sector remains competitive in the global economy.

Speaker: Dr. Jayson Myers

Jayson Myers is the President of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Canada’s largest industry and trade association. He is also Chair of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition, which represents over 30 industry associations voicing priority issues for our manufacturing sector.

Dr. Myers is a well-known economic commentator, and is widely published in the fields of Canadian economics, international economics, technological change and industrial change. He has been recognized by the consulting firm Watson Wyatt as an eminent economic forecaster in Canada.

Jayson studied at Queen''s University and the University of B.C. in Canada, as well as the London School of Economics and Oxford University in the U.K. He has held appointments as researcher and lecturer in International Studies at Warwick and Oxford Universities, both in the U.K.

Dr. Myers sits on special advisory councils to the Minister for International Trade, the Minister of Industry, and the Canadian Border Services Agency.

Date: Thursday, February 28, 2008

Time: Noon - 1:30 PM

Location: Ericksen’s Restaurant (lower level of The Keg)

1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S.

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)

”Business as usual” is not an option in today’s world of global competition for market share. Technological improvements must be ongoing to achieve “world-class” quality products.

Canada’s steady trend of reduction in manufacturing jobs has been caused mainly by two factors: cheap labour elsewhere in the world and the massive export of unprocessed natural resources. This has had a very negative impact on our large and small manufacturing sectors. Currency fluctuations are also a factor but can work for or against different sectors.

It is vital that Canada’s manufacturing sector remain healthy so that we don’t become reduced to “hewers of wood and drawers of water”. Canada needs to process its own agricultural products and mineral commodities in order to add value to our economy.

Dr. Myers will outline strategies and policies required to ensure that the Canadian manufacturing sector remains competitive in the global economy.

Speaker: Dr. Jayson Myers

Jayson Myers is the President of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Canada’s largest industry and trade association. He is also Chair of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition, which represents over 30 industry associations voicing priority issues for our manufacturing sector.

Dr. Myers is a well-known economic commentator, and is widely published in the fields of Canadian economics, international economics, technological change and industrial change. He has been recognized by the consulting firm Watson Wyatt as an eminent economic forecaster in Canada.

Jayson studied at Queen''s University and the University of B.C. in Canada, as well as the London School of Economics and Oxford University in the U.K. He has held appointments as researcher and lecturer in International Studies at Warwick and Oxford Universities, both in the U.K.

Dr. Myers sits on special advisory councils to the Minister for International Trade, the Minister of Industry, and the Canadian Border Services Agency.

Date: Thursday, February 28, 2008

Time: Noon - 1:30 PM

Location: Ericksen’s Restaurant (lower level of The Keg)

1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S.

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)

Water is an increasingly scarce resource in southern Alberta. 80% of the population lives in the south but the region has only about 20% of the province’s fresh water supply. With a growing population and a dwindling supply of this essential resource, new ways of managing water are needed. Bill Berzins will discuss water quality and quantity issues in southern Alberta and the implications for ecological, economic and social interests. He will highlight some of the activities being undertaken by planners, developers, communities and researchers to address the implications of an increasingly apportioned resource.

Speaker: Bill Berzins

Bill Berzins has been involved in water, wastewater and environmental management for more than 25 years. He has managed public-private partnerships throughout Canada and the U.S. for water supply and wastewater management. Bill is a founding partner in Fossil Water – his company is developing water, wastewater and wetland infrastructure projects throughout Alberta and BC. Bill is the volunteer Chair of the Bow River Basin Council, a member of the Alberta Water Council and a member of the Management Advisory Board for the Alberta Water Research Institute.

DATE: Thursday, February 21, 2008

TIME: Noon – 1:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Ericksen’s Family Restaurant (lower level of The Keg)

COST: $10.00 (includes lunch)

Water is an increasingly scarce resource in southern Alberta. 80% of the population lives in the south but the region has only about 20% of the province’s fresh water supply. With a growing population and a dwindling supply of this essential resource, new ways of managing water are needed. Bill Berzins will discuss water quality and quantity issues in southern Alberta and the implications for ecological, economic and social interests. He will highlight some of the activities being undertaken by planners, developers, communities and researchers to address the implications of an increasingly apportioned resource.

Speaker: Bill Berzins

Bill Berzins has been involved in water, wastewater and environmental management for more than 25 years. He has managed public-private partnerships throughout Canada and the U.S. for water supply and wastewater management. Bill is a founding partner in Fossil Water – his company is developing water, wastewater and wetland infrastructure projects throughout Alberta and BC. Bill is the volunteer Chair of the Bow River Basin Council, a member of the Alberta Water Council and a member of the Management Advisory Board for the Alberta Water Research Institute.

DATE: Thursday, February 21, 2008

TIME: Noon – 1:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Ericksen’s Family Restaurant (lower level of The Keg)

COST: $10.00 (includes lunch)

Recent adjustments in American criminal justice policy have created a uniquely large prison population. Dr. Malcolm Greenshields will discuss his views on the effectiveness of these policies.

Speaker: Dr. Malcolm Greenshields

Malcolm Greenshields was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and spent his childhood in Saskatoon, Iowa and Ottawa. He completed a diploma in Agriculture, followed by a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in History at the University of Saskatchewan in 1978. He then earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Sussex, England in 1986. Dr.Greenshields taught and served in academic administration at the University of Saskatchewan from 1980-85 and 1987-88. Since 1985 he has taught in the History Department at the University of Lethbridge.

DATE: Thursday, February 14, 2008

TIME: Noon – 1:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Ericksen’s Restaurant (lower level of The Keg)

COST: $10.00 (includes lunch)

Recent adjustments in American criminal justice policy have created a uniquely large prison population. Dr. Malcolm Greenshields will discuss his views on the effectiveness of these policies.

Speaker: Dr. Malcolm Greenshields

Malcolm Greenshields was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and spent his childhood in Saskatoon, Iowa and Ottawa. He completed a diploma in Agriculture, followed by a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in History at the University of Saskatchewan in 1978. He then earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Sussex, England in 1986. Dr.Greenshields taught and served in academic administration at the University of Saskatchewan from 1980-85 and 1987-88. Since 1985 he has taught in the History Department at the University of Lethbridge.

DATE: Thursday, February 14, 2008

TIME: Noon – 1:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Ericksen’s Restaurant (lower level of The Keg)

COST: $10.00 (includes lunch)

Myths about our brains are everywhere. Some of the myths, such as the "Mozart effect" and "we only use 10% of our brain", are relatively harmless. Other myths though, such as "girls can''t do math", have had a huge direct or indirect negative impact on our beliefs and attitudes and on governmental policies. Patti Sorensen points out that myths have regularly been manipulated or misinterpreted to justify unpopular policies (for example, early retirement) or to sell products and services (for example, "OptiMind") that are not needed. She will look at some of the more common myths (especially those related to brainwaves and to aging), the origins of those myths and what the research actually tells us about our brains.

PRESENTER: PATTI SORENSEN

Patti grew up in Red Deer in a family of pilots. She didn''t realize that everyone else''s family didn''t know how to fly until she was about 10 years old. Her family was very surprised when she decided to become a speech-language pathologist instead of a flight instructor. Patti earned her B.Sc. from the U of Alberta (speech pathology and audiology), her M.Sc.from the U of Western Ontario (speech-language pathology) and M. Ed. from the U of New Brunswick (adult education). In 1989 she started to work at Barons-Eureka-Warner Health Unit and subsequently, for the Chinook Health region. She then returned to the U.of Lethbridge to obtain her PhD in neuroscience and is currently finishing her PhD. Her dissertation focuses on brain wave activity in adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Patti has started a neurofeedback and research office in Lethbridge called "NeuroAdvances".

DATE: Thursday, February 7, 2008

TIME: Noon – 1:30 PM

LOCATION: Ericksen’s Restaurant (lower level of The Keg)

1715 Mayor Magrath Drive S., Lethbridge

COST: $10.00 (includes lunch)