Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

The Global Challenges of the 21st Century:

Our Role as Citizens

By scientific accounts humanity faces complicated and rather dangerous challenges, from population growth to the depletion of natural resources to environmental degradation. Yet the powers in charge have shown very little to no interest in these critical challenges to face us. Given the state of the world, active intervention of the citizens of the globe remains the only viable option in avoiding these challenges. Saren Azer will speak to these global challenges and ways and means that North American citizens can contribute to the collective well being of humanity and a brighter future for us all.

PRESENTER: Dr. Saren Azer

Dr. Saren Azer, MD, MSc, PhD is an expert in respiratory medicine and works at the University of Calgary. He is of Kurdish origin and came to Canada in l994 as a political refugee. Saren Azer is also an environmental and human rights activist and during the last 13 years he has been involved with a number of Human Rights organizations. He is a founding member and currently the chairperson of the International Society for Peace and Human Rights. In the spring of 2007 he was the Team Leader for the Humanitarian Medical Relief Mission to Iraq.

DATE: January 10, 2008

TIME: Noon

LOCATION: Ericksen’s Restaurant (Lower level)

COST: $10.00 (includes lunch)

MODERATOR: Robert Campbell

J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, is a billionaire and one of the richest women in the world. 400 Million copies of her 7 book Potter series have been sold world wide. One media source comments “In an era of videogame consoles, online multiplayer “environments,” and tinier-is-better mobisodes, minisodes and webisodes, she got people to tote around big, old-fashioned, printed-on-paper books as if they were the hottest new entertainment devices on the planet.” (Entertainment Weekly Magazine)

Why has J.K.Rowling had such an impact? What does it say about our generation that the Harry Potter series has swept our planet, selling more copies, and generating more interest and media ‘swirl’, than any other writer in memory? Why has this writing touched a nerve in our time, like no other? What does it say about us?

Looking closely at this 7 book series, is like looking in the mirror of our culture. It may tell us more than we ever wanted to know – about our generation!!

Matthew Conley is a grade 12 student, and President of the Honour Society at L.C.I. He has reviewed a number of books for the Lethbridge Herald over the past 5 years, and been active in a number of community issues.

Terry Shillington is one of the clergy at McKillop United Church. He is presently part of a national United Church resource team for “Emerging Spirit”, a program of outreach to 30-45 Year olds., and has a special interest in the contemporary culture of youth and young adults.

Moderator – Ian McKenna

Cost - $10.00

J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, is a billionaire and one of the richest women in the world. 400 Million copies of her 7 book Potter series have been sold world wide. One media source comments “In an era of videogame consoles, online multiplayer “environments,” and tinier-is-better mobisodes, minisodes and webisodes, she got people to tote around big, old-fashioned, printed-on-paper books as if they were the hottest new entertainment devices on the planet.” (Entertainment Weekly Magazine)

Why has J.K.Rowling had such an impact? What does it say about our generation that the Harry Potter series has swept our planet, selling more copies, and generating more interest and media ‘swirl’, than any other writer in memory? Why has this writing touched a nerve in our time, like no other? What does it say about us?

Looking closely at this 7 book series, is like looking in the mirror of our culture. It may tell us more than we ever wanted to know – about our generation!!

Matthew Conley is a grade 12 student, and President of the Honour Society at L.C.I. He has reviewed a number of books for the Lethbridge Herald over the past 5 years, and been active in a number of community issues.

Terry Shillington is one of the clergy at McKillop United Church. He is presently part of a national United Church resource team for “Emerging Spirit”, a program of outreach to 30-45 Year olds., and has a special interest in the contemporary culture of youth and young adults.

Moderator – Ian McKenna

Cost - $10.00

Since 2004, MATL (Montana Alberta Tie Line) has been trying to gain

regulatory and property owner approval for a 300 Mega Watt high voltage

transmission line between Lethbridge, AB and Great Falls, Montana.

Initially the $100 million project was to be operational by spring of 2007,

but EUB hearings, concerning the MATL application, was just recently

completed. Many affected parties voiced their opinion for or against the

planned power line. Routing and safety issues were among the more disputed

items. A decision is expected early 2008.

Questions also being asked were: Do we really need this line in terms of

power supply? Should we be integrating our power lines East-West rather

than North-South? The MATL project is being touted as a win-win venture,

the question remains, for whom?

Speaker: Scott Stenbeck

Scott was raised in Pincher Creek, where he graduated from Mathew Halton High School. After undergraduate studies at the University of Lethbridge, he graduated from the University of Victoria, with a law degree in 1998.

Scott has been in sole private practice for six years, specializing in litigation and working extensively for property owners, who oppose oil, gas and power expansions through homesteads and prime agricultural land.

Scott recently won a landmark appeal preventing a two-billion dollar project from Edmonton to Calgary proposed by Altalink.

At the November EUB hearings in Lethbridge, Scott represented 24 property owners opposing the MATL application.

Scott Stenbeck and his wife Christine have three children.

Moderator: Susan Giffen

Date: Thursday, December 13, 2007

Time: Noon - 1:30 PM

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

1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S.

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)

Since 2004, MATL (Montana Alberta Tie Line) has been trying to gain

regulatory and property owner approval for a 300 Mega Watt high voltage

transmission line between Lethbridge, AB and Great Falls, Montana.

Initially the $100 million project was to be operational by spring of 2007,

but EUB hearings, concerning the MATL application, was just recently

completed. Many affected parties voiced their opinion for or against the

planned power line. Routing and safety issues were among the more disputed

items. A decision is expected early 2008.

Questions also being asked were: Do we really need this line in terms of

power supply? Should we be integrating our power lines East-West rather

than North-South? The MATL project is being touted as a win-win venture,

the question remains, for whom?

Speaker: Scott Stenbeck

Scott was raised in Pincher Creek, where he graduated from Mathew Halton High School. After undergraduate studies at the University of Lethbridge, he graduated from the University of Victoria, with a law degree in 1998.

Scott has been in sole private practice for six years, specializing in litigation and working extensively for property owners, who oppose oil, gas and power expansions through homesteads and prime agricultural land.

Scott recently won a landmark appeal preventing a two-billion dollar project from Edmonton to Calgary proposed by Altalink.

At the November EUB hearings in Lethbridge, Scott represented 24 property owners opposing the MATL application.

Scott Stenbeck and his wife Christine have three children.

Moderator: Susan Giffen

Date: Thursday, December 13, 2007

Time: Noon - 1:30 PM

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

1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S.

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)

On Dec 6, 1989 a 25 year old man, Marc Lepine, walked into the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal and shot to death 14 women, wounding 13 others. The names of the murdered women are listed at the end of this notice.

The Montreal Massacre was an appalling tragedy, which has now taken its place in Canadian history, remembered mainly as an ultimate example of male violence against women.

Exploring the importance of this tragedy may involve looking beyond gender violence, which mainly occurs against women. The broader social significance of the Montreal Massacre relates to ideas about work and relationships, as well as, opportunities for participation and fulfillment in today’s ever increasing competitive world.

Single parent women are at an all time high, many of whom make only minimum wages while working. Consequently some women are left vulnerable, often living below the poverty line.

Are women less likely to encounter violence and adversity today than 18 years earlier?

Speakers: Kristine Cassie and Kerri Potvin

Kristine is the CEO for YWCA Lethbridge & District and has been with the YWCA in various capacities for over 16 years. She currently co-chairs the Domestic Violence Action Committee. Kristine also serves on many similar committees around Southern Alberta.

Kerri Potvin has been a dedicated staff member at Lethbridge & District YWCA for over 20 years. Her work has been focused on women and children of YWCA Harbour House, where Kerri’s knowledge and compassion have helped numerous victims of family violence. She is on several committees and aid in the training of staff/ volunteers involved with victims of violence.

Time: Noon - 1:30 PM

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)

Names of the murdered women:

* Geneviève Bergeron (b. 1968), civil engineering student.

* Hélène Colgan (b. 1966), mechanical engineering student.

* Nathalie Croteau (b. 1966), mechanical engineering student.

* Barbara Daigneault (b. 1967), mechanical engineering student.

* Anne-Marie Edward (b. 1968), chemical engineering student.

* Maud Haviernick (b. 1960), materials engineering student.

* Maryse Laganière (b. 1964), budget clerk at the École Polytechnique.

* Maryse Leclair (b. 1966), materials engineering student.

* Anne-Marie Lemay (b. 1967), mechanical engineering student.

* Sonia Pelletier (b. 1961), mechanical engineering student.

* Michèle Richard (b. 1968), materials engineering student.

* Annie St-Arneault (b. 1966), mechanical engineering student.

* Annie Turcotte (b. 1969), materials engineering student.

* Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz (b. 1958), nursing student.

On Dec 6, 1989 a 25 year old man, Marc Lepine, walked into the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal and shot to death 14 women, wounding 13 others. The names of the murdered women are listed at the end of this notice.

The Montreal Massacre was an appalling tragedy, which has now taken its place in Canadian history, remembered mainly as an ultimate example of male violence against women.

Exploring the importance of this tragedy may involve looking beyond gender violence, which mainly occurs against women. The broader social significance of the Montreal Massacre relates to ideas about work and relationships, as well as, opportunities for participation and fulfillment in today’s ever increasing competitive world.

Single parent women are at an all time high, many of whom make only minimum wages while working. Consequently some women are left vulnerable, often living below the poverty line.

Are women less likely to encounter violence and adversity today than 18 years earlier?

Speakers: Kristine Cassie and Kerri Potvin

Kristine is the CEO for YWCA Lethbridge & District and has been with the YWCA in various capacities for over 16 years. She currently co-chairs the Domestic Violence Action Committee. Kristine also serves on many similar committees around Southern Alberta.

Kerri Potvin has been a dedicated staff member at Lethbridge & District YWCA for over 20 years. Her work has been focused on women and children of YWCA Harbour House, where Kerri’s knowledge and compassion have helped numerous victims of family violence. She is on several committees and aid in the training of staff/ volunteers involved with victims of violence.

Time: Noon - 1:30 PM

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)

Names of the murdered women:

* Geneviève Bergeron (b. 1968), civil engineering student.

* Hélène Colgan (b. 1966), mechanical engineering student.

* Nathalie Croteau (b. 1966), mechanical engineering student.

* Barbara Daigneault (b. 1967), mechanical engineering student.

* Anne-Marie Edward (b. 1968), chemical engineering student.

* Maud Haviernick (b. 1960), materials engineering student.

* Maryse Laganière (b. 1964), budget clerk at the École Polytechnique.

* Maryse Leclair (b. 1966), materials engineering student.

* Anne-Marie Lemay (b. 1967), mechanical engineering student.

* Sonia Pelletier (b. 1961), mechanical engineering student.

* Michèle Richard (b. 1968), materials engineering student.

* Annie St-Arneault (b. 1966), mechanical engineering student.

* Annie Turcotte (b. 1969), materials engineering student.

* Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz (b. 1958), nursing student.

The continuing weakness of the U.S. dollar and dramatic rise of the Canadian dollar has, in the past year, created difficulties for many exporters, but good times for many importers of U.S. products, cross-border shoppers and travelers to America. The long term effects could be profound if our dollar stays at par or better. Consequences for the Canadian economy could be severe and irreversible. So far, we have only seen the tip of the iceberg.

Should our Federal Government play a role in influencing the value of Canadian currency?

Tax adjustment is a powerful tool that Governments have at their disposal in dealing with economic problems brought on by outside influence.

How do we support our retailers at a time when they are loosing business to cheaper prices south of the border?

What role can we, the consumer, play in minimizing the impact of currency fluctuation?

Speaker: Chris Spearman

Chris Spearman is a founding member (1983) and current Chairman of the Industrial Association of Southern Alberta (www.iasa.ca.) He has served on the Southern Alberta Alternative Energy Advisory Committee, on the Board and Executive of Economic Development Lethbridge, the More People in Trades committee and on the Board of the Rehabilitation Society of Southwestern Alberta.

Chris has served as a school trustee with the Holy Spirit Catholic School Board for 15 years. He has also been active in pursuing fair prices for utilities and fuel for consumers in Southern Alberta. He has lived in Lethbridge since 1981 and is manager of accounting and administration at the Black Velvet Distilling Company.

The continuing weakness of the U.S. dollar and dramatic rise of the Canadian dollar has, in the past year, created difficulties for many exporters, but good times for many importers of U.S. products, cross-border shoppers and travelers to America. The long term effects could be profound if our dollar stays at par or better. Consequences for the Canadian economy could be severe and irreversible. So far, we have only seen the tip of the iceberg.

Should our Federal Government play a role in influencing the value of Canadian currency?

Tax adjustment is a powerful tool that Governments have at their disposal in dealing with economic problems brought on by outside influence.

How do we support our retailers at a time when they are loosing business to cheaper prices south of the border?

What role can we, the consumer, play in minimizing the impact of currency fluctuation?

Speaker: Chris Spearman

Chris Spearman is a founding member (1983) and current Chairman of the Industrial Association of Southern Alberta (www.iasa.ca.) He has served on the Southern Alberta Alternative Energy Advisory Committee, on the Board and Executive of Economic Development Lethbridge, the More People in Trades committee and on the Board of the Rehabilitation Society of Southwestern Alberta.

Chris has served as a school trustee with the Holy Spirit Catholic School Board for 15 years. He has also been active in pursuing fair prices for utilities and fuel for consumers in Southern Alberta. He has lived in Lethbridge since 1981 and is manager of accounting and administration at the Black Velvet Distilling Company.

Canadian Navy and International Naval Security

The Canadian warship HMCS ”Calgary”, a multi-role patrol frigate, is scheduled for deployment to the Persian Gulf in 2008. Commander Kelly Larkin will talk about the Canadian Navy’s role in helping to maintain naval security, as part of the USA led coalition forces, operating in that part of the world. Given the tense political climate in the Middle East, the mission is bound to have some elements of danger not normally experienced elsewhere.

Commander Larkin will also give his thoughts on Canada’s northern coastal waters, which could become navigable in the not too distant future. Certainly a very challenging test would await the Canadian Navy in parts of the Arctic Ocean and Northwest Passage, where waters have not previously been navigated. Few, if any, can accurately predict what effect global warming will have in general and on the Canadian Navy in particular, but no doubt Kelly Larkin will have an educated guess on the latter.

Speaker: Commander Kelly Larkin CD, SSM

Kelly Larkin was born in Vancouver, BC in 1961. He became a Sea Cadet in his early teens and joined the Canadian Navy in 1980. In working through

the ranks, Commander Larkin has experience with most aspects of Navy life, including several postings aboard Submarines. Promoted to the rank of Naval Commander in 2002, he was given command of HMCS “Protecteur” in 2005 and since August 01, 2006, Larkin has been in charge of HMCS “Calgary”.

Moderator: T. B. A.

Date: November 26, 2007

Time: Noon - 1:30 PM

Location: Andy’s Place (Free designated parking just outside)

Anderson Hall, University of Lethbridge

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch) and students $5.00