Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

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

Science and its technology spin-offs are only four hundred years old. The process of science has evolved into the best method to satisfy our curiosity and understand our world. Our questions and answers are improving rapidly. Research and communication of results has become an important industry world-wide.

Science is not based on belief, but rather on the process of gathering and interpreting data.

There are many who benefit from the application of science in their day to day lives but distrust the evidence science provides on big topics such as evolution, global climate change and the harmful effects of various contaminants or substances (e.g. tobacco) on health. There are vested interests that cater to public doubt by controlling research and the release of evidence or by profiling results favourable to their interest while disputing overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Klaus Jericho, a research scientist for over three decades, will reflect on the integrity and limitations of science. The scientific process by its very nature is self-critical. Although it is a relentless search for better and better evidence for truth, it is also a continuous search for error in conclusions. How can we be intelligent consumers of the evidence science provides on how our world works?

Speaker: Klaus Jericho

Klaus Jericho (DVM, PhD) was a research scientist for thirty years with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and five years with Health Canada before retiring in 2000. He has a keen interest in the role science plays in society and control of our world.

Moderator: James Moore

Date: Thursday, November 22, 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)

Science and its technology spin-offs are only four hundred years old. The process of science has evolved into the best method to satisfy our curiosity and understand our world. Our questions and answers are improving rapidly. Research and communication of results has become an important industry world-wide.

Science is not based on belief, but rather on the process of gathering and interpreting data.

There are many who benefit from the application of science in their day to day lives but distrust the evidence science provides on big topics such as evolution, global climate change and the harmful effects of various contaminants or substances (e.g. tobacco) on health. There are vested interests that cater to public doubt by controlling research and the release of evidence or by profiling results favourable to their interest while disputing overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Klaus Jericho, a research scientist for over three decades, will reflect on the integrity and limitations of science. The scientific process by its very nature is self-critical. Although it is a relentless search for better and better evidence for truth, it is also a continuous search for error in conclusions. How can we be intelligent consumers of the evidence science provides on how our world works?

Speaker: Klaus Jericho

Klaus Jericho (DVM, PhD) was a research scientist for thirty years with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and five years with Health Canada before retiring in 2000. He has a keen interest in the role science plays in society and control of our world.

Moderator: James Moore

Date: Thursday, November 22, 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)

Coulee Thirst: Plants and Water in the Oldman River Valley

The woodlands and shrub thickets of our river valleys and coulees are valued by many southern Albertans for their beauty and the shade and shelter they provide for wildlife. What is it that allows trees and shrubs to grow and thrive in the semi-arid prairies of southern Alberta? Will these habitats be sustained for future generations to enjoy?

Dr. Matthew Letts, a climatologist and ecologist who has studied cloud forests, peatlands and now the coulees of Lethbridge, will describe the unique physiological adaptations of trees and shrubs to our semi-arid climate. He will offer his thoughts on the impact of climate change and urban development on the local vegetation and coulees.

Speaker: Matthew Letts

Dr. Matthew Letts is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Lethbridge. His research focuses on how plants respond to environmental stress. He has research stations in the coulees of Lethbridge, the eastern slopes of Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta) and in the cloud forests and paramo of Colombia.

Matthew received a Ph.D. from the University of London, U.K., and worked as a lecturer at Trent University in Ontario before coming to Lethbridge in 2003.

Moderator: Susan Lingle

Date: Thursday, November 15, 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)

Coulee Thirst: Plants and Water in the Oldman River Valley

The woodlands and shrub thickets of our river valleys and coulees are valued by many southern Albertans for their beauty and the shade and shelter they provide for wildlife. What is it that allows trees and shrubs to grow and thrive in the semi-arid prairies of southern Alberta? Will these habitats be sustained for future generations to enjoy?

Dr. Matthew Letts, a climatologist and ecologist who has studied cloud forests, peatlands and now the coulees of Lethbridge, will describe the unique physiological adaptations of trees and shrubs to our semi-arid climate. He will offer his thoughts on the impact of climate change and urban development on the local vegetation and coulees.

Speaker: Matthew Letts

Dr. Matthew Letts is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Lethbridge. His research focuses on how plants respond to environmental stress. He has research stations in the coulees of Lethbridge, the eastern slopes of Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta) and in the cloud forests and paramo of Colombia.

Matthew received a Ph.D. from the University of London, U.K., and worked as a lecturer at Trent University in Ontario before coming to Lethbridge in 2003.

Moderator: Susan Lingle

Date: Thursday, November 15, 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)

Does Bill 46 violate democratic principles?

Bill 46, if passed into law, will establish a new Alberta Utilities Commission to oversee distribution and sale of electricity and natural gas, powers which formerly were held by the Energy Utilities Board. A new Energy Resources Conservation Board will focus on the responsible development of energy resources. Bill 46, the Alberta Utilities Commission Act, passed first reading in June 2007.

A government news release states Bill 46 is proposed to enhance Alberta’s energy regulatory structure. Reviewers of the bill state it reduces the requirements for public notice of major power/energy projects, makes it harder for Albertans to participate in public hearings, and awards the new commission broad powers to deal with anybody who may oppose such projects. Its provisions would be retroactive to June 2003.

Although Bill 46 may promise more efficient decision-making with respect to energy projects, presenter Joe Anglin will argue that it is a threat to meaningful public engagement in matters of public interest and violates the principles of democracy including the right to be informed, the right to object, and the right to present evidence in support of an objection.

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Speaker: Joe Anglin

Joe Anglin is the President and CEO of Anglin Stewart Investment Group Inc. (ASIG), a firm that specializes in managing energy and currency traded funds. He has provided analysis of energy related matters to CBC radio and CNBC television.

Joe is also an independent author and writer advocating for social justice. He writes a bi-weekly column for two central Alberta newspapers, the Red Deer Advocate and Stettler Independent.

Joe is currently guiding a landowner’s group, (Lavesta Area Group) in challenging the tactics used by Altalink and the Energy Utilities Board with respect to an application for regulatory approval of a 500 KV transmission line from Edmonton to Calgary, although he is not directly affected by the proposed transmission line. Joe lives in Rimbey.

Moderator: Knud Petersen

Date/Time: Thursday, 8 November 2007, Noon - 1:30 PM

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

1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S.

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)

Does Bill 46 violate democratic principles?

Bill 46, if passed into law, will establish a new Alberta Utilities Commission to oversee distribution and sale of electricity and natural gas, powers which formerly were held by the Energy Utilities Board. A new Energy Resources Conservation Board will focus on the responsible development of energy resources. Bill 46, the Alberta Utilities Commission Act, passed first reading in June 2007.

A government news release states Bill 46 is proposed to enhance Alberta’s energy regulatory structure. Reviewers of the bill state it reduces the requirements for public notice of major power/energy projects, makes it harder for Albertans to participate in public hearings, and awards the new commission broad powers to deal with anybody who may oppose such projects. Its provisions would be retroactive to June 2003.

Although Bill 46 may promise more efficient decision-making with respect to energy projects, presenter Joe Anglin will argue that it is a threat to meaningful public engagement in matters of public interest and violates the principles of democracy including the right to be informed, the right to object, and the right to present evidence in support of an objection.

.

Speaker: Joe Anglin

Joe Anglin is the President and CEO of Anglin Stewart Investment Group Inc. (ASIG), a firm that specializes in managing energy and currency traded funds. He has provided analysis of energy related matters to CBC radio and CNBC television.

Joe is also an independent author and writer advocating for social justice. He writes a bi-weekly column for two central Alberta newspapers, the Red Deer Advocate and Stettler Independent.

Joe is currently guiding a landowner’s group, (Lavesta Area Group) in challenging the tactics used by Altalink and the Energy Utilities Board with respect to an application for regulatory approval of a 500 KV transmission line from Edmonton to Calgary, although he is not directly affected by the proposed transmission line. Joe lives in Rimbey.

Moderator: Knud Petersen

Date/Time: Thursday, 8 November 2007, Noon - 1:30 PM

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

1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S.

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)

Oil Wealth and Genuine Progress - Finding the Balance

Will the bounty of oilsands in northern Alberta prove to be a blessing or a curse to future generations? That is the question that people inside and outside this country are asking with increasing urgency. As in all development, the answer involves basic questions about the meaning of progress - economically, socially and environmentally.

A thesis, advanced by many planners and scientists, argues that genuine progress considers global and longer term wellbeing, balancing economic sustenance with environmental and social health and stability. The presentation will emphasize the urgent need for managed growth - using the best of science and human values in setting, and enforcing, limits to growth, rather than allowing the current approach which allows the ''market'' to determine the pace and scope of oilsands development.

Are Albertans ready to accept this approach to oilsands development? What would it take to implement it?

Speaker: Dr. David Swann

David Swann has been a medical practitioner in the province and abroad for 30 years and entered political life after being fired as Medical Officer by the Palliser Health Region in 2002 for his public support of national policy to reduce fossil fuel use, thereby improving human and environmental health.

He is currently the Environment Shadow Minister for the Alberta Liberal Opposition.

He lives in Calgary with his wife, Laureen, three grown children and three grand-children.

Moderator: Cathy Coates

Date/Time: Thursday, 1 November 2007, Noon - 1:30 PM

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

1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S.

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)

Oil Wealth and Genuine Progress - Finding the Balance

Will the bounty of oilsands in northern Alberta prove to be a blessing or a curse to future generations? That is the question that people inside and outside this country are asking with increasing urgency. As in all development, the answer involves basic questions about the meaning of progress - economically, socially and environmentally.

A thesis, advanced by many planners and scientists, argues that genuine progress considers global and longer term wellbeing, balancing economic sustenance with environmental and social health and stability. The presentation will emphasize the urgent need for managed growth - using the best of science and human values in setting, and enforcing, limits to growth, rather than allowing the current approach which allows the ''market'' to determine the pace and scope of oilsands development.

Are Albertans ready to accept this approach to oilsands development? What would it take to implement it?

Speaker: Dr. David Swann

David Swann has been a medical practitioner in the province and abroad for 30 years and entered political life after being fired as Medical Officer by the Palliser Health Region in 2002 for his public support of national policy to reduce fossil fuel use, thereby improving human and environmental health.

He is currently the Environment Shadow Minister for the Alberta Liberal Opposition.

He lives in Calgary with his wife, Laureen, three grown children and three grand-children.

Moderator: Cathy Coates

Date/Time: Thursday, 1 November 2007, Noon - 1:30 PM

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

1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S.

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)

Over the past year we have heard much of the possibility of nuclear energy in the small town farming country of northern Alberta. To date, public discussion has been dominated by entrepreneurs proposing the construction of nuclear plants to provide energy for oil sands development and Alberta’s general electricity needs, as well as by those adamantly opposing the use of nuclear energy. Is there middle ground?

Eric Williams lived and worked with nuclear energy for 35 years at the Bruce Nuclear Power Generating Station in rural Ontario, some 200km from Toronto on the shores of Lake Huron. The Bruce nuclear power complex is the world’s second biggest consisting of eight reactor units with total generating capacity of 6200 MWe. Recently retired, Eric will present his perspective on the benefits and problems associated with nuclear energy.

What are the lessons for Albertans from past nuclear projects? What opportunities and challenges lie ahead?

Speakers: Eric Williams, President, Canadian Nuclear Society

Eric is a Professional Engineer (Ontario), and holds a Master of Applied Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo. He is the President of the Canadian Nuclear Society, which is dedicated to the exchange of information in the field of applied nuclear science and technology. Society members are individuals directly involved in or interested in the use and development of nuclear science and technology.

Eric is also a Lay Reader for the Anglican Church of Canada, an active Scouts Canada leader, and an ardent canoe tripper and past president of Paddle Canada. He and his wife of 40 years continue to live near the Bruce Nuclear site and have two children, now grown up and away.

Moderator: Duane Pendergast

Date/Time: Thursday, 25 October 2007, Noon - 1:30 PM

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

1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S.

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)