Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

SACPA Thursday, November 17, 2005

Immigrant Settlement Experiences in Lethbridge

Issues of settlement, as experienced by recent immigrants to Lethbridge,

will be discussed at the November 17 session of the Southern Alberta

Council on Public Affairs.

Lately, immigrant populations are arriving in Lethbridge from the Sudan

and Afghanistan. Both groups embrace traditions and cultures that are

significantly different from those which are experienced here in

Lethbridge and, as a result, the settlement process can pose challenges

and barriers to be overcome in order to achieve an eventual and active

full participation in the Lethbridge community.

Sarah Amies, Program Director for Immigrant Services with Lethbridge

Family Services, will present cultural profiles of the Sudan and

Afghanistan, describe the available, local settlement services and will

talk about the challenges, barriers and successes experienced by the

immigrant population in Lethbridge.

Speaker: Sarah Amies. Sarah Amies has lived, worked and raised a family

in Lethbridge since 1982. She graduated from the University of

Lethbridge (’BA – Distinction) in 1988. For the next 13 years, she

worked as the Applied Studies program coordinator and as an Arts and

Science Academic Advisor for the U of L.

In January 2001, Sarah started working with Lethbridge Family Services

as the Program Director for Immigrant Services department. In this

capacity, Sarah is involved in community development and educational

initiatives as well as overseeing the daily operations of the settlement

office. Sarah is very dedicated to working with the city of Lethbridge

and its citizens in order to develop a community that is increasingly

supportive of and welcoming to our newest neighbours.

Moderator: Austin Fennell

Location: Sven Ericksen''s Family Restaurant, 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive S.

Time: 12:00 Noon to 1:30 p.m. / Cost: $8.00 includes lunch

Download the Audio of this session.

Download the Audio of Audience Q&A from this session.

“First elected in 1993 on a platform of “common sense revolution,” a little over a decade later Ralph Klein’s Conservative party remain in power, but the gloss is off its “revolution.” Deficits and debts have been eliminated, but new problems and new issues have arisen, such as energy deregulation and water shortages. Efforts to export the revolution … have stalled. Meanwhile, at the world level, neo-liberal globalization is in retreat … The Return of the Trojan Horse re-examines Klein’s Alberta after a decade of deficit-slashing, tax-cutting conservatism.”

Presentation by three of the authors:

“The Klein Revolution and Alberta’s democratic deficit” – a talk by Trevor W. Harrison

“Alberta’s Finances” – a talk by Greg Flanagan

“Water Under Fire” – a talk and video presentation by Jim Byrne

Speakers:

Trevor W. Harrison is Professor of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge and former Research Director of Parkland Institute. He is an author, editor and frequent commentator on political events provincially and nationally.

Greg Flanagan is Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Management at the U of L. Trained as a public finance economist, he has numerous publications dealing with public policy issues to his name.

Jim Byrne is a Professor of Geography at the U of L. He leads an ongoing research program investigating the impact of climate change on water resources in western North America. Together with the U of L’s Dr. Rick Mrazek and Lethbridge video producer George Gallant, Jim produced a seven-part television series – Water Under Fire – on the state of water in Canada, which has been telecast nationally.

Moderator: Trevor Page

Location: Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery, 810 5th Ave. S.

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Admission: By donation

Download the Audio of this session.

Download the Audio of Audience Q&A from this session.

“First elected in 1993 on a platform of “common sense revolution,” a little over a decade later Ralph Klein’s Conservative party remain in power, but the gloss is off its “revolution.” Deficits and debts have been eliminated, but new problems and new issues have arisen, such as energy deregulation and water shortages. Efforts to export the revolution … have stalled. Meanwhile, at the world level, neo-liberal globalization is in retreat … The Return of the Trojan Horse re-examines Klein’s Alberta after a decade of deficit-slashing, tax-cutting conservatism.”

Presentation by three of the authors:

“The Klein Revolution and Alberta’s democratic deficit” – a talk by Trevor W. Harrison

“Alberta’s Finances” – a talk by Greg Flanagan

“Water Under Fire” – a talk and video presentation by Jim Byrne

Speakers:

Trevor W. Harrison is Professor of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge and former Research Director of Parkland Institute. He is an author, editor and frequent commentator on political events provincially and nationally.

Greg Flanagan is Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Management at the U of L. Trained as a public finance economist, he has numerous publications dealing with public policy issues to his name.

Jim Byrne is a Professor of Geography at the U of L. He leads an ongoing research program investigating the impact of climate change on water resources in western North America. Together with the U of L’s Dr. Rick Mrazek and Lethbridge video producer George Gallant, Jim produced a seven-part television series – Water Under Fire – on the state of water in Canada, which has been telecast nationally.

Moderator: Trevor Page

Location: Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery, 810 5th Ave. S.

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Admission: By donation

Download the Audio of this session.

Download the Audio of Audience Q&A from this session.

Alberta has seen unprecedented growth in recent years. This has direct

implications on land use and land use planning. From the local and

municipal level to the provincial level, residents of Alberta are able

to guide land use to varying degrees.

In some decision-making processes residents have a say, in others they

do not. As development moves more and more to our backyards there is an

increased chance of conflicting values when it comes to land use.

These conflicts raise important questions about the extent to which

citizens can participate in the planning process. What laws and policies

are there to help citizen’s voices be heard? When do the decision makers

have to listen? And is participation the exercise in futility it often

seems?

Speaker: Jason Unger

Jason Unger is Staff Council at the Environmental Law Centre in

Edmonton. Prior to joining the Centre in early 2005 he practiced law in

Calgary and Edmonton. He also worked for an environmental

non-governmental organization. During Jason’s schooling at Dalhousie Law

School in Halifax, he specialized in environmental law. His current area

of focus includes forestry law, water law, administrative law, and

land-use law and policy.

Download the Audio of this session.

Download the Audio of Audience Q&A from this session.

Alberta has seen unprecedented growth in recent years. This has direct

implications on land use and land use planning. From the local and

municipal level to the provincial level, residents of Alberta are able

to guide land use to varying degrees.

In some decision-making processes residents have a say, in others they

do not. As development moves more and more to our backyards there is an

increased chance of conflicting values when it comes to land use.

These conflicts raise important questions about the extent to which

citizens can participate in the planning process. What laws and policies

are there to help citizen’s voices be heard? When do the decision makers

have to listen? And is participation the exercise in futility it often

seems?

Speaker: Jason Unger

Jason Unger is Staff Council at the Environmental Law Centre in

Edmonton. Prior to joining the Centre in early 2005 he practiced law in

Calgary and Edmonton. He also worked for an environmental

non-governmental organization. During Jason’s schooling at Dalhousie Law

School in Halifax, he specialized in environmental law. His current area

of focus includes forestry law, water law, administrative law, and

land-use law and policy.

Download the Audio of this session.

Download the Audio of Audience Q&A from this session.

From newspapers to TV talk shows, the growing problem of crystal meth

(crystal methamphetamine) use has been identified as one that has a

severe impact on communities, including Lethbridge.

A recovering addict calls it "The Beast" and a CBC special on the

growing problem of crystal meth was titled "Dark Crystal". Television

commercials sponsored by Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission

(ADDAC) have graphically illustrated the negative effects of crystal

meth use.

When the Provincial health ministers gathered recently, ministers from

the West pushed hard for a national strategy for dealing with this

destructive and highly addictive and readily available drug. It can be

smoked, ingested, injected, absorbed, and snorted, providing users with

a multitude of "cheap" highs. What do we know about crystal meth? And

what can we do as citizens to stop its abuse?

The focus of the November 3 presentation is a look at the issues

surrounding crystal meth, including the effects of the drug, some of the

signs and symptoms exhibited by users, and the short and long term

effects of crystal meth addictions. We’ll hear about treatment options

as well as prevention strategies.

Speaker: Gwen Reimer

Gwen Reimer an addictions counselor with ADDAC in Lethbridge. Gwen has a

BA in Psychology from the University of Lethbridge and a Bachelor of

Social Work degree from the University of Calgary. She has worked in the

addictions field for many years including 2 years at the Lander

Treatment centre in Claresholm and now 9 years in Lethbridge. Gwen will

speak about treatment options for this insidious addiction as well as

some strategies that have been identified to prevent its use. She will

share some of her insights as a frontline worker who encounters the

horrors of crystal meth use daily.

Gwen will be accompanied by Eldon Coward, District Manager of ADDAC

(South District) who will participate in answering questions.

Download the Audio of this session.

Download the Audio of Audience Q&A from this session.

From newspapers to TV talk shows, the growing problem of crystal meth

(crystal methamphetamine) use has been identified as one that has a

severe impact on communities, including Lethbridge.

A recovering addict calls it "The Beast" and a CBC special on the

growing problem of crystal meth was titled "Dark Crystal". Television

commercials sponsored by Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission

(ADDAC) have graphically illustrated the negative effects of crystal

meth use.

When the Provincial health ministers gathered recently, ministers from

the West pushed hard for a national strategy for dealing with this

destructive and highly addictive and readily available drug. It can be

smoked, ingested, injected, absorbed, and snorted, providing users with

a multitude of "cheap" highs. What do we know about crystal meth? And

what can we do as citizens to stop its abuse?

The focus of the November 3 presentation is a look at the issues

surrounding crystal meth, including the effects of the drug, some of the

signs and symptoms exhibited by users, and the short and long term

effects of crystal meth addictions. We’ll hear about treatment options

as well as prevention strategies.

Speaker: Gwen Reimer

Gwen Reimer an addictions counselor with ADDAC in Lethbridge. Gwen has a

BA in Psychology from the University of Lethbridge and a Bachelor of

Social Work degree from the University of Calgary. She has worked in the

addictions field for many years including 2 years at the Lander

Treatment centre in Claresholm and now 9 years in Lethbridge. Gwen will

speak about treatment options for this insidious addiction as well as

some strategies that have been identified to prevent its use. She will

share some of her insights as a frontline worker who encounters the

horrors of crystal meth use daily.

Gwen will be accompanied by Eldon Coward, District Manager of ADDAC

(South District) who will participate in answering questions.

Download the Audio of this session.

Download the Audio of Audience Q&A from this session.

SACPA Thursday, October 27, 2005

Why Are Young Canadian Women Disengaging From the Political Process?

Why aren''t young Canadian women voting?

What are the factors and can they be changed?

Do young Canadian women feel left out of politics?

Who are their role models?

What do we do to our female politicians?

Does the media treat politicians differently according to gender?

What is there is a young woman''s life that is linked to politics?

Speaker: Melanee Thomas

Melanee Thomas holds a BA with Great Distinction from the University of

Lethbridge. She is currently studying for her Master''s degree at the

University of Calgary. She was the 2003 YWCA Young Woman of Distinction

in Lethbridge. She was the former President of the University of

Lethbridge Students'' Union. Ms Thomas is the past Executive Director of

the Council of Alberta University Students. She was the NDP candidate in

the 2004 federal election and is currently a nominated candidate for the

upcoming federal election. She is also an active member of the Graduate

Students'' Association at the University of Calgary. Ms. Thomas is

originally from Granum, Alberta.

Moderator: Dr. Bev Mündel-Atherstone

Location: Sven Ericksen''s Family Restaurant, 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive S.

Time: 12:00 Noon to 1:30 p.m. / Cost: $8.00 includes lunch

Download the Audio of Audience Q&A from this session.

SACPA Thursday, October 27, 2005

Why Are Young Canadian Women Disengaging From the Political Process?

Why aren''t young Canadian women voting?

What are the factors and can they be changed?

Do young Canadian women feel left out of politics?

Who are their role models?

What do we do to our female politicians?

Does the media treat politicians differently according to gender?

What is there is a young woman''s life that is linked to politics?

Speaker: Melanee Thomas

Melanee Thomas holds a BA with Great Distinction from the University of

Lethbridge. She is currently studying for her Master''s degree at the

University of Calgary. She was the 2003 YWCA Young Woman of Distinction

in Lethbridge. She was the former President of the University of

Lethbridge Students'' Union. Ms Thomas is the past Executive Director of

the Council of Alberta University Students. She was the NDP candidate in

the 2004 federal election and is currently a nominated candidate for the

upcoming federal election. She is also an active member of the Graduate

Students'' Association at the University of Calgary. Ms. Thomas is

originally from Granum, Alberta.

Moderator: Dr. Bev Mündel-Atherstone

Location: Sven Ericksen''s Family Restaurant, 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive S.

Time: 12:00 Noon to 1:30 p.m. / Cost: $8.00 includes lunch

Download the Audio of Audience Q&A from this session.

SACPA Thursday, October 20, 2005

Development... Disasters...What Should Canada''s Role Be?

Earthquakes in Pakistan, mud slides in Guatemala, drought in southern

Africa: how can Canada respond to major disasters and on-going

development needs with limited funds and extravagant needs?

Since 1968, most of Canada''s Official Development Assistance has been

managed by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

What is the role of government, and specifically CIDA, in responding to

natural disasters and international crises? Why is the Canadian

government involved? How is it involved?

And what are the priorities and implications of the International Policy

Statement, released in April 2005, on CIDA''s program?

What can we, as Canadians, do?

Speaker: Ruth Shapiro.

The Director of the CIDA Prairies Regional Office, Ruth Shapiro has been

with CIDA since 1983, previously serving as Director of the Public

Participation Program, the Anglophone NGO Program and as Counsellor

Development in Tanzania. The Prairies regional office, responsible for

Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, is one of three regional offices in

Canada. The others are in Vancouver and the Atlantic. The goal of these

offices is to represent CIDA outside the central core of Canada, to

ensure that Canadians are aware of international development issues,

know what opportunities there may be to participate in international

development activities and can learn how to get involved.

Please visit http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/index-e.htm for additional

information.

Download the Audio of Audience Q&A from this session.