Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Alberta is facing many problems as the next boom approaches. Besides environmental and infrastructure challenges, it can be argued that this boom will once again benefit the wealthy and the larger corporations while most other people in Alberta will gain little in terms of quality lifestyle.

In the past, Alberta has witnessed many booms and busts, but still realized long-term growth in the size of the economy and a dramatic increase in wealth, particularly for well to do individuals and large multi-national corporations, who receive sizeable subsidies and pay little or, in some cases, no taxes. Quality of life indicators such as income security, personal disposable income, Food Bank non-dependency, housing affordability, leisure and family time, and educational attainment show that middle and low-income Albertans are struggling to keep the status quo and many are being left behind. Funding for health care, education and essential social services arguably suffer more at every bust cycle, begging the question: What is the Alberta Advantage?

That being said, who is to blame for this inequality? If governments act according to who elects them, it can be assumed that people vote against their own best interest since the overwhelming majority of us are in the middle to low-income bracket. The speaker will speculate on the causes of and remedies to such behaviour.

Speaker: Rachel Notley MLA

Rachel Notley grew up in Fairview, Alberta as one of three children born to former Alberta NDP leader Grant Notley and his wife Sandy. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Alberta, and a law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School.

She was elected MLA for Edmonton Strathcona in the 2008 provincial election. Prior to being elected, Notley pursued a lengthy legal career focused on labour law, workers' compensation advocacy and workplace health and safety issues, including eight years in British Columbia.

In 2002, Notley returned to Edmonton and has since held positions with the National Union of Public and General Employees, Athabasca University, and as a labour relations officer with the United Nurses of Alberta. Rachel lives in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona neighbourhood, along with her husband Lou and their two children Ethan and Sophie.

Over the last few months the news has been filled with stories of stalemates and showdowns in the halls of the United States Congress. Sometimes it has seemed as though the country was on the brink of collapse. For Canadians, the specter of American politics can appear very confusing, even if it does dominate our media airwaves. As the United States prepare for the November 2012 elections, interested outsiders have many questions about American politics and the structure of an American government that often see party politics work against the common good of the country.

The speaker is a political scientist and seasoned observer of American politics for many decades. He will consider the historical backdrop to today’s events in Congress and the Senate and why Americans find themselves in stalemate after stalemate. Is the US Constitution so difficult to amend that change is unlikely? What needs to happen before Americans get a government that can efficiently deal with the current impasse? And, more broadly, are we witnessing the decline of American hegemony in a world where emerging economic superpower China is competing for that leadership role?

Speaker: Dr. Ed Webking

Dr. Ed Webking grew up in the western United States and earned his BA at Pepperdine; his MA in Government at California State University at Los Angeles, and his PhD in Government at Claremont Graduate School and University Centre. He has been an Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge since 1973. As well, he is the President of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre and was the recipient of the Province of Alberta Human Rights Award in 1994.

Though now retired from the University, Dr. Webking remains deeply interested in the politics of the United States and in human rights and international law.

Over the last few months the news has been filled with stories of stalemates and showdowns in the halls of the United States Congress. Sometimes it has seemed as though the country was on the brink of collapse. For Canadians, the specter of American politics can appear very confusing, even if it does dominate our media airwaves. As the United States prepare for the November 2012 elections, interested outsiders have many questions about American politics and the structure of an American government that often see party politics work against the common good of the country.

The speaker is a political scientist and seasoned observer of American politics for many decades. He will consider the historical backdrop to today’s events in Congress and the Senate and why Americans find themselves in stalemate after stalemate. Is the US Constitution so difficult to amend that change is unlikely? What needs to happen before Americans get a government that can efficiently deal with the current impasse? And, more broadly, are we witnessing the decline of American hegemony in a world where emerging economic superpower China is competing for that leadership role?

Speaker: Dr. Ed Webking

Dr. Ed Webking grew up in the western United States and earned his BA at Pepperdine; his MA in Government at California State University at Los Angeles, and his PhD in Government at Claremont Graduate School and University Centre. He has been an Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge since 1973. As well, he is the President of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre and was the recipient of the Province of Alberta Human Rights Award in 1994.

Though now retired from the University, Dr. Webking remains deeply interested in the politics of the United States and in human rights and international law.

A SACPA presentation in February introduced the issue of “hydraulic fracking” in the Lethbridge area. In particular, two oil companies have leased land on the Blood reserve and are exploring the use of hydraulic fracking to recover oil and gas from formations which underly Southern Alberta.

The speaker will discuss, from an industry perspective, what unconventional oil and gas is and where it has been found. As well he will introduce the techniques used to develop it, including hydraulic fracturing (fraccing) and horizontal drilling.

The speaker will discuss industry practices and some regulatory examples for use of water in fracs and protection of surface aquifers.

Speaker: Steven Dunk, P.Eng.

Steve is currently Manager, BC Operations with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP).

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers represents over 100 companies that explore for, develop and produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, oil sands, and elemental sulphur throughout Canada. CAPP member companies produce more than 90 per cent of Canada’s natural gas and crude oil.

Key areas of responsibility include: operations regulatory issues, land management, natural gas competitiveness, species at risk and managing and working to improve industry-stakeholder relations.

Steve has over 25 years experience in the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry, having worked for major oil and gas companies in numerous field and office based technical and management positions in oil and gas operations, reservoir development, and facility construction, in Canada, Indonesia and eastern USA.

He has a degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Alberta.

A SACPA presentation in February introduced the issue of “hydraulic fracking” in the Lethbridge area. In particular, two oil companies have leased land on the Blood reserve and are exploring the use of hydraulic fracking to recover oil and gas from formations which underly Southern Alberta.

The speaker will discuss, from an industry perspective, what unconventional oil and gas is and where it has been found. As well he will introduce the techniques used to develop it, including hydraulic fracturing (fraccing) and horizontal drilling.

The speaker will discuss industry practices and some regulatory examples for use of water in fracs and protection of surface aquifers.

Speaker: Steven Dunk, P.Eng.

Steve is currently Manager, BC Operations with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP).

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers represents over 100 companies that explore for, develop and produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, oil sands, and elemental sulphur throughout Canada. CAPP member companies produce more than 90 per cent of Canada’s natural gas and crude oil.

Key areas of responsibility include: operations regulatory issues, land management, natural gas competitiveness, species at risk and managing and working to improve industry-stakeholder relations.

Steve has over 25 years experience in the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry, having worked for major oil and gas companies in numerous field and office based technical and management positions in oil and gas operations, reservoir development, and facility construction, in Canada, Indonesia and eastern USA.

He has a degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Alberta.

According to section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada, it is illegal for people to practice polygamy. Under s. 293, not only is any form of polygamy illegal but any type of polygamous union that purports to result from a rite of polygamy is illegal. Despite this prohibition, there is a community of polygamists in British Columbia called Bountiful which, to date, the authorities in British Columbia have refrained from prosecuting. The apparent rationale for the non-prosecution of polygamy practiced by Bountiful members has been a belief that s. 293 would not withstand a challenge under the freedom of religion provision, section 2(a), of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Could it be argued that the anti-polygamy provision in the Code impinges on the freedom of religion for the residents of Bountiful? Are the harms associated with polygamy significant enough to justify a limitation on freedom of religion? Would s. 293 survive a Charter s. 2(a) challenge?

Speakers: Pamela Dos Ramos, M.A. (Counseling). Ph.D. (Transformative Learning)

Linda McKay-Panos, B.Ed., J.D., LL.M.

Linda McKay-Panos is the Executive Director of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre. She taught with the Calgary Board of Education for 7 years before obtaining a Law Degree. Linda received her Bachelor of Education, Juris Doctor and Master of Laws degrees from the University of Calgary. She is the President Alberta Association for Multicultural Education and the Past President of the Public Legal Education Network of Alberta. Linda is the author of several publications dealing with civil liberties, access to information, human rights, discrimination, equality and related topics. Linda received the 2001 Suzanne Mah Award and an Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 for her work in human rights in Alberta.

Dr. Dos Ramos owns Pathways to Diversity, a Training, Counselling and Consulting company. She has worked in Diversity Management and counseling. Pamela is a human rights educator for the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre and is a board member of the Alberta Association for Multicultural Education. She has taught Multicultural Counseling to Master's Degree candidates at Gonzaga University's Calgary Centre since 1995. Pamela has worked for many years on issues of social justice, particularly human rights and equality and is very involved in Multicultural/Intercultural community groups and education.

According to section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada, it is illegal for people to practice polygamy. Under s. 293, not only is any form of polygamy illegal but any type of polygamous union that purports to result from a rite of polygamy is illegal. Despite this prohibition, there is a community of polygamists in British Columbia called Bountiful which, to date, the authorities in British Columbia have refrained from prosecuting. The apparent rationale for the non-prosecution of polygamy practiced by Bountiful members has been a belief that s. 293 would not withstand a challenge under the freedom of religion provision, section 2(a), of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Could it be argued that the anti-polygamy provision in the Code impinges on the freedom of religion for the residents of Bountiful? Are the harms associated with polygamy significant enough to justify a limitation on freedom of religion? Would s. 293 survive a Charter s. 2(a) challenge?

Speakers: Pamela Dos Ramos, M.A. (Counseling). Ph.D. (Transformative Learning)

Linda McKay-Panos, B.Ed., J.D., LL.M.

Linda McKay-Panos is the Executive Director of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre. She taught with the Calgary Board of Education for 7 years before obtaining a Law Degree. Linda received her Bachelor of Education, Juris Doctor and Master of Laws degrees from the University of Calgary. She is the President Alberta Association for Multicultural Education and the Past President of the Public Legal Education Network of Alberta. Linda is the author of several publications dealing with civil liberties, access to information, human rights, discrimination, equality and related topics. Linda received the 2001 Suzanne Mah Award and an Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 for her work in human rights in Alberta.

Dr. Dos Ramos owns Pathways to Diversity, a Training, Counselling and Consulting company. She has worked in Diversity Management and counseling. Pamela is a human rights educator for the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre and is a board member of the Alberta Association for Multicultural Education. She has taught Multicultural Counseling to Master's Degree candidates at Gonzaga University's Calgary Centre since 1995. Pamela has worked for many years on issues of social justice, particularly human rights and equality and is very involved in Multicultural/Intercultural community groups and education.

Water Under Threat: CETA, Fracking and Water Markets

Featuring Maude Barlow, Council of Canadians National Chairperson

Wednesday, June 1

7:00 - 9:00 pm

Yates Memorial Centre (1002 4 Ave S, Lethbridge)

Free admission! Everyone is welcome.

Presented by the Council of Canadians-Lethbridge Chapter and the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs

Co-sponsored by: Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group, University of Lethbridge Students' Union, Lethbridge College Students' Association

Water is vital to people’s health and livelihoods and yet our freshwater faces crises including contamination, shortages, and privatization. Canada’s water systems are under threat from a free-trade agreement being negotiated between Canada and the European Union called the Comprehensive Economic Free Trade Agreement (CETA). A recent report from CUPE and the Council of Canadians exposes how CETA would open public water systems across Canada to privatization. In Alberta, the provincial government has plans to introduce legislation to create a province-wide, deregulated water market that distributes water based on the ability of one to pay, instead of being based on environmental needs and the public interest.

Another threat to Canada’s water system is water contamination due to shale gas extraction known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking. Fracking is a process where sand, water and chemicals are blasted into rock formations such as shale, coal beds and “tight” sands to gain access to trapped natural gas deposits. Serious health and environmental questions are being raised about the effects of fracking on groundwater, drinking water and on people’s health. The federal government and provincial governments have yet to establish regulations and safety standards that would protect people and drinking water sources.

Speaker: Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians

Maude Barlow is the National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians and chairs the board of Washington-based Food and Water Watch. She is also an executive member of the San Francisco–based International Forum on Globalization and a Councillor with the Hamburg-based World Future Council. Maude is the recipient of ten honorary doctorates as well as many awards, including the 2005 Right Livelihood Award (known as the “Alternative Nobel”), the Citation of Lifetime Achievement at the 2008 Canadian Environment Award, and the 2009 Earth Day Canada Outstanding Environmental Achievement Award. In 2008/2009, she served as Senior Advisor on Water to the 63rd President of the United Nations General Assembly. She is also the bestselling author or co-author of 16 books, including the international best seller Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and The Coming Battle for the Right to Water. Maude will receive an honorary degree from the University of Lethbridge during the spring convocation on June 3rd.

Water Under Threat: CETA, Fracking and Water Markets

Featuring Maude Barlow, Council of Canadians National Chairperson

Wednesday, June 1

7:00 - 9:00 pm

Yates Memorial Centre (1002 4 Ave S, Lethbridge)

Free admission! Everyone is welcome.

Presented by the Council of Canadians-Lethbridge Chapter and the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs

Co-sponsored by: Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group, University of Lethbridge Students' Union, Lethbridge College Students' Association

Water is vital to people’s health and livelihoods and yet our freshwater faces crises including contamination, shortages, and privatization. Canada’s water systems are under threat from a free-trade agreement being negotiated between Canada and the European Union called the Comprehensive Economic Free Trade Agreement (CETA). A recent report from CUPE and the Council of Canadians exposes how CETA would open public water systems across Canada to privatization. In Alberta, the provincial government has plans to introduce legislation to create a province-wide, deregulated water market that distributes water based on the ability of one to pay, instead of being based on environmental needs and the public interest.

Another threat to Canada’s water system is water contamination due to shale gas extraction known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking. Fracking is a process where sand, water and chemicals are blasted into rock formations such as shale, coal beds and “tight” sands to gain access to trapped natural gas deposits. Serious health and environmental questions are being raised about the effects of fracking on groundwater, drinking water and on people’s health. The federal government and provincial governments have yet to establish regulations and safety standards that would protect people and drinking water sources.

Speaker: Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians

Maude Barlow is the National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians and chairs the board of Washington-based Food and Water Watch. She is also an executive member of the San Francisco–based International Forum on Globalization and a Councillor with the Hamburg-based World Future Council. Maude is the recipient of ten honorary doctorates as well as many awards, including the 2005 Right Livelihood Award (known as the “Alternative Nobel”), the Citation of Lifetime Achievement at the 2008 Canadian Environment Award, and the 2009 Earth Day Canada Outstanding Environmental Achievement Award. In 2008/2009, she served as Senior Advisor on Water to the 63rd President of the United Nations General Assembly. She is also the bestselling author or co-author of 16 books, including the international best seller Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and The Coming Battle for the Right to Water. Maude will receive an honorary degree from the University of Lethbridge during the spring convocation on June 3rd.

An increasing number of Canadian households are embracing “locally-produced” food. A response to a complex of factors, it appears that local food may be on the verge of moving from a niche market to a market segment. Notwithstanding the growing popularity of local foods, a number of important questions remain unresolved.

In this presentation the following questions will be addressed:

1.Just how “local” is locally-produced food?

2.Is the growing popularity of locally-produced food really a “turn toward quality”, or is it simply another example of branding and product differentiation?

3.What is the likely future of local food systems?

Speaker: Tom Johnston

Tom Johnston holds degrees from the universities of Guelph and Waterloo, and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Lethbridge. In addition to his interest in local food systems, Dr. Johnston’s ongoing research projects include an examination of the adoption of drought-proofing strategies by farmers and rural households, an evaluation of voluntary adoption programming pursuant to environmentally sympathetic rural land-use practices, a study of the efficacy of community-level water management initiatives, and an investigation of the use of water conserving measures by irrigation farmers.