Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 4th-11th; a national campaign created to educate the public on the importance of mental illness, end the stigma of mental illness, and advocate for mental health support. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to the mental health of many people within Canada and made this campaign especially important this year. The speaker will talk about this campaign, the difference between mental illness and mental health, how COVID-19 has impacted people's mental health, and strategies for practicing positive mental health during the pandemic. Speaker: Brad Moser Brad Moser is a Registered Psychologist at Associates Counselling Services. He has been providing professional therapy for children and teens, adults, couples, and families, since 2007. His areas of practice include anger, anxiety, bereavement, childhood and family of origin concerns, depression, identity concerns, marital/relationship distress, men’s and dad’s issues, parenting, self-esteem, separation/divorce, stress, and suicidal ideation. The role that provides the most meaning in his life is dad. He is the proud father of two beautiful boys. He is the host of a radio show on Jess FM called Real Dads. Date and time: Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 10am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/LUd0amvbKck In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUQ5mUHv1gfmMFVr8d9dNA

When you think of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, including the Oldman Watershed in Southern Alberta, you probably think of scenic mountaintops, rolling foothills and clear blue streams. You probably don’t think of decommissioned parks or open-pit coal mines, but that’s exactly what the future could hold. On June 1, 2020, the Government of Alberta rescinded the provincial Coal Policy, created in 1976, restricting open pit coal mining and coal exploration in Alberta’s most environmentally sensitive areas in the Rocky Mountains. The area most affected by this change covers 1.5 million hectares of lands that provide drinking water to downstream communities in Alberta and beyond. These areas also provide essential habitats for wildlife and plants, including grizzly bear, elk and native trout and have provided beauty and bounty for generations. This comes on the heels of another government decision in March 2020 to remove protections on 175 provincial parks and recreation areas – approximately one third of all of Alberta’s provincial parks - including some of the most accessible areas for Albertans and visitors to safely experience nature. Collectively these areas provide approximately 4,500 publicly maintained campsites that support outdoor recreation and 60 of these parks are within areas now open for coal mining. The speaker will point out the areas affected while questioning the wisdom of these decisions, bound to damage our environment, water quality and recreation Speaker: Katie Morrison Katie is a Professional Biologist who has been working in the environmental sector for almost 20 years. She holds a B.Sc. in Environmental and Conservation Sciences from the University of Alberta and a Masters of Environmental Design from the University of Calgary. Katie has worked in Canada and Latin America for university research projects, non-governmental organizations and environmental consulting companies. Katie has an in-depth understanding of conservation, ecology, stakeholder consultation and mitigating the environmental impacts of human development. Katie’s academic and professional experience allows her to work on designing adaptive management solutions towards achieving landscape conservation and healthy communities in Southern Alberta. Katie spends her free time gardening, fishing, creating textile art, travelling and exploring wild places with her dog. Date and time: Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 10am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/Ywy8-YRATi0 In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUQ5mUHv1gfmMFVr8d9dNA

Alberta already has the most choice in K-12 education in Canada, with private school pupils being funded to the tune of 70 percent per pupil compared to public school pupils, more than any other province. Charter schools, started in 1994 by Ralph Klein, receive the same level of per pupil funding as public schools, but are run by private parent or corporate boards. No other province in Canada even has charter schools. Since gaining power in the spring of 2019, Alberta’s UCP Government has lifted the cap on establishing charter schools and is advocating for a voucher system that would increase the per student public funding to Alberta’s private schools from 70 percent to 100 percent. The shift would arguably encourage many more private and religious education schools, more segregation—and more inequality. To top off the “Politics of Education”, Alberta’s Government has paused the previous NDP Government’s work on curriculum changes and is employing panels of “experts”, including an all-male group of advisors, to determine an outcome. The speaker will provide more background on these issues and give her opinions on why a strong public school system is important to the well-being of our Alberta communities. Speaker: Bridget Stirling Bridget Stirling is a PhD student in the University of Alberta’s Department of Educational Policy Studies, where she is interested in children's rights and the politics of childhood. Her doctoral research focuses on education reform movements and education law and policy in Alberta. She serves as a research assistant on Thinking Historically for Canada’s Future, a SSHRC-funded Partnership Grant investigating history education in Canada, where she examines the development and politics of teaching standards in history and social studies education. Bridget holds an MA in Intercultural and International Communication from Royal Roads University. In addition to her doctoral studies, Bridget serves as an Edmonton Public School Board trustee. Date and time: Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 10am MST YouTube Livestream: https://youtu.be/7OZpAe-HP0I In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. For further info visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

Recognized as the provincial organization representing parents on school councils in Alberta, Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA) has worked alongside other education partners and stakeholders to advise the Ministry of Education on matters related to the K-12 Re-entry plan. As schools reopen, ASCA will continue to help parents on school councils fulfill their legislated roles, engage with parents and their school communities, advise their principals, and work with their school boards on education issues including, but not limited to, COVID-19. ASCA strives for the empowerment of school councils locally and provincially, and provides support and messaging for parents on school councils related to matters such as the new funding model, the assurance model, and COVID-19 concerns. Parents are partners in education and President Brandi Rai will explore some of the ways ASCA elevates parent voice through provincial advocacy, as well as how ASCA supports school councils in their work they do in their communities. Speaker: Brandi Rai Brandi has a passion for public education – to ensure it prepares children to be leaders in our world. Education is a foundational pillar in society and having equitable access to public education is vital for Albertans. Married, with five children in grades 5 through 10, and many pets, Brandi lives in Edmonton. She has served as executive on multiple school councils, is involved with fundraising societies, and is a frequent school volunteer, with a lifelong goal of serving others. Brandi is drawn to ASCA’s support of school councils in the province, ensuring that all parents have the opportunity for engagement and the ability to determine their definition of effectiveness within their local communities. Brandi attended her first ASCA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2014, was elected as a Board Director at the 2016 AGM, elected Vice President at the 2018 AGM, and became ASCA President at the 2020 AGM. Brandi steadfastly believes parent voice in education - locally and provincially - is crucial to student success. Date and time: Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 10am Mountain Time YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/k85REGT6hH8 In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming.

The past few months have certainly been a difficult time for all of us, but as we look around the world and to each other, we can see that this pandemic has shone a light on the importance of Canada’s universal public health care system. This pandemic has made it clear that the true measure of a government's leadership will be made evident through the political choices they make as we deal with this health crisis, and as we move forward to deal with the new political and economic reality that will face us after it is done. Sandra will discuss how during an unprecedented pandemic we are witnessing the dismantling of our universal public health system. How Bill 30: Health Statutes Amendment Act, sets the legal framework for privatization at a time where it has become clear that Alberta must fortify our commitment to a health care system not based on profit, but instead on the shared belief that health care is a human right. Speaker: Sandra Azocar, Executive Director Friends of Medicare Sandra has been a social activist for more than 30 years in Alberta. Her previous experience is working as a child protection worker, a community organizer, and a labour activist. Prior to coming to Friends of Medicare, she served as a Vice President of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE). She was a member of the Board of Directors of Friends of Medicare for 6 years before becoming its Executive Director in 2012. Sandra is an oft quoted voice for public health care. She believes that while we have work to do sustaining and protecting medicare, we should also look to expand the system so that Canadians health needs of all kinds can be met regardless of ability to pay. Date and time: Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 10am Mountain Time YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/P1Fel4qFS4o In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUQ5mUHv1gfmMFVr8d9dNA

Recently, Alberta Health Services announced ambulance dispatch services will be consolidated across the province, pulling Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer and Wood Buffalo into existing EMS dispatch centres. Lethbridge Fire Department (LFD) has been providing Ambulance/EMS services to citizens since 1912, and have always been the dispatch service as well. They are currently under contract to AHS EMS to provide the EMS service as well as the Dispatch service. The Dispatch service provides coverage not only to the City of Lethbridge, but many other EMS services in the area. LFD has several concerns with Alberta Health Service Emergency Medical Services decision to remove local EMS dispatch from Lethbridge and move it to Calgary. They feel this will create delays in dispatching of Fire units that also provide Advanced Life Support to our citizens. They also have concerns that AHS EMS provided dispatch will eliminate the City EMS units, leaving the service short of units. As well, a lack of familiarity with this area will arguable create additional delays. The speaker will elaborate and explain how crucial quick response times are when trying to save lives. Speaker: Warren Nelson Warren Nelson is the President of the International Association of Fire Fighters’ Local 237, Lethbridge. He has been with the Lethbridge Fire Department for 22 years and involved with their Union since 2001. Date and time: Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 10am Mountain Time YouTube Live link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2XEhTrqhnw In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUQ5mUHv1gfmMFVr8d9dNA

The COVID19 crisis and its aftermath has shown that infectious diseases respect borders no more than climate change – both of which impact billions of lives, migration trends and economic prosperity worldwide. In the modern world where national boundaries matter very little, we are inseparably connected to one another. The Syria Crisis and the subsequent refugee numbers to Canada is a case in point. So is the Ebola outbreak in 2014 which led Canada to adopt preventative measures in its public spaces. We know that foreign aid works. It saves and improves the lives of billions of people around the world, safeguarding their human dignity by lifting them out of poverty and giving them a chance to reach their potential. But the moral imperative for maintaining our levels of foreign aid is only half the story. Development assistance is also a way to invest in Canada’s prosperity by supporting the local markets and economies of developing countries in need, which in the long run are able to transition from their crisis phase into stable economies and trading partners for Canada. In 2019, Canada was WFP's seventh largest donor contributing nearly 200 million USD to support WFP's operations in emergencies. WFP is consistently the single largest recipient of Canadian international humanitarian assistance which we receive through Global Affairs Canada. Speaker: Marwa Awad Marwa Awad works as a humanitarian aid communications officer with the World Food Program in areas of conflict including Iraq, Syria, Burkina Faso and South Sudan. In the past decade she has seen how investing in WFP food assistance operations means investing in keeping people alive and healthy as well as limiting their inclination to flee elsewhere which disrupts both local and international economies. Supporting WFP also means helping build the resilience of communities so that they can get back on their own feet. Date and time: Friday, June 19, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/ukEQxWnpag8 In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUQ5mUHv1gfmMFVr8d9dNA

The COVID-19 virus has prompted many people to seek preventive medications with vitamins, minerals and probiotics flying off pharmacy shelves like hot cakes. Unproven and sometimes even dangerous medications have been touted as cures for this virus, some by well-known people. Such claims put pharmacists in the position of protecting us from ourselves. Some people were even hoarding medications; now all are restricted to only a 30 day supply. The speaker, pharmacist and owner of Thriftway Pharmacy, is living this journey since pharmacies have been designated as an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he will share his pre COVID-19 experiences while also elaborating on his perceptions of the role pharmacies will play in a post pandemic future. Speaker: Ron Hendry Ron Hendry graduated with a B. Sc. Pharmacy from the University of Alberta in 1979. He moved to Lethbridge after graduation, where he bought a home in west Lethbridge and worked for his Father in law, Doug Steed, at Thriftway Pharmacy. Doug struggled with poor health and by 1985, Ron took over the management of the store. After Doug passed away in 1990, Ron bought the store which he continues to manage with the help of two other pharmacists and a great front staff. Date and time: Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/yIS94mAY2Y8 In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUQ5mUHv1gfmMFVr8d9dNA

Post-secondary institutions in Alberta have experienced substantial reductions to their Campus Alberta Grants from the Government of Alberta. In the case of the University of Lethbridge, these reductions represent slightly more than 20% of the university’s government operating grant. The reductions have resulted in difficult budget decisions including layoffs, deletion of athletic programs and structural changes. The emergence of COVID 19 has added to the challenges for the U of L. On March 13, 2020 the university moved to virtual academic program delivery and ultimately the university closed down all on-campus services including residences and food services, and moved all student services online. These rapid changes have been unprecedented, but the university has met the challenge. There have also been significant costs associated with COVID 19, which in addition to government grant reductions present serious challenges. The speaker will explain the impact of the budget reductions and COVID 19, mitigation strategies and plans for the fall semester. This will include a discussion on the need for transformational changes at the University of Lethbridge, that are already underway, and will continue to unfold in the coming years. Speaker: Dr. Mike Mahon Dr. Michael J. (Mike) Mahon was installed as the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lethbridge in 2010 and after serving two consecutive terms has been reappointed for a third term beginning July 1, 2020. During his first term, Dr. Mahon introduced the university’s first Academic and Strategic Research Plan followed closely by Destination 2020, the University of Lethbridge Strategic Plan. Under these plans, Dr. Mahon initiated the “Destination Project”, a big construction project to develop the new Science Commons building and was successful in obtaining a $260 million investment from the Government of Alberta. Fall 2019 concluded Dr. Mahon’s two-year term as Chair of the Board of Directors for Universities Canada. He has been active in several other provincial and national commitments related to post-secondary education including former Canadian University Sport (USports), Alberta Economic Development Authority, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Coaching Association of Canada. Dr. Mahon is the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and an honorary member of the Kainai Chieftainship of the Blood Tribe in Southern Alberta. He is proud of his Blackfoot name, Iipisowaahsiiyi (Morning Star). Date and time: Monday, June 15, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/ncsoz79_x58 In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUQ5mUHv1gfmMFVr8d9dNA

Not only Americans, but Canadians need to have an "uncomfortable conversation" about racism and police violence against black people, particularly around who benefits from it. The difficult conversation is, that racism may not be about some bad feelings inside somebody's heart, but arguably, it's about power that benefits white people and their property. The benefits of white supremacy are not built on the oppression of black communities alone, white people have made careers managing the files of Indigenous children who are being taken from their families. All the money that gets used in these ventures could be used to actually support families and keep them together in Indigenous communities. Likewise, why not redirect some of the money spent on law enforcement to help marginalized people and communities? The speaker will argue that we're sending people armed with guns to somebody who is in crisis, when the answer for the police overwhelmingly should be, to stop heavy policing and to start supporting all member of the community with help from the public and individuals. Speaker: Desmond Cole Desmond Cole was born in Alberta, grew up in Oshawa and attended Queens University. He first emerged on the public stage with his dogged challenges to the practice of police carding in Toronto. He spoke out at community rallies and at Police Services board meetings. He wrote articles, including one for Toronto Life magazine in 2015, about his own experience: “I’ve been stopped by cops on the streets 50 times. I’m not a criminal,” read the arresting cover. Cole became a columnist for the Toronto Star—and resigned when the paper discouraged him from continuing his advocacy work. He is now a leading Black activist and critic of systemic racial injustices targeting Black communities across the country. Date and time: Friday, June 12, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/d_QKE6Ax4TU In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUQ5mUHv1gfmMFVr8d9dNA

As the COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc on our lives, the good news is that resilience is possible, but it requires more than just a positive mindset. Building on his research from around the world and clinical work with populations that have experienced the stress of social isolation, poverty, stigma and violence, the speaker will share stories and strategies we can use to not only survive but thrive during this pandemic. From overcoming the hassle of working from home and providing childcare, to preventing anxiety, the speaker will discuss ways we can make ourselves more psychologically rugged and build our social supports. This presentation will explore how this crisis can be an opportunity for us to have a forthright conversation about how we can make our families, schools, communities, and workplaces better despite the financial stress and grief that has become our new normal. Speaker: Dr. Michael Ungar, Director Resilience Research Centre, Dalhousie University Dr. Ungar is a Family Therapist and Professor of Social Work at Dalhousie University where he holds the Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience, and is Scientific Director, Child and Youth Refugee Research Coalition. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Ungar has done hundreds of interviews for radio, television, podcasts, magazines and newspapers and delivered over 500 keynote addresses all around the world on the topic of resilience. He is among the best-known and best-selling authors in the field with 200 peer-reviewed papers and 16 books. His latest work is Change Your World: The Science of Resilience and the True Path to Success (Sutherland House, 2019). Date and time: Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/8u9fCuVa6cc In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. For further info visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca Resilience Resources and Information Praise for Change Your World: The Science of Resilience and the True Path to Success “What I love about this book is that Ungar rejects the idea that success is something that is completely within our control as individuals and highlights instead the importance of broader, more systemic factors: what’s happening in our families, our community, and our world. Improving our personal circumstances becomes less about changing ourselves and more about joining forces with other people to make things better for all of us” Ann Douglas Author, Happy Parents, Happy Kids “Finally, a book explaining why fixing ourselves with self-help solutions may not be the only, or even the main ingredient, of the secret sauce of life success. Dr. Ungar's real-life stories from his research on resilience, with examples from all across the globe, offer fresh new recipes—and provide a fun and compelling as well as educative read.” Susan Heitler, PhD, Author, Prescriptions Without Pills: For Relief From Depression, Anger, Anxiety and More For More Information To learn more about Dr. Ungar’s Research study of Youth in Drayton Valley, AB & Secunda, South Africa, “Resilient Youth in Stressed Environments (RYSE) go t

In what Prime Minister Trudeau called “extremely troubling,” military reports accused several Quebec and Ontario long-term care (LTC) facilities of negligence and appalling conditions for people living there. The reports detailed first-hand accounts of cockroach infestations, patients crying for help, residents being force fed and not receiving a bath for weeks, while COVID-19 patients were allowed to wander freely. But even before the pandemic, it was evident that LTC homes were a setting stretched far too thin and in need of much better resources. Staffing ratios and tight schedules often prevent staff from providing the quality of care they would like, as they are often overwhelmed by the volume of tasks facing them. Arguably what’s needed, is a system that values the lives of the people living in LTC homes, while also valuing the lives of the people who are providing the care. The speaker will argue that if the COVID-19 pandemic is to bring about improvements to quality of care in LTC homes, it can only be achieved by simultaneously improving the quality of work life for the people who are providing it, and to make changes, political and public pressure will be needed. Speaker: Dr. Sienna Caspar Sienna Caspar has worked in long-term care facilities in both Canada and the US for over 20 years. As a postdoctoral fellow in a cross appointment at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute/University Health Network and the University of Victoria, she conducted an intervention study aimed at improving leadership and collaborative decision making in long-term care settings. Currently, she is an Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge in the Faculty of Health Sciences—Therapeutic Recreation program. Date and time: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 11 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/jZ4bCKNO1dk In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUQ5mUHv1gfmMFVr8d9dNA

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues its relentless path across the world, politicians, policy-makers, and pundits have begun thinking of the world that comes after. What are likely to be the short, medium, and long-term impacts on society resulting from Covid-19? How will it change the economy, politics, society at large? Which of these will be temporary and which more permanent? This talk will explore some of these possible changes and the policy changes that should be considered as a result. Speaker: Dr. Trevor Harrison Dr. Trevor Harrison is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge and Director of Parkland Institute. He was born and raised in Edmonton. He holds a B.A. from the University of Winnipeg, an M.A. from the University of Calgary, and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Alberta. His broad areas of specialty include political sociology, political economy, and public policy. In addition to numerous journal articles and book chapters, Dr. Harrison is the author, co-author, or co-editor of nine books. His op-ed columns frequently appear in both local and national newspapers. Date and time: Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/opZaLsvhgFg In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming.

Studies finds that enzymes in cannabis may be able to treat COVID-19. Researchers at the University of Lethbridge recently released results from a study that shows the benefits of CBD as an aid in blocking the cells that enter the body from the novel coronavirus. The study is a partnership among the university, Pathway, which works to develop cannabis therapies to treat specific diseases, and cannabinoid-based oral health company Swysh Inc. The researchers at U of L conducted a study using artificial 3D models of oral, airway and intestinal tissues coupled with a limited sample of high CBD Cannabis sativa extracts, modulate ACE2 gene expression and ACE2 protein levels. The results indicated hemp extracts high in CBD may help block proteins that provide a “gateway” for COVID-19 to enter host cells. The speaker will elaborate. Speaker: Dr. Olga Kovalchuk Dr. Kovalchuk received her B. Med. (Honors, 1992) and M.D. (Stomatology, 1994) degrees at the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University in Ukraine. In 1994 she began a career at the Medical University and the Chernobyl Research Centre studying consequences of the Chernobyl accident, and in 1998 received a PhD (Medical Genetics). Dr. Kovalchuk conducted extensive postdoctoral training at the Friedrich Miescher Institute and in Novartis/Syngenta (Switzerland). Currently Dr. Olga Kovalchuk is a Professor and a Board of Governors’ Research Chair in Epigenetics of Health and Diseases at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta. In 2008-2018 she held the Canadian Institutes for Health Research – Institute of Gender and Health (CIHR-IGH) Chairs in Gender and Health, and in Gender, Work and Health. Dr. Kovalchuk is an internationally-renowned leader and an expert in epigenetics and epigenomics of health and disease, environmental epigenomics, and radiation biology and oncology. She is studying mechanisms of disease, epigenetics, novel precision medicine approaches and novel cannabis-based disease therapies. She is a co-founder of the PathwayRx, a research and development medical cannabis company developing personalized approaches for cannabis-based treatment of cancer and age-related diseases. Date and time: Thursday, May 28, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link https://youtu.be/sj60GmfFht4 In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUQ5mUHv1gfmMFVr8d9dNA

Public health officials have been clear about one thing for a couple months — we need to act collectively to minimize the spread of COVID-19. First, they asked that certain people self-isolate and that we all socially distance. But because some people didn’t listen, they had to institute mandatory edicts, punishable by fines. Most Albertans followed the "ask" instructions laid out by public health officials. So why do some folks need the penalty before they'll do the right thing? The speakers will argue that “willing participants” (in it for the greater good) and “rational egoists” (in it for themselves) make up about 65 and 20 percent of the population respectively. Then there are the “Altruists” (who always do the right thing) and “punishers” (who are willing to punish those people breaking rules, even if it has a personal cost) making up about 15 percent. The speakers will explain further and make the point that efforts to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic highlight how things that matter profoundly to us as individuals — like, for instance, our health — are really, at the end of the day, a collective responsibility. Speaker: Dr. Melanee Thomas and Lisa Lambert Melanee Thomas is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Calgary. Her research focuses on the causes and consequences of gender-based political inequality in Canada and other post-industrial democracies. She has published research in journals such as Politics & Gender, Electoral Studies, and the Canadian Journal of Political Science. Dr. Thomas earned her first degree at the University of Lethbridge and served as U of L Students’ Union President. Lisa Lambert is a student of parliaments, loves to regale her family with tales of politics, procedures, and party structure. Mercifully for them, she has been able to channel her passion for politics into sessional work at the University of Lethbridge in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies since 2009. Date and time: Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/mKF7ihi_NMo In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected most Canadian business sectors, including farmers. Massive financial help from governments, both federal and provincial, have been rolled out for many individuals and businesses since early April. Specific help for the food and farming sector was announced only recently with a small aid package that arguably doesn’t prioritize the importance of help to the food supply chains. Because of worker safety issues and COVID-19 outbreaks among workers, shutdowns and slowdowns at several beef, hog and chicken processing plants have created huge backlogs. When animals are ready to be shipped, they need to go or else producer costs go up and quality of the products are negatively affected. Likewise, other farm products used widely in the now shut restaurant industry, are severely compromised. The speaker will argue that agricultural production, marketing and farm worker issues generally flies below the radar of governments, particularly federally. He will further contend that from a food-security perspective, the stakes for Canada are very high. Canada typically loses from 5 to 7 per cent of its farms every year. COVID-19 could double that loss this year if substantial financial aid is not forthcoming soon. Speaker: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois Dr. Charlebois conducts research in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He has written four books and many peer-reviewed and scientific articles—over 500 during his career. His research has been featured in newspapers that include The Economist, New York Times, Boston Globe, Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs, Globe & Mail, National Post and Toronto Star. Date and time: Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 11 am MT YouTube Live link:https://youtu.be/h6Y-wZXyABE In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming.

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a public health emergency. Uninsured individuals in Alberta and Canada are often denied access to health care and can face huge costs to get treatment. There are concerns that these barriers to health care already have had public health implications in the context of COVID-19. Uninsured persons can include newly-landed permanent residents, temporary foreign workers (TFW’s), international students and undocumented residents. COVID-19 assessment centers and related care should arguably be accessible to all people, regardless of immigration status during a pandemic such as COVID-19. Furthermore, TFW’s often work in essential services such as agriculture and health care related jobs. As witnessed at the Cargill Beef Packing plant near High River, safe working and housing conditions were not prioritized and early warning signs were ignored causing a massive COVID-19 outbreak and plant closure. The speaker will explain his advocacy role in bringing these and many other issues facing TFW’s and others to the attention of government, corporations and employers, while arguing that it should not take a serious pandemic or health emergency to implement safe working conditions for any and all employees. Speakers: Marco Luciano Marco is the current Director of Migrante Alberta. He was a student activist and a union organizer and educator before he moved to Alberta in 2013. He was also a co-founder the Canada-wide alliance Migrante Canada Date and time: Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/bqvn33l1IxE In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming.

Municipalities’ emergency responses to the COVID 19 pandemic are raising concerns about the lack of equity and inclusion in the crisis. While many cities have taken various positive steps, such as including diverse voices in emergency response planning, arguably, women continue to fall through the cracks. The disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women, and particularly women experiencing socio- economic marginalization, is well-documented in research from Canada and around the world. In these unprecedented circumstances, cities should be urged to apply an intersectional gendered lens on equity and inclusion to all phases of planning and implementation of COVID 19 emergency responses. This can ensure that any emergency response takes into consideration the full diversity of women, men, and gender-diverse people. The speakers will describe what the City for All Women Initiative (CAWI) in Ottawa has been advocating for during COVID 19. They will also share some of the helpful measures taken by that city. Speakers: Dr. Valerie Stam and Patricia Harewood Dr. Valerie Stam is the Executive Director of the City for All Women Initiative (CAWI) where she coordinates training and advocacy with community leaders for inclusive and equitable change in municipal policies. She is a facilitator and educator with over 20 years experience in intersectional gendered approaches to development, civic engagement, research, and policy both locally and abroad. Valerie has a PhD in Sociology from Carleton University. Her most recent research used participatory theatre to explore how difficult conversations around race can lead to social change. Patricia Harewood is a labour lawyer and a passionate advocate for human rights, especially women’s equality rights and the rights of racialized people. As a member of the Board of the City for All Women Initiative, a volunteer co-host of CHUO’s Black on Black and a Board member at her children’s daycare, the Centre éducatif Les Débrouillards, she especially enjoys collaborating with others to discuss and address systemic barriers faced by historically marginalized communities. She also loves cycling and playing soccer with her children. Date and time: Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/hD9OghKCshs In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming.

The Alberta government has arguably missed an opportunity to show leadership during the COVID 19 crisis by directing provincial school boards to lay off tens of thousands of education workers. Teachers and educational assistants (EA’s) work closely together to facilitate student learning. EA’s were still being utilized to support students in need of accommodations along with those students with inadequate access to technology. The Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) estimates that around 6,000 substitute teachers and up to 20,000 support staff are affected by the funding cut. The ATA stands in solidarity with the support staff affected by this decision. Even though the COVID 19 pandemic is an extraordinary life event, laying off tens of thousands of workers at this time is at best, a questionable direction by the provincial government. While the federal government has stepped up to protect people and the economy through a compassionate stop-gap program, that still leaves many at risk kids without the support needed to succeed. The speaker will explain the shortfalls many students are likely to experience during the currently mandated “learning at home” way of going to school, without the help of EA’s and support staff. The speaker will also explore the future impacts of this decision when schools prepare to reopen at a future date. Speaker: Jason Schilling, President, The Alberta Teachers’ Association Jason Schilling was elected president of the 45,000 member Alberta Teachers’ Association in 2019 following two years of service as vice-president and more than eight years of service as district representative for South West. Prior to his election as President of the ATA, Schilling was an English and drama teacher at Kate Andrews High School, in Coaldale, where he worked for the last 17 years. Schilling’s assignments as president include chairing the CTF (Canadian Teachers’ Federation) Committee, serving as a member of the Strategic Planning Group and the Teacher Salary Qualifications Board, and acting as Provincial Executive Council liaison to the English Language Arts Council. He also represents the Association on the CTF Board of Directors. Date and time: Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/iKljIIm6b10 In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming.

During the current COVID 19 pandemic, Lethbridge YWCA and Harbour House Women’s Emergency Shelter are anticipating the instances of severe domestic violence to increase and staff are incredibly fearful for the safety of women in the community who are in abusive relationships. In a crisis situation people’s fears and anxieties often increase. With a threat to jobs and income, there’s a fear about how their family will survive, and being isolated from their community and normal social interactions, makes it even worse. This leads to situations people aren’t familiar with and those who have been in a violent relationship before, may see the abuse escalate even further. Typically, from what’s know about past crises, people who have never experienced domestic violence before, may be subjected to such during COVID 19. The speaker will elaborate on the local situation and also discuss who are providing the essential funding to this, literally lifesaving, safety net service in Lethbridge Speaker: Shannon Hansen, Chief Executive Officer YWCA Lethbridge Shannon has over 23 years of experience in supporting and advocating for individuals with complex needs in community. Relocating to Lethbridge with her family 2012, Shannon has worked as the Director of McMan Youth, Family and Community Services and as the Housing First Specialist at the City of Lethbridge. Currently, the CEO at the YWCA, the culmination of her career experience is utilized. Taking a person-centred, strengths-based, cultural humility approach, Shannon continues to support individuals experiencing barriers including trauma, domestic and sexual violence, addictions, sexual assault, and FASD. With domestic and sexual violence as part of the YWCA’s programming, Shannon is passionate about connecting the resources and supports to those who need them. Her passion aligns perfectly with the newly developed YWCA Lethbridge and District’s mission (Enhancing lives through personal empowerment and supportive community) and vision (We are an organization created by women that is leading the community with innovative solutions to enrich lives, promote fulfillment, and create happiness). Date and time: Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live Link: https://youtu.be/LV532UIydw4 In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming.

The speaker will provide a brief overview of the humble beginnings of Lethbridge Soup Kitchen on Oct 1, 1984 and some of the highlights of its 35 year history. He will also acknowledge the connections and personal relationships that have been built with its vulnerable guests over the years and the incredible number of volunteers now counting nearly 850 people. An amazing amount of generous donors, who supply about $60,000 worth of food each and every month, make it possible for Lethbridge Soup Kitchen to serve more than 6000 meals monthly including breakfast, lunch and supper. Numerous Individuals, churches, companies and service clubs have so far provided much of the financial resources necessary to meet expenses year by year. Arguably, the way in which local media outlets have provided great coverage of the daily hot meals program is very helpful to all involved and will continue to be a key part of this essential service. The speaker will explain adjustments that have been made to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. He will also address the new and innovative meal programs that have been implemented in the midst of this dangerous pandemic. Speaker: Bill Ginther Bill Ginther is currently the Executive Director of the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, a position he has held for almost 3 years, his third post-retirement job. He came to this role after having spent most of his career in International Relief and Development with a focus on food security, primarily in Eastern Africa. Prior to choosing that career path, he completed undergraduate degrees in Sociology, Psychology & Theology from the Universities of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Bill’s REAL “Claim to fame” is that he has been married to his wife Joan for almost 50 years and is a Papa to 12 grandchildren. His deepest desire in life (other than his Christian faith) is to treat and encourage others to respect and enhance the lives of our homeless neighbours here in Lethbridge. Date and time: Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/HANRuTDSALE In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. For further info visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

The City of Lethbridge implemented a local state of emergency on March 18, 2020 and is working with community partners to identify areas of need for the community during the COVID 19 pandemic. 16 subcommittees have been formed to address and support the community while this crisis is unfolding. Action taken so far include working closely with Alberta Health Services and the agencies that serve our vulnerable populations to ensure these groups have the needed housing, health care and other supports they require. Other measures include free transit, 90 day utility payment deferrals and property tax options. All City facilities, including City Hall, Fire Stations, Lethbridge Transit, all recreation and culture facilities (pools, arenas, Lethbridge Public Library branches, Galt Museum and the Helen Schuler Nature Centre) are closed to the public until further notice. Lethbridge Police Service have closed public access to their building until further notice as have Lethbridge Animal Shelter. The speaker will unpack many of the safety steps that have been made to address this dangerous pandemic and whether or not more measures may be needed. Speaker: Chris Spearman, Mayor of Lethbridge Along with 38 years of business experience, Chris Spearman devoted 18 years (1992-2010) to serving on the Holy Spirit School Board which included two terms as Board Chair. He is a founding member of the Industrial Association of Southern Alberta, established in 1983. Chris is passionate about environmental issues, supports practical solutions and believes in continuous improvement. His employment experience includes 10 years working with the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and 13 years with ISO 9002 Quality Systems. Chris was a member of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce since 2008 and served on several sub-committees. In addition, he served five years (2008-2013) on University of Lethbridge Faculty of Management Advisory Committee. From 2010 to 2013 he served as a board member for the Aboriginal Housing Society. Chris has also volunteered with several other community organizations including Economic Development Lethbridge (a founding member) and the Rehabilitation Society of Southwestern Alberta (now known as the Ability Resource Centre). Date and time: Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/s8zuiIKU9Nw In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming.

The world-wide outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 disease may be stressful for many people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. How you respond to this outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in. People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19, children and teens, people who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors, nurses and other health care providers, or first responders. As well, people who have preexisting mental health conditions, the homeless, the vulnerable and people with substance abuse. The speaker will walk us through the many issues surrounding mental health with particular emphasis on the isolation and loneliness COVID 19 has caused, resulting in extra stress on many families and individuals. Speaker: McMillan James McMillan James is a Registered Psychologist with experience spanning academic and clinical counselling settings. She earned her BA in Psychology and her Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology with a focus on Addiction and Mental Health. During her graduate studies she completed her thesis on the Phenomenological Experience of Athletic Retirement. She is currently in private practice at Associates Counselling Services here in Lethbridge. In addition, Mcmillan provides psychological services for Canadian Back Institute and Lethbridge Integrated Service Court. She is dedicated to supporting clients through a client-centered and collaborative approach relying on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness techniques. Date and time: Thursday, April 2, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/5Dp-mE4vgFM In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click on “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your question of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are “live streaming”. If you watch the video afterwards, you will still be able to see the questions other folks have asked but you won’t be able to chat anymore.

Several businesses in Lethbridge’s downtown and the surrounding area have closed their doors in the last several months. Other business owners say they are feeling the pinch as well, and attribute much of the struggles to what they say are pervasive negative perceptions of the downtown area. Concerns over everything from the opioid/drug crisis and taxation to parking, are the main issues. Those business owners and employees are feeling the pressure of that, but today’s speaker will explain how she, along with other business owners, are fighting back and meeting with with city officials to address the issues Speaker: Erica Pyska As a leader in the business landscape of Lethbridge for over 20 years, Erica Pyska is excited to share some of her experiences and thoughts on the ever-changing dynamic of downtown Lethbridge. Calling Plum Restaurant home for the last 6 years, Erica has insight on growing a business through economic and political shifts, ecological responsibility and hardships, and supporting people (inside and outside of Plum) from all walks of life in our downtown core. A steadfast friend and colleague of many, Erica is proud to call Lethbridge home for her family and businesses. Moderator: Martin Heavy Head Date: Thursday, March 12, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Several businesses in Lethbridge’s downtown and the surrounding area have closed their doors in the last several months. Other business owners say they are feeling the pinch as well, and attribute much of the struggles to what they say are pervasive negative perceptions of the downtown area. Concerns over everything from the opioid/drug crisis and taxation to parking, are the main issues. Those business owners and employees are feeling the pressure of that, but today’s speaker will explain how she, along with other business owners, are fighting back and meeting with with city officials to address the issues Speaker: Erica Pyska As a leader in the business landscape of Lethbridge for over 20 years, Erica Pyska is excited to share some of her experiences and thoughts on the ever-changing dynamic of downtown Lethbridge. Calling Plum Restaurant home for the last 6 years, Erica has insight on growing a business through economic and political shifts, ecological responsibility and hardships, and supporting people (inside and outside of Plum) from all walks of life in our downtown core. A steadfast friend and colleague of many, Erica is proud to call Lethbridge home for her family and businesses. Moderator: Martin Heavy Head Date: Thursday, March 12, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Alberta’s conventional oil and gas liabilities have been growing for decades with reported estimates ranging from $58 to $130 billion involving 450,000 oil and gas wells, 400,000 Km of pipelines, 1.4 trillion litres of fluid waste, Only $1.5 billion is held in securities to protect Albertan taxpayers from the risk of being left on the hook for costs. Oil sands liabilities are estimated at another (largely unsecured) $130 billion. If the issue of backlogged and unsecured oil and gas liabilities is allowed to stay quiet, the problem will simply continue to grow, with no true transparency around its scale and scope. Long-term solutions to this problem will need to be both collaborative and practical. However, in order to find such solutions, all stakeholders must have access to accurate information about the true costs to clean up all active and inactive oil and gas infrastructure in Alberta. It was recently revealed Alberta’s oil and gas companies now owe $178 million in unpaid rent and property taxes to farmers and municipalities, not all of which can be explained by a few dozen bankrupt companies. Oil and gas companies that continue operating are also choosing not to pay their rent and taxes. The speaker will argue that Alberta can’t or won’t charge companies market competitive royalties for its oil and gas and can’t or won’t make anyone clean up their mess without them going bankrupt, and the fact the oil patch cannot (or simply refuses to) pay its rent and taxes, all point towards an unfortunate reality: the sun is setting on Alberta’s storied conventional oil and gas industry. Speaker: Regan Boychuk Regan Boychuk is a leading experts on the problem of reclaiming aging oil and gas infrastructure in Alberta. His analysis is informed by years of original research into royalties and liabilities, as well as decades of on-the-ground experience in the oil and gas industry. Born and raised in Grande Prairie, Regan Boychuk is an independent researcher now based in Calgary. He was Research Manager with the University of Alberta’s Parkland Institute and served on the oil sands expert group advising the provincial government’s 2015-16 Royalty Review Panel. Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, March 5, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Alberta’s conventional oil and gas liabilities have been growing for decades with reported estimates ranging from $58 to $130 billion involving 450,000 oil and gas wells, 400,000 Km of pipelines, 1.4 trillion litres of fluid waste, Only $1.5 billion is held in securities to protect Albertan taxpayers from the risk of being left on the hook for costs. Oil sands liabilities are estimated at another (largely unsecured) $130 billion. If the issue of backlogged and unsecured oil and gas liabilities is allowed to stay quiet, the problem will simply continue to grow, with no true transparency around its scale and scope. Long-term solutions to this problem will need to be both collaborative and practical. However, in order to find such solutions, all stakeholders must have access to accurate information about the true costs to clean up all active and inactive oil and gas infrastructure in Alberta. It was recently revealed Alberta’s oil and gas companies now owe $178 million in unpaid rent and property taxes to farmers and municipalities, not all of which can be explained by a few dozen bankrupt companies. Oil and gas companies that continue operating are also choosing not to pay their rent and taxes. The speaker will argue that Alberta can’t or won’t charge companies market competitive royalties for its oil and gas and can’t or won’t make anyone clean up their mess without them going bankrupt, and the fact the oil patch cannot (or simply refuses to) pay its rent and taxes, all point towards an unfortunate reality: the sun is setting on Alberta’s storied conventional oil and gas industry. Speaker: Regan Boychuk Regan Boychuk is a leading experts on the problem of reclaiming aging oil and gas infrastructure in Alberta. His analysis is informed by years of original research into royalties and liabilities, as well as decades of on-the-ground experience in the oil and gas industry. Born and raised in Grande Prairie, Regan Boychuk is an independent researcher now based in Calgary. He was Research Manager with the University of Alberta’s Parkland Institute and served on the oil sands expert group advising the provincial government’s 2015-16 Royalty Review Panel. Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, March 5, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Arguably, governments have a mandate to keep our most vulnerable citizens safe, including young children. Recently, the Province of Alberta and the City of Lethbridge have initiated significant realignments of their prevention and early intervention services for families. The speaker will explore these changes from the perspective of an agency that provides preventive services on behalf of governments. The goal is to continue a wholesome and productive discussion about how we protect children in our community. Speaker: Peter Imhof Peter Imhof came to Lethbridge in 2001 from Germany. After almost ten years in technical research and development, he joined Family Centre of Lethbridge in 2012 where he became the Executive Director in 2014. Through Family Centre, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, Peter, his staff and volunteers grows the resilience of the children, youth, and families in our community. Moderator: Bev Muendel-Atherstone Date: Thursday, February 27, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Arguably, governments have a mandate to keep our most vulnerable citizens safe, including young children. Recently, the Province of Alberta and the City of Lethbridge have initiated significant realignments of their prevention and early intervention services for families. The speaker will explore these changes from the perspective of an agency that provides preventive services on behalf of governments. The goal is to continue a wholesome and productive discussion about how we protect children in our community. Speaker: Peter Imhof Peter Imhof came to Lethbridge in 2001 from Germany. After almost ten years in technical research and development, he joined Family Centre of Lethbridge in 2012 where he became the Executive Director in 2014. Through Family Centre, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, Peter, his staff and volunteers grows the resilience of the children, youth, and families in our community. Moderator: Bev Muendel-Atherstone Date: Thursday, February 27, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Alberta SouthWest Regional Economic Development (AlbertaSW) is a partnership of 16 towns, villages and rural municipal districts bordering on BC and MT. Key sectors of the economy in the region are agriculture, renewable energy and tourism. All these industries require consideration of the natural resources and landscapes, creating a natural focus on sustainability, In 2007, in collaboration with National Geographic, AlbertaSW was a founding partner of the transboundary Crown of the Continent Geotourism Council, which highlights sustainable tourism business development. In 2006, AlbertaSW, Economic Development Lethbridge and SouthGrow formed the Southern Alberta Alternative Energy Partnership (SAAEP). Representing 39 municipalities in south west and south-central Alberta, SAAEP supports member municipalities to explore opportunities in renewable energy (solar, wind, bio) and clean technology. The “Peaks to Prairies” Electric Vehicle Charging Station Network, a “current” project, so to speak, is a multi municipal/industry partnership that evolved from this focus on sustainability. Economic development organizations strive to understand economic costs and benefits. SAAEP has gathered information on new solar and wind projects to illustrate the value of local energy assets. The total capital expenditure of the nine projects in progress (6 solar, 3 wind) is $1.56 billion dollars. Regional economic impacts, from a combination of factors (annual land lease revenues, tax assessment for municipalities, construction, ongoing operations jobs) is estimated at $239M dollars between 2019 and 2022. Speaker: Bev Thornton Bev Thornton is the Executive Director of Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance, a partnership of 16 rural municipalities. She has worked with this group since its inception 2000 and is proud of the community commitment. The organization has received over 30 provincial, national and international awards for projects that work to advance economic development in key industry sectors in the southwest region: agriculture, renewable energy, clean technology and tourism. Alberta SouthWest Crown of the Continent has been named as a “Top 100 Global Sustainable Tourism Destination” for 2019. Bev is Past President of Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) and at the 2017 Annual Conference and Awards Banquet of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) she was awarded the prestigious Jeffery A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award. Bev is the first recipient of this award outside of the US. In 2018, AlbertaSW became the first IEDC Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) in Alberta and one of only 4 in Canada. Moderator: Melinda Weston Date: Thursday, February 20, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Alberta SouthWest Regional Economic Development (AlbertaSW) is a partnership of 16 towns, villages and rural municipal districts bordering on BC and MT. Key sectors of the economy in the region are agriculture, renewable energy and tourism. All these industries require consideration of the natural resources and landscapes, creating a natural focus on sustainability, In 2007, in collaboration with National Geographic, AlbertaSW was a founding partner of the transboundary Crown of the Continent Geotourism Council, which highlights sustainable tourism business development. In 2006, AlbertaSW, Economic Development Lethbridge and SouthGrow formed the Southern Alberta Alternative Energy Partnership (SAAEP). Representing 39 municipalities in south west and south-central Alberta, SAAEP supports member municipalities to explore opportunities in renewable energy (solar, wind, bio) and clean technology. The “Peaks to Prairies” Electric Vehicle Charging Station Network, a “current” project, so to speak, is a multi municipal/industry partnership that evolved from this focus on sustainability. Economic development organizations strive to understand economic costs and benefits. SAAEP has gathered information on new solar and wind projects to illustrate the value of local energy assets. The total capital expenditure of the nine projects in progress (6 solar, 3 wind) is $1.56 billion dollars. Regional economic impacts, from a combination of factors (annual land lease revenues, tax assessment for municipalities, construction, ongoing operations jobs) is estimated at $239M dollars between 2019 and 2022. Speaker: Bev Thornton Bev Thornton is the Executive Director of Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance, a partnership of 16 rural municipalities. She has worked with this group since its inception 2000 and is proud of the community commitment. The organization has received over 30 provincial, national and international awards for projects that work to advance economic development in key industry sectors in the southwest region: agriculture, renewable energy, clean technology and tourism. Alberta SouthWest Crown of the Continent has been named as a “Top 100 Global Sustainable Tourism Destination” for 2019. Bev is Past President of Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) and at the 2017 Annual Conference and Awards Banquet of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) she was awarded the prestigious Jeffery A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award. Bev is the first recipient of this award outside of the US. In 2018, AlbertaSW became the first IEDC Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) in Alberta and one of only 4 in Canada. Moderator: Melinda Weston Date: Thursday, February 20, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

The early years of human development needs to be an essential priority for the whole community and by creating awareness of the importance of the early years in children’s development, communities can help create and implement an action plan specific to enhancing healthy childhood development. One essential element for children’s development is play. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. It is through play that children at a very early age learn to engage and interact with the world around them. The importance of play in childhood development is what brought Lethbridge Early Years Coalition to spearhead the development of the Lethbridge Play Charter for all children ages 0 - 18. This Play Charter was adopted by the City of Lethbridge as a unifying document that influences planning, policy and decision making in our community. Organizations, agencies, and community members are committed to prioritizing and promoting the importance of play. The speaker will present on why play is essential for healthy human development, explore some of the reasons why play has changed and how we as a community can work together to prioritize play. Speaker: Vicki Hazelwood Vicki Hazelwood, Coordinator of Lethbridge Early Years Coalition (LEYC), is passionate about children having a great start in life and fostering healthy families. Vicki also works as Coordinator for Building Brains Together, which is a “play project” out of the Neuroscience Department at the University of Lethbridge. Vicki has been supporting families through teaching, facilitating, and speaking on the topic of early childhood development and parenting for over 15 years. Moderator: Chelsea Sherbut Date: Thursday, February 13, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

The early years of human development needs to be an essential priority for the whole community and by creating awareness of the importance of the early years in children’s development, communities can help create and implement an action plan specific to enhancing healthy childhood development. One essential element for children’s development is play. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. It is through play that children at a very early age learn to engage and interact with the world around them. The importance of play in childhood development is what brought Lethbridge Early Years Coalition to spearhead the development of the Lethbridge Play Charter for all children ages 0 - 18. This Play Charter was adopted by the City of Lethbridge as a unifying document that influences planning, policy and decision making in our community. Organizations, agencies, and community members are committed to prioritizing and promoting the importance of play. The speaker will present on why play is essential for healthy human development, explore some of the reasons why play has changed and how we as a community can work together to prioritize play. Speaker: Vicki Hazelwood Vicki Hazelwood, Coordinator of Lethbridge Early Years Coalition (LEYC), is passionate about children having a great start in life and fostering healthy families. Vicki also works as Coordinator for Building Brains Together, which is a “play project” out of the Neuroscience Department at the University of Lethbridge. Vicki has been supporting families through teaching, facilitating, and speaking on the topic of early childhood development and parenting for over 15 years. Moderator: Chelsea Sherbut Date: Thursday, February 13, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Liberal Education is rooted in an approach to learning that empowers individuals and prepares them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change. It provides students with broad knowledge of the wider world (e.g. science, culture, and society) as well as in-depth study in a specific area of interest. The philosophy of Liberal Education traces back to the Classical Era of the ancient Greeks and Romans, who developed a logical and systematic approach to looking at the world around us, and an education system to produce informed leaders who would engage in the running of their city-states. Thinkers like Thucydides and Plato discussed politics, forms of government, and civic engagement. These ideas came to life again with the flourishing of the scientific approach in the late 1600s, and on into The Enlightenment or Age of Reason, as thinkers explored politics, economics, government and social systems. Questions about the relationship of a liberal education to citizenship, are questions with a long history in the Western philosophical tradition. The speaker will argue that the pillars of our Liberal Education model - breadth and integration of knowledge, critical thinking skills of evidence-based reasoning, and the application of that breadth and skill in civic engagement - capture the essence of our teaching and learning, and indeed of our research; it is a model of all that a university can and should be, for our students and our citizens. Speaker: Dr. Shelly Wismath Shelly Wismath is a Professor of Mathematics, and taught for many years in the Math & Computer Science Department at the University of Lethbridge. Her research in abstract general algebra resulted in three books and over sixty research papers published. In 2009 she moved to the Liberal Education Program, where she teaches courses on quantitative and problem solving skills designed for non-math, non-science majors. In the past few years she has published research on the teaching and learning of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Dr. Wismath was awarded the University of Lethbridge’s Distinguished Teaching Award, held the inaugural Board of Governors’ Teaching Chair, and in 2017 was named as a 3M National Teaching Fellow. In October 2017 she was appointed as the first Dean of the University’s new School of Liberal Education. Moderator: Tad Mitsui Date: Thursday, February 6, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Liberal Education is rooted in an approach to learning that empowers individuals and prepares them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change. It provides students with broad knowledge of the wider world (e.g. science, culture, and society) as well as in-depth study in a specific area of interest. The philosophy of Liberal Education traces back to the Classical Era of the ancient Greeks and Romans, who developed a logical and systematic approach to looking at the world around us, and an education system to produce informed leaders who would engage in the running of their city-states. Thinkers like Thucydides and Plato discussed politics, forms of government, and civic engagement. These ideas came to life again with the flourishing of the scientific approach in the late 1600s, and on into The Enlightenment or Age of Reason, as thinkers explored politics, economics, government and social systems. Questions about the relationship of a liberal education to citizenship, are questions with a long history in the Western philosophical tradition. The speaker will argue that the pillars of our Liberal Education model - breadth and integration of knowledge, critical thinking skills of evidence-based reasoning, and the application of that breadth and skill in civic engagement - capture the essence of our teaching and learning, and indeed of our research; it is a model of all that a university can and should be, for our students and our citizens. Speaker: Dr. Shelly Wismath Shelly Wismath is a Professor of Mathematics, and taught for many years in the Math & Computer Science Department at the University of Lethbridge. Her research in abstract general algebra resulted in three books and over sixty research papers published. In 2009 she moved to the Liberal Education Program, where she teaches courses on quantitative and problem solving skills designed for non-math, non-science majors. In the past few years she has published research on the teaching and learning of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Dr. Wismath was awarded the University of Lethbridge’s Distinguished Teaching Award, held the inaugural Board of Governors’ Teaching Chair, and in 2017 was named as a 3M National Teaching Fellow. In October 2017 she was appointed as the first Dean of the University’s new School of Liberal Education. Moderator: Tad Mitsui Date: Thursday, February 6, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Our drinking water comes from the Oldman River, but where does this river start? The tributaries that feed a river are collectively called headwaters, the source or ‘birthplace’ of our river. Located along the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the headwaters of the Oldman River flow from an increasingly busy landscape - one that includes mining, logging, grazing, and recreation. This unique area offers important habitat for threatened species, as well as ecological services beyond providing most of the water used by over 210,000 people living, working, and playing in our watershed. In response to public concern, the Oldman Watershed Council (OWC) has made the headwaters a priority through education and restoration. Their unique approach is based on social science methodologies and involves talking (and listening!) to people through face-to-face conversations; boots-on-the-ground events to restore streambanks together with partners and volunteers; testing strategies like signs and pledges to change behaviour; and ultimately, engaging hearts, heads, and hands. Since 2015, OWC has conducted 283 surveys, talked to more than 5,600 people, and helped plant over 4,300 willows and trees. The speaker will describe these local, grassroots efforts aimed at improving conditions in our headwaters, and will discuss some actions we can all take to help care for this special place. Speaker: Sofie Forsström Sofie Forsström is the Education Program Manager for the Oldman Watershed Council. Since 2015, Sofie has been coordinating education and restoration activities in the headwaters and beyond in order to promote watershed literacy and cultivate a strong sense of place. Sofie earned a Master of Science in Applied Ecology from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from U of A, Augustana Campus. Prior to joining OWC, she worked as a science educator at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller. In her free time, Sofie enjoys hiking with her dog and volunteering with a local Scout Troop. Moderator: Michelle Day Date: Thursday, January 30, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Our drinking water comes from the Oldman River, but where does this river start? The tributaries that feed a river are collectively called headwaters, the source or ‘birthplace’ of our river. Located along the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the headwaters of the Oldman River flow from an increasingly busy landscape - one that includes mining, logging, grazing, and recreation. This unique area offers important habitat for threatened species, as well as ecological services beyond providing most of the water used by over 210,000 people living, working, and playing in our watershed. In response to public concern, the Oldman Watershed Council (OWC) has made the headwaters a priority through education and restoration. Their unique approach is based on social science methodologies and involves talking (and listening!) to people through face-to-face conversations; boots-on-the-ground events to restore streambanks together with partners and volunteers; testing strategies like signs and pledges to change behaviour; and ultimately, engaging hearts, heads, and hands. Since 2015, OWC has conducted 283 surveys, talked to more than 5,600 people, and helped plant over 4,300 willows and trees. The speaker will describe these local, grassroots efforts aimed at improving conditions in our headwaters, and will discuss some actions we can all take to help care for this special place. Speaker: Sofie Forsström Sofie Forsström is the Education Program Manager for the Oldman Watershed Council. Since 2015, Sofie has been coordinating education and restoration activities in the headwaters and beyond in order to promote watershed literacy and cultivate a strong sense of place. Sofie earned a Master of Science in Applied Ecology from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from U of A, Augustana Campus. Prior to joining OWC, she worked as a science educator at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller. In her free time, Sofie enjoys hiking with her dog and volunteering with a local Scout Troop. Moderator: Michelle Day Date: Thursday, January 30, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Canada has joined many other national and regional jurisdictions in declaring a climate emergency. Recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warn of increasingly deterioriating conditions across the globe in the face of unchecked global heating. While human generated emissions of CO2 and other greenhouses gases are accepted as the major cause, efforts to bend the emissions trajectory are still not sufficient. The world’s economies must rapidly decarbonize over this decade to avoid lock-in to a future of climate extremes and damaging impacts to society. Canada will not be immune to the effects of global market de-stabilization, economic losses, climate migration, etc., and will witness gradual erosion of its economic basis. This is Alberta’s challenge – how does the province transition away from an economy based heavily on hydrocarbon production without increasing social tensions and job losses? The fact is that action on the environment does not need to be set against a backdrop of job losses, but in order to achieve this we must visualize the full potential of a future economy, an economy that places greater emphasis on social factors, in which GDP is not the predominant measure of a society’s success. Making the transition to a low carbon future cannot be denied or deferred and there is no longer time for half measures. Leadership must have the vision to invest in new technologies and re-training that builds on our legacy industries. In particular, Bruce will discuss how a hydrogen economy could be pivotal in shaping Alberta’s trajectory of change. Speaker: Bruce Wilson Bruce is an engineer and a former GM of Shell, now an independent consultant on the energy transition including carbon capture and the hydrogen economy. He is a board member of non-profit ‘Iron + Earth’. Born and raised in Scotland, he trained as structural engineer, joining an oil company directly from university. Following an industry downturn he worked firstly in Africa before traveling to Canada where he met his wife, Terry Anne, in Calgary during the ’88 Olympics. Over the next almost 30 years they have worked and lived around the world, the latter half of Bruce’s career spent with Shell International. In much of this time, Bruce has supported environmental causes, exemplifying the dichotomy between caring for the environment and powering our society. Finally, dissatisfied with the too gradual pace of Shell’s transition to renewable energies, Bruce parted with the company to take more direct action. He is an advocate for the vast potential of emerging low-carbon technologies that offer us the opportunity to thrive in this transition. Moderator: Laurie Schulz Date: Thursday, January 23, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

Canada has joined many other national and regional jurisdictions in declaring a climate emergency. Recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warn of increasingly deterioriating conditions across the globe in the face of unchecked global heating. While human generated emissions of CO2 and other greenhouses gases are accepted as the major cause, efforts to bend the emissions trajectory are still not sufficient. The world’s economies must rapidly decarbonize over this decade to avoid lock-in to a future of climate extremes and damaging impacts to society. Canada will not be immune to the effects of global market de-stabilization, economic losses, climate migration, etc., and will witness gradual erosion of its economic basis. This is Alberta’s challenge – how does the province transition away from an economy based heavily on hydrocarbon production without increasing social tensions and job losses? The fact is that action on the environment does not need to be set against a backdrop of job losses, but in order to achieve this we must visualize the full potential of a future economy, an economy that places greater emphasis on social factors, in which GDP is not the predominant measure of a society’s success. Making the transition to a low carbon future cannot be denied or deferred and there is no longer time for half measures. Leadership must have the vision to invest in new technologies and re-training that builds on our legacy industries. In particular, Bruce will discuss how a hydrogen economy could be pivotal in shaping Alberta’s trajectory of change. Speaker: Bruce Wilson Bruce is an engineer and a former GM of Shell, now an independent consultant on the energy transition including carbon capture and the hydrogen economy. He is a board member of non-profit ‘Iron + Earth’. Born and raised in Scotland, he trained as structural engineer, joining an oil company directly from university. Following an industry downturn he worked firstly in Africa before traveling to Canada where he met his wife, Terry Anne, in Calgary during the ’88 Olympics. Over the next almost 30 years they have worked and lived around the world, the latter half of Bruce’s career spent with Shell International. In much of this time, Bruce has supported environmental causes, exemplifying the dichotomy between caring for the environment and powering our society. Finally, dissatisfied with the too gradual pace of Shell’s transition to renewable energies, Bruce parted with the company to take more direct action. He is an advocate for the vast potential of emerging low-carbon technologies that offer us the opportunity to thrive in this transition. Moderator: Laurie Schulz Date: Thursday, January 23, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

Five years ago, in 2015, the governments of the United Nations agreed on a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that we would need to attain by 2030 to make life better and more sustainable for future generations. Our governments had come to accept that we were rapidly overpopulating the planet, depleting our natural resources and destroying our environment. These goals cover the full range of socio-economic and environmental factors that our governments agreed were essential for our peace, wellbeing and prosperity. They called these goals our 2030 Agenda. Since then, a wave of populist nationalism has swept much of the globe. Support for the multilateral approach, which has kept most of the world at peace since World War II, is in decline. Foreign aid, which governments agreed in 2015 would need to be boosted in order to help developing countries attain their SDGs, is down. And global hunger, exacerbated increasingly by climate shocks, is up, causing mounting numbers of desperate people to leave their homes where eking out a living is no longer sustainable. Migration is not one of the Sustainable Development Goals. It is largely an outcome of inadequate progress towards attaining these goals. Orderly migration is essential to maintaining our economic wellbeing. Disorderly migration is not. Uncontrolled migration continues to end tragically for many refugees and those seeking a better life. In destination countries in Europe and the United States, it has become an emotive election issue. The UN’s Global Compact on Refugees and Migration that was designed to bring order to the chaos does not have universal support. Speaker: Trevor Page Trevor Page worked for the United Nations for 31 years. Most of his work was with the World Food Programme in Africa and Asia, but he was also seconded to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, and the UN‘s Department of Special Political Questions, Regional Cooperation, Decolonization and Trusteeship. He has served as Head of Mission in major countries, including China and India, and at the headquarters of the World Food Programme in Rome, Italy, as the Director of emergency humanitarian relief, worldwide. Some of Mr. Page’s most challenging assignments were as the chief troubleshooter for the UN’s relief operations during the Great Sahelian Drought; in the Sudan, at the height of the civil war in the south; as the first head of the UN in Eritrea at the end of its 30-year civil war with Ethiopia; in Uganda and Congo for the Rwanda crisis; and opening and managing the WFP office in North Korea when devastating floods on top of a collapsed economy caused the DPRK to appeal to the outside world for help. Moderator: TBA Date: Thursday, January 16, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Five years ago, in 2015, the governments of the United Nations agreed on a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that we would need to attain by 2030 to make life better and more sustainable for future generations. Our governments had come to accept that we were rapidly overpopulating the planet, depleting our natural resources and destroying our environment. These goals cover the full range of socio-economic and environmental factors that our governments agreed were essential for our peace, wellbeing and prosperity. They called these goals our 2030 Agenda. Since then, a wave of populist nationalism has swept much of the globe. Support for the multilateral approach, which has kept most of the world at peace since World War II, is in decline. Foreign aid, which governments agreed in 2015 would need to be boosted in order to help developing countries attain their SDGs, is down. And global hunger, exacerbated increasingly by climate shocks, is up, causing mounting numbers of desperate people to leave their homes where eking out a living is no longer sustainable. Migration is not one of the Sustainable Development Goals. It is largely an outcome of inadequate progress towards attaining these goals. Orderly migration is essential to maintaining our economic wellbeing. Disorderly migration is not. Uncontrolled migration continues to end tragically for many refugees and those seeking a better life. In destination countries in Europe and the United States, it has become an emotive election issue. The UN’s Global Compact on Refugees and Migration that was designed to bring order to the chaos does not have universal support. Speaker: Trevor Page Trevor Page worked for the United Nations for 31 years. Most of his work was with the World Food Programme in Africa and Asia, but he was also seconded to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, and the UN‘s Department of Special Political Questions, Regional Cooperation, Decolonization and Trusteeship. He has served as Head of Mission in major countries, including China and India, and at the headquarters of the World Food Programme in Rome, Italy, as the Director of emergency humanitarian relief, worldwide. Some of Mr. Page’s most challenging assignments were as the chief troubleshooter for the UN’s relief operations during the Great Sahelian Drought; in the Sudan, at the height of the civil war in the south; as the first head of the UN in Eritrea at the end of its 30-year civil war with Ethiopia; in Uganda and Congo for the Rwanda crisis; and opening and managing the WFP office in North Korea when devastating floods on top of a collapsed economy caused the DPRK to appeal to the outside world for help. Moderator: TBA Date: Thursday, January 16, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

The Official Opposition’s 2019 Alternative Budget lays out a path for Alberta to create jobs, diversify the economy, protect vital public services, and bring the provincial budget to balance. This path is based on economic data in the government’s budget, and more crucially, on widespread consultation with Albertans. Last fall, the NDP Caucus held town hall meetings in communities across Alberta, and the people that spoke up, provided a tremendous amount of information about what values and priorities they wanted to see reflected in the provincial budget. NDP’s budget suggests that there is another way. It does not include the $4.7-billion corporate handout in the UCP Government’s budget. As Albertans have seen, that corporate handout so far has failed to create jobs and many companies distributed the money to shareholders, and or invested it in places outside of Alberta, like Newfoundland, Texas and Wisconsin. NDP’s budget reverses the hidden scheme of raising personal income taxes on every single Albertan in the UCP Government’s budget. Instead, NDP’s budget establishes a one per cent increase to personal income tax on the top one per cent. Unlike UCP, the NDP would limit tuition hikes in post-secondary to the rate of inflation and continue to reduce school/busing fees. NDP would maintain the cap on insurance premiums and electricity bills and would not download a $200-million bill for policing onto municipalities. The speaker will elaborate and detail other measures the NDP would take in order to deal with Alberta’s financial woes. Speaker: Shannon Phillips, Alberta MLA for Lethbridge West Constituency Shannon Phillips was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Lethbridge-West, on May 5, 2015, and was re-elected on April 16, 2019. She currently serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. During her first term Ms. Phillips served as Minister of Environment and Parks, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office and as Deputy Government House Leader. Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Ms. Phillips worked with the Alberta Federation of Labour as a policy analyst for five years. She also spent five years as a member of the board of directors for the Womanspace Resource Centre, a nonprofit organization that provides resources, referrals and education to the community and to individual women. In 1999 she received a bachelor of arts with honours in political science and in 2002 she completed her master of arts, both at the University of Alberta. Moderator: Mike Spencer Date: Thursday, January 9, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

The Official Opposition’s 2019 Alternative Budget lays out a path for Alberta to create jobs, diversify the economy, protect vital public services, and bring the provincial budget to balance. This path is based on economic data in the government’s budget, and more crucially, on widespread consultation with Albertans. Last fall, the NDP Caucus held town hall meetings in communities across Alberta, and the people that spoke up, provided a tremendous amount of information about what values and priorities they wanted to see reflected in the provincial budget. NDP’s budget suggests that there is another way. It does not include the $4.7-billion corporate handout in the UCP Government’s budget. As Albertans have seen, that corporate handout so far has failed to create jobs and many companies distributed the money to shareholders, and or invested it in places outside of Alberta, like Newfoundland, Texas and Wisconsin. NDP’s budget reverses the hidden scheme of raising personal income taxes on every single Albertan in the UCP Government’s budget. Instead, NDP’s budget establishes a one per cent increase to personal income tax on the top one per cent. Unlike UCP, the NDP would limit tuition hikes in post-secondary to the rate of inflation and continue to reduce school/busing fees. NDP would maintain the cap on insurance premiums and electricity bills and would not download a $200-million bill for policing onto municipalities. The speaker will elaborate and detail other measures the NDP would take in order to deal with Alberta’s financial woes. Speaker: Shannon Phillips, Alberta MLA for Lethbridge West Constituency Shannon Phillips was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Lethbridge-West, on May 5, 2015, and was re-elected on April 16, 2019. She currently serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. During her first term Ms. Phillips served as Minister of Environment and Parks, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office and as Deputy Government House Leader. Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Ms. Phillips worked with the Alberta Federation of Labour as a policy analyst for five years. She also spent five years as a member of the board of directors for the Womanspace Resource Centre, a nonprofit organization that provides resources, referrals and education to the community and to individual women. In 1999 she received a bachelor of arts with honours in political science and in 2002 she completed her master of arts, both at the University of Alberta. Moderator: Mike Spencer Date: Thursday, January 9, 2020 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

The September 3, 2019 release of the Report and Recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Alberta’s Finances (the MacKinnon report) argues that both the size and compensation of Alberta’s public sector are higher than comparator provinces, and suggests that the government could reduce the size of the public sector (through employee attrition), consider alternative delivery of government programs and services (through the private and non-for-profit sectors), and recommends that the government establishes a legislative mandate that sets the salary levels for all public sector employees. Those recommendations were largely followed in the provincial budget tabled on Oct 24, but the speaker had argued that in contrast to the MacKinnon report, his research concluded that Alberta does not really stand out in any way relative to the other three large provinces, Ontario, Quebec and BC, both in terms of the size of its public sector and its compensation. If anything, Alberta has tended to have a smaller public sector compared to other jurisdictions using certain measures. Similarly, the compensation to public employees in Alberta does not stand out in any way, except for the fact that Alberta was and still is a high wage province and public sector wages, at least in part, reflect this. Where Alberta does stand out is that relative to overall earnings within the province, Alberta public sector employees tend to earn relatively less than their counterparts in other jurisdictions, especially when the overall high relative real earnings in the province are considered. Speaker: Dr. Richard Mueller Richard Mueller is professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Lethbridge, academic director of the Lethbridge Branch of the Prairie Regional Research Data Centre, and associate director of the Educational Policy Research Initiative at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Mueller holds a BA (Honors) and an MA from the University of Calgary, and a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. He taught at the University of Maine before joining the University of Lethbridge in 2000, and was seconded to Statistics Canada from 2009 through 2011. Moderator: Collen Quintal Date: Thursday, December 19, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

The September 3, 2019 release of the Report and Recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Alberta’s Finances (the MacKinnon report) argues that both the size and compensation of Alberta’s public sector are higher than comparator provinces, and suggests that the government could reduce the size of the public sector (through employee attrition), consider alternative delivery of government programs and services (through the private and non-for-profit sectors), and recommends that the government establishes a legislative mandate that sets the salary levels for all public sector employees. Those recommendations were largely followed in the provincial budget tabled on Oct 24, but the speaker had argued that in contrast to the MacKinnon report, his research concluded that Alberta does not really stand out in any way relative to the other three large provinces, Ontario, Quebec and BC, both in terms of the size of its public sector and its compensation. If anything, Alberta has tended to have a smaller public sector compared to other jurisdictions using certain measures. Similarly, the compensation to public employees in Alberta does not stand out in any way, except for the fact that Alberta was and still is a high wage province and public sector wages, at least in part, reflect this. Where Alberta does stand out is that relative to overall earnings within the province, Alberta public sector employees tend to earn relatively less than their counterparts in other jurisdictions, especially when the overall high relative real earnings in the province are considered. Speaker: Dr. Richard Mueller Richard Mueller is professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Lethbridge, academic director of the Lethbridge Branch of the Prairie Regional Research Data Centre, and associate director of the Educational Policy Research Initiative at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Mueller holds a BA (Honors) and an MA from the University of Calgary, and a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. He taught at the University of Maine before joining the University of Lethbridge in 2000, and was seconded to Statistics Canada from 2009 through 2011. Moderator: Collen Quintal Date: Thursday, December 19, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

In 2016, students at the U of L established a local chapter of the World University Service of Canada (WUSC). It is a Canadian international development non-profit organization dedicated to improving education, employment and empowerment opportunities for youth, women and refugees in more than 25 countries around the world. WUSC’s Student Refugee Program (SRP) combines refugee resettlement with opportunities for higher education. The U of L WUSC program changes the lives of young people here and around the world. Crucial to the program’s success is its unique youth-to-youth sponsorship model which empowers young Canadian students to play an active role in the sponsorship of refugee students. At U of L, students play a critical role in both the financial support and the day-to-day social and academic support to SRP students. The speakers will describe the successes and challenges they’ve encountered along the way and give thoughts to what lies ahead. Speakers: Dr. Anne Dymond and Abdullah Mouslli Anne Dymond, Ph.D., teaches art history and museum studies at the U of L. Her book, Diversity Counts: Gender, Race and Representation in Canadian Art Galleries (McGill-Queen's University Press, 2019) has been called "an impressive and sobering analysis of gender and diversity in contemporary art, and a compelling call for more inclusive curating." Anne is also active in the community. She is Co-Chair of U of L's Refugee Action Committee and faculty advisor to the WUSC student club. Both these groups support and sponsor the emigration of qualified refugees to Canada. She was awarded the University's Senate Volunteer Award and the YWCA's Woman of Distinction Award for this work. Anne also sits on the Lethbridge United Way Board of Directors. Abdullah Mouslli was the first refugee student to be sponsored by WUSC ULeth local committee. He moved to Lethbridge in 2016 and now he is pursuing a combined degree in New Media and Marketing. Abdullah worked with Lethbridge Family Services as an Arabic interpreter, co-founded a social enterprise to empower newcomer women in Lethbridge, and has been the SRP coordinator with WUSC Uleth local committee which makes him the go-to person to help refugee students settling in their new home. Moderator: Jamie MacKenzie Date: Thursday, December 12, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca At this session, SACPA will gratefully be accepting audience donations to U of L’s WUSC program and as well, match those donations equally.

In 2016, students at the U of L established a local chapter of the World University Service of Canada (WUSC). It is a Canadian international development non-profit organization dedicated to improving education, employment and empowerment opportunities for youth, women and refugees in more than 25 countries around the world. WUSC’s Student Refugee Program (SRP) combines refugee resettlement with opportunities for higher education. The U of L WUSC program changes the lives of young people here and around the world. Crucial to the program’s success is its unique youth-to-youth sponsorship model which empowers young Canadian students to play an active role in the sponsorship of refugee students. At U of L, students play a critical role in both the financial support and the day-to-day social and academic support to SRP students. The speakers will describe the successes and challenges they’ve encountered along the way and give thoughts to what lies ahead. Speakers: Dr. Anne Dymond and Abdullah Mouslli Anne Dymond, Ph.D., teaches art history and museum studies at the U of L. Her book, Diversity Counts: Gender, Race and Representation in Canadian Art Galleries (McGill-Queen's University Press, 2019) has been called "an impressive and sobering analysis of gender and diversity in contemporary art, and a compelling call for more inclusive curating." Anne is also active in the community. She is Co-Chair of U of L's Refugee Action Committee and faculty advisor to the WUSC student club. Both these groups support and sponsor the emigration of qualified refugees to Canada. She was awarded the University's Senate Volunteer Award and the YWCA's Woman of Distinction Award for this work. Anne also sits on the Lethbridge United Way Board of Directors. Abdullah Mouslli was the first refugee student to be sponsored by WUSC ULeth local committee. He moved to Lethbridge in 2016 and now he is pursuing a combined degree in New Media and Marketing. Abdullah worked with Lethbridge Family Services as an Arabic interpreter, co-founded a social enterprise to empower newcomer women in Lethbridge, and has been the SRP coordinator with WUSC Uleth local committee which makes him the go-to person to help refugee students settling in their new home. Moderator: Jamie MacKenzie Date: Thursday, December 12, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (please enter at north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca At this session, SACPA will gratefully be accepting audience donations to U of L’s WUSC program and as well, match those donations equally.

Is it MS, Lupus or immune system dysfunction? Doctors were left puzzled by Audrey Skoog’s rapidly deteriorating health. This led to specialist after specialist as well as referrals out of country and out of province. When diagnosis came, she found herself with late stage Lyme disease otherwise known as disseminated Lyme disease; this stage occurs months or even years after a tick bite, when the infection is not appropriately treated in the first or second stages. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and rarely, Borrelia mayonii. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical early symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system as well as cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Each year, approximately 30,000 new cases of Lyme disease are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US. However, this number is just the tip of the iceberg and the CDC is currently conducting research on evaluation and diagnostics of the disease and preliminary results suggest more than 300,000 Americans are diagnosed with the tick-borne disease each year. Lyme disease in Canada is on the rise with several thousand people affected each year and those numbers will only increase as infected ticks continue to migrate north. Speaker: Audrey Skoog In 1997 at age 17, Audrey became an unlikely advocate for social issues after having experienced youth homelessness. As a vocal consumer in the system, she was asked to speak in Ottawa on child poverty. Since then her experiences have led her to an education in psychology which led to even further adventures overseas and back here at home. Audrey has started and worked in several grassroots initiatives benefiting vulnerable populations. She has been a public speaker on topics such as housing and homelessness, addiction, and now shares her Lyme disease perspective as a consumer in the health care system. She hopes to put a human face on awareness, patient advocacy, and to share that you can still live well even when you don’t feel well. Moderator: Larry Elford Date: Thursday, December 5, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Is it MS, Lupus or immune system dysfunction? Doctors were left puzzled by Audrey Skoog’s rapidly deteriorating health. This led to specialist after specialist as well as referrals out of country and out of province. When diagnosis came, she found herself with late stage Lyme disease otherwise known as disseminated Lyme disease; this stage occurs months or even years after a tick bite, when the infection is not appropriately treated in the first or second stages. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and rarely, Borrelia mayonii. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical early symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system as well as cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Each year, approximately 30,000 new cases of Lyme disease are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US. However, this number is just the tip of the iceberg and the CDC is currently conducting research on evaluation and diagnostics of the disease and preliminary results suggest more than 300,000 Americans are diagnosed with the tick-borne disease each year. Lyme disease in Canada is on the rise with several thousand people affected each year and those numbers will only increase as infected ticks continue to migrate north. Speaker: Audrey Skoog In 1997 at age 17, Audrey became an unlikely advocate for social issues after having experienced youth homelessness. As a vocal consumer in the system, she was asked to speak in Ottawa on child poverty. Since then her experiences have led her to an education in psychology which led to even further adventures overseas and back here at home. Audrey has started and worked in several grassroots initiatives benefiting vulnerable populations. She has been a public speaker on topics such as housing and homelessness, addiction, and now shares her Lyme disease perspective as a consumer in the health care system. She hopes to put a human face on awareness, patient advocacy, and to share that you can still live well even when you don’t feel well. Moderator: Larry Elford Date: Thursday, December 5, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

The average Canadian households wastes $1,760 every year in squishy cucumbers, spoiled yogurt and moldy bread. Not only does food waste have a negative impact on our pocketbooks, it’s bad for the environment as resources are wasted producing food that is never eaten. Wasted food is responsible for 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, making the reduction of food waste a key strategy in fighting climate change. Households are the second largest contributors to food waste, with 21% of food waste occurring in the home. As such, we all have an important role to play in reducing food waste to the benefit of our environment and our budgets. Speaker: Kathleen Sheppard Kathleen has been the Executive Director of Environment Lethbridge since 2015 and has more than 25 years of experience with non-profit organizations in British Columbia and Alberta, including past experience in land conservation and social planning and policy. Kathleen holds a B.Sc. in Geography and Biology from the University of Victoria and a Certificate in Voluntary and Non-profit Sector Management from Ryerson University. Kathleen currently sits as the Environment Sector representative on the board of Economic Development Lethbridge and as Sustainability Director for the Lethbridge 2020 Alberta Summer Games. Moderator: Cheryl Bradley Date: Thursday, November 28, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required