Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Canada's spanking laws may be heading for an overhaul as part of the government's promise to adopt all of the recommendations stemming from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. One of the 94 "calls to action" after the six-year inquiry into widespread abuse at residential schools for indigenous children is to repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code. The Canadian Law, under section 43 of the Cri...

Canada's spanking laws may be heading for an overhaul as part of the government's promise to adopt all of the recommendations stemming from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. One of the 94 "calls to action" after the six-year inquiry into widespread abuse at residential schools for indigenous children is to repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code. The Canadian Law, under section 43 of the Cri...

“Where is Home” is a documentary film focused on homelessness and the complex social issues facing the city of Lethbridge, Alberta and many other communities across Canada. The film presents unique perspectives from numerous individuals, including members of the homeless population, municipal government, law enforcement, service providers, doctors, mental health professionals, as well as members o...

“Where is Home” is a documentary film focused on homelessness and the complex social issues facing the city of Lethbridge, Alberta and many other communities across Canada. The film presents unique perspectives from numerous individuals, including members of the homeless population, municipal government, law enforcement, service providers, doctors, mental health professionals, as well as members o...

In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) ruled that people with "grievous and irremediable medical conditions" have the right to ask a doctor to help them die. The court gave the Federal Government one year to develop new laws and guidelines. Recently, a panel appointed by the previous Conservative Government released a report with recommendations on how to implement physician-assisted...

In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) ruled that people with "grievous and irremediable medical conditions" have the right to ask a doctor to help them die. The court gave the Federal Government one year to develop new laws and guidelines. Recently, a panel appointed by the previous Conservative Government released a report with recommendations on how to implement physician-assisted...

Leading-edge researchers forecast wind, solar and water power will become our primary energy sources. CanGEA, the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association, suggests geothermal energy can be a mainstay in our future energy grid. Ground-based heat pumps, often called geothermal energy exchange, are used to heat and cool many Canadian homes. Deep geothermal energy produces electricity and provides heat...

Leading-edge researchers forecast wind, solar and water power will become our primary energy sources. CanGEA, the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association, suggests geothermal energy can be a mainstay in our future energy grid. Ground-based heat pumps, often called geothermal energy exchange, are used to heat and cool many Canadian homes. Deep geothermal energy produces electricity and provides heat...

The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) is an initiative under the World Council of Church’s Ecumenical Campaign to end the illegal occupation of Palestine in the Middle East. Its mission is to accompany churches and others in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory in their non-violent actions and concerted advocacy efforts to end the occupation and support a...

The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) is an initiative under the World Council of Church’s Ecumenical Campaign to end the illegal occupation of Palestine in the Middle East. Its mission is to accompany churches and others in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory in their non-violent actions and concerted advocacy efforts to end the occupation and support a...

Recent statistics indicate the suicide rate in Alberta has increased dramatically concurrent with mounting job losses across the province. The most recent data indicate that 30 per cent more Albertans took their lives in 2015 compared to 2014.   Some attribute this grim statistic to the downturn in oil prices and the economy, but what really lies behind these suicide statistics?  What are the caus...

Recent statistics indicate the suicide rate in Alberta has increased dramatically concurrent with mounting job losses across the province. The most recent data indicate that 30 per cent more Albertans took their lives in 2015 compared to 2014.   Some attribute this grim statistic to the downturn in oil prices and the economy, but what really lies behind these suicide statistics?  What are the caus...

Benga Mining Ltd has applied to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and Canada Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) for approval to develop a 4 million tonne per year metallurgical coal mine at Grassy Mountain, 8 km north of Blairmore, Alberta. The site of the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project is a historical open pit mine that operated from the late 1940’s to the early 1960’s. It will be the...

Benga Mining Ltd has applied to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and Canada Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) for approval to develop a 4 million tonne per year metallurgical coal mine at Grassy Mountain, 8 km north of Blairmore, Alberta. The site of the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project is a historical open pit mine that operated from the late 1940’s to the early 1960’s. It will be the...

Violence against women and children is an issue in most countries, provinces, cities and indeed anywhere. It certainly exists in Lethbridge, yet the resources to help those affected can’t keep up with demand. Last year 535 women and children used the 24 emergency beds at Lethbridge and District YWCA Harbour House, but over 1200 were turned away as all beds were full. It’s the fourth highest shelte...

Violence against women and children is an issue in most countries, provinces, cities and indeed anywhere. It certainly exists in Lethbridge, yet the resources to help those affected can’t keep up with demand. Last year 535 women and children used the 24 emergency beds at Lethbridge and District YWCA Harbour House, but over 1200 were turned away as all beds were full. It’s the fourth highest shelte...

Getting Off the Electric Grid: Is the Sun All We Need? Solar Power Systems have been getting a lot more attention in the last few years. While most of the attention has been focussed on “Grid Interactive” systems, there is a growing desire to go “Off Grid”. Is being totally solar powered possible or feasible? Why go “Off Grid”? What are the pros and cons to living “Off Grid”? What makes up a good...

Getting Off the Electric Grid: Is the Sun All We Need? Solar Power Systems have been getting a lot more attention in the last few years. While most of the attention has been focussed on “Grid Interactive” systems, there is a growing desire to go “Off Grid”. Is being totally solar powered possible or feasible? Why go “Off Grid”? What are the pros and cons to living “Off Grid”? What makes up a good...

Marijuana is the most highly abused illegal substance during pregnancy and in adolescence and yet, many people are not aware that it is addicting to the user and toxic to the developing nervous system. This talk will present the scope of the problem, an outline of the role of cannabinoids in normal brain function and an illustration of how marijuana causes chaotic neuronal growth early in developm...

Marijuana is the most highly abused illegal substance during pregnancy and in adolescence and yet, many people are not aware that it is addicting to the user and toxic to the developing nervous system. This talk will present the scope of the problem, an outline of the role of cannabinoids in normal brain function and an illustration of how marijuana causes chaotic neuronal growth early in developm...

Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram (to name a few) are social media sites that have become the voice of our generation. These Internet platforms are tools used to discover who we are, to connect with each other and think globally, but these can also become spaces that perpetuate toxic norms and violence. The problem of cyber violence and online abuse is the greatest challenge the Internet f...

Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram (to name a few) are social media sites that have become the voice of our generation. These Internet platforms are tools used to discover who we are, to connect with each other and think globally, but these can also become spaces that perpetuate toxic norms and violence. The problem of cyber violence and online abuse is the greatest challenge the Internet f...

Off highway vehicles (OHV) pose a unique challenge to our watershed when balancing land use for recreation, tourism, and the environment. OHVs can be an exciting way for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy public land. However, irresponsible OHV activity can upset the delicate balance of natural areas through lasting damage to the landscape including: soil compaction, contamination, and erosion; loss of...

Off highway vehicles (OHV) pose a unique challenge to our watershed when balancing land use for recreation, tourism, and the environment. OHVs can be an exciting way for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy public land. However, irresponsible OHV activity can upset the delicate balance of natural areas through lasting damage to the landscape including: soil compaction, contamination, and erosion; loss of...

Since the dramatic election results of May 5th swept the NDP into power after the 44-year long reign of the Progressive Conservative Party, there have been a multitude of changes in the government and in Alberta. The NDP brought in political financing changes, announced the protection of the Castle area, and restored funding to education and health, among many other things. But for some, who have...