Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Friday afternoons in a southern Alberta classroom, youth may be learning how to keep their troubles in check. Leaning over chess boards at the ULethbridge, teens and young adults who are at-risk or have been convicted of various crimes are taught to think, think again, then think some more as they move their pawns, kings, queens and rooks across 64 black and white spaces. The founder of Chess for Life says the program helps them learn how to accomplish short-term goals, like completing community service hours, following a curfew and staying out of trouble. In 2018, Alberta Justice approved a request to make Chess for Life an official referral program for probation officers to recommend for young offenders sentenced to community service. Since then, participants have gone on to secure full-time jobs, enrol in post-secondary education and rekindle broken relationships. The speakers will recount how that came about and argue there is a lot of opportunity to think about chess in ways that go beyond the board itself and expanding the program to correctional facilities across Alberta has been beneficial. Presenters in order of appearance: Dr. Lance Grigg: introduction and brief history of Chess for Life at University of Lethbridge, Joel Fortier (senior undergraduate student at U of L): Overview of Chess for Life sessions on campus and the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, Jade Oldfield (doctoral student in Neuroscience):current research project on the impact of Chess for Life on executive functions, program expansion opportunities across Alberta.

When we think about how storytelling shapes our understanding of community, we often turn to historians, musicians, and other public commentators to help us make sense of our shared narrative. However, the role of policymakers and journalists in shaping this understanding is often overlooked.  This presentation explores how two key institutions—the Lethbridge Herald and Lethbridge City Council—have shaped public discourse about local homelessness. The speaker will explore how their framing of this issue has influenced the community's ability to respond. Speaker: Yale D. Belanger, Ph.D.  Dr. Yale Belanger is Professor of Political Science at the University of Lethbridge, and Member of the Royal Society of Canada, College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists (2017-2024). He has written numerous articles, book chapters, and reports about housing and homelessness.

Sustainable practices, by definition, seek to maintain the same, whereas regenerative practices recognize that natural systems are currently impacted and it applies management techniques to restore the system to improved productivity. Regenerative and sustainable actions can use essentially the same practices, the difference is the application and the management of those tools. Farmers are faced with skyrocketing input costs, declining product efficiency and industry pressure to implement sustainable and regenerative practices. The speaker will argue that revolutionary biological products have the ability to increase input efficiency, reduce reliance on chemical products, restore soil health and enable farmers to produce higher quality crops, sustainably. Speaker: Joshua Day Chief Joshua Day Chief is Chief Executive Officer of AdvancedAg (AAG). Since 2013, he has propelled the company's growth through groundbreaking research projects that have helped redefine biological technology in the agriculture industry. Collaborating closely with dealers, suppliers, and end-users, Joshua addresses soil and water remediation with a collaborative team approach, positioning AAG as a global leader in sustainable agricultural solutions. Joshua advocates for a future where Canadian agriculture thrives sustainably. As a visionary leader, environmental advocate, and community builder, Joshua is steering AdvancedAg towards a future where innovative solutions coexist with the principles of sustainability. An unwavering advocate for environmental stewardship, Joshua's leadership extends beyond AAG. Recognized with the Honouring Excellence – Rising Star Award in 2020 by Lethbridge College, Joshua was later elected to serve on the Lethbridge College Board of Governors, contributing to the development of future leaders. In 2018, he received the Alumni Achievement Award from the Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Corporation, solidifying his commitment to advancing environmental technologies.

There is significant interest in establishing metallurgical coal mining operations throughout the eastern slopes of Alberta. The areas residing within the Oldman watershed are no exception. Currently, there are four companies exploring potential mining operations in the region. All of the currently proposed coal mines are open-pit “mountain top removal” mines and are located in the Crowsnest Pass area. Coal mining exploration is also happening along the Livingstone Range and in the Bighorn area west of Red Deer. On May 15, 2020, the Government of Alberta announced it was rescinding the long-standing provincial Coal Policy, which was implemented by the Peter Lougheed Government in 1976. Since then, Crown coal rights have been sold on land where coal mining was previously not considered, in order to protect the watershed and wildlife. On March 4, 2022, the Government of Alberta announced restrictions on coal development in the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies. The restrictions on new development will be in place until directions on coal activities are incorporated into updated regional land-use plans. On January 15, 2025 Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean wrote to AER that he had decided to cancel three previous ministerial orders from 2021 and 2022 to reduce regulatory confusion. The letter went on to say that the AER must lift the suspension on all coal project approvals that were put on hold under the rescinded orders. Expiry dates for the approvals would also be extended to account for the time they were suspended, the letter states. Panel members: Chris Spearman, Agri Food Processing, Mandy Olsgard, toxicologist, Gavin Fitch, Environmental Lawyer, Elliot Fox, Kainai First Nation (Blood Tribe)  

Neighbourhood connections are the foundation of a resilient city. They enhance safety, well-being, and local engagement, strengthening Lethbridge as a whole. This session explores why these connections matter, insights from the Neighbourhood Engagement Project, and the role of neighbourhood associations—like the League of YQL Neighbourhoods—in fostering community. Beyond discussion, this is a call to action: whether by engaging with neighbours, supporting local initiatives, or simply being a friendly presence, small efforts make a big impact. Let's build stronger communities together. Speaker: Jerry Firth, Community Development Officer Jerry Firth is a co-founder and the Chair of the League of YQL Neighbourhoods and the Lethbridge Uplands Neighbourhood Association. He previously worked as the Neighbourhood Development Coordinator for the City of Lethbridge, fostering his passion for connecting neighbours. Jerry now works as a Community Development Officer with the Community Engagement Branch of Alberta Arts, Culture and Status of Women, supporting the non-profit sector and is the President of the Rotary Club of Lethbridge Mosaic. He holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary. Jerry enjoys dad jokes and is a street-performing mime known as “Rufus”. He is married to Tammy and has two children, Addy and Caydence. Family and community are at the heart of everything Jerry does.

Canada has experienced a disruptive start to 2025, with PM Justin Trudeau stepping down as Liberal leader, prompting a leadership campaign and a prorogued parliament . With a federal election looming, Canadians, among other problems, are facing affordability issues and to top it off, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 25-percent tariffs on a wide range of imports from Canada and 10-percent tariffs on oil and gas. Those US tariffs were set to begin Feb 4, but have been delayed by at least 30 days as the countries work together on border security and trade imbalance. However, for many Canadians, the potential for a trade war between two longtime allies continues to fuel anger, despair and confusion over what may be coming next. The speaker will try to make sense of it all, while analyzing the response from governments and political leaders including Liberal leadership contenders. Speaker: Shannon Phillips Shannon brings over two decades of experience in public policy, governance, and leadership in energy and the environment to her role as a partner at Meredith Boessenkool & Phillips. Her experience includes serving as the Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office in Rachel Notley's government, where she was responsible for climate policy, conservation expansion, and Indigenous reconciliation efforts. She also established Alberta's first standalone Ministry for the Status of Women. From 2015-19, Shannon was the driving force behind Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan. Phillips led the coal phase-out, renewable energy expansion, and energy efficiency programs that boosted Alberta's GDP and created jobs across the province. Shannon also represented Alberta on the national and international stage, including leading delegations to UN climate conferences in Paris and Marrakech. Phillips won three elections as a progressive woman candidate in Southern Alberta – an accomplishment most would have dismissed as far-fetched just a decade ago. She is an experienced and successful campaigner, organizer and grassroots leader. She continues to focus on mentorship and training of a new generation of activists and candidates. Shannon is a strong communicator in both of Canada's official languages, a skill that serves her well in her extensive policy and advocacy work on the national and international stage. Deeply committed to her community, Shannon continues to strengthen her relationship with the Blackfoot people of southern Alberta and is a Blackfoot Headdress holder and recipient of a Blackfoot name. In addition to her work in the community, Shannon serves as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Department of Political Science at the University of Lethbridge and was recognized as a YWCA Woman of Distinction in 2017. Shannon enjoys spending time with her two sons outdoors, particularly in the Canadian Rockies.

Since 2017, the Secure Your Food Program (SYF) has known that food prices will rise due to systemic issues. Other contributing factors such as history, war, climate change, etc., will also keep prices elevated for the foreseeable future. SYF can confidently summarize for you and your family why this is happening and why it's important to prepare during these volatile times. SYF works at all levels of society to improve food security. Food security is your access to nutritious foods to support healthy living. SYF employs sustainable and mitigative food security solutions for individuals, families, large groups, and municipalities. The Secure Your Food Program is consulted on growing projects, designs food systems, advises on food initiatives, collaborates with local groups, advocates for vulnerable populations, and participates in academic and community research, all focused on food. Due to its wide range of activities and sought after solutions, the Secure Your Food program is transitioning to a Not-for-Profit society in 2025. The program was so successful that it has grown from a plan to a myriad of options to increase food security. Speaker: Derek Melting Tallow, Program Director of Secure Your Food (SYF) Program. Derek Melting Tallow grew up in Raymond and is ½ Blood, ¼ Shoshone, and ¼ Navajo First Nations. Derek graduated from Raymond High School and then attended the University of Lethbridge (BA - 2010) and developed an interest in public health and disaster management. Derek completed his Social Work Diploma (2017) at Mount Royal University and is a regular presenter at the IFW's Joint World Congress on social work, social policy, and education. The presenting topic is social work and disaster management, of which Secure Your Food (SYF) was created using these perspectives. Secure Your Food was created as a sample program to address food insecurity while Derek performed his final social work practicum at the City of Lethbridge's Community Social Development.

Recently, Mayor Hyggen presented his annual State of the City address for the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and he highlighted our rapid population growth and the challenges and opportunities. What are our current needs? What do we foresee in the near future and beyond? How do we pay for it? Who should pay for it? The speaker will talk about the issues, costs, priorities and realities. Speaker: Blaine Hyggen, Mayor of Lethbridge Blaine Hyggen was first elected to City Council in 2013 and was elected Mayor in 2021. He has owned and operated various businesses throughout the community for the past 28 years. He studied Business Law and Accounting at Lethbridge Community College. Some of Blaine's past and current volunteer experience includes: School Councils, Lethbridge Figure Skating Club, Lethbridge Volleyball Association, Lethbridge Oldtimers Sports Association and The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club, to name a few. Blaine's family is his number one priority. His wife Jennifer is a Registered Nurse and they have two daughters: Jayden and Jelayna. Blaine enjoys attending local theatre and staying active by running, biking and playing hockey. As a proud parent and successful business owner, Blaine loves Lethbridge and wants to see it remain the best city for families while ensuring it is a great place to do business.

Overwhelmed hospitals. Overcrowded schools. Threats from Donald Trump. Coal mines that could contaminate our water supply. If all that wasn't enough for Albertans to worry about, Alberta wages and living standards are also falling. Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan will explain what's behind the disappearance of the Alberta Advantage – and what we can do about it. Speaker: Gil McGowan Gil McGowan is a passionate labour leader, advocate for workers' rights, and dedicated champion of social and economic justice. Since 2005, he has served as the president of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL), Alberta's largest labor organization, representing more than 175,000 unionized workers from diverse industries across the province. Under McGowan's leadership, the AFL has been a powerful voice for workers, spearheading campaigns to improve workplace safety, secure fair wages, and protect public services. His leadership has been pivotal during times of economic and political change in Alberta, particularly in advocating for workers affected by the province's shifting energy and economic landscapes. With decades of experience in labor activism, McGowan continues to inspire and lead efforts to build a more equitable and inclusive Alberta, ensuring that workers have a strong voice in shaping the province's future.

Community television programming is considered an important source for information and provides a reflection of local realities that few other television services currently showcase. All programming on Rogers TV must be “Community Programming”, which is defined by CRTC regulations as programming that refers directly to the community, which could be defined as the station's contours, broadcasting distribution undertakings service area, municipality, census metropolitan area or census agglomeration; and is produced by the personnel of the local station, independent local producers or members of the community for the local station. The CRTC oversees broadcasters and television service providers and has determined that the role of the community channel should be primarily of a public service nature, facilitating self-expression through free and open access by members of the community. The speaker will delve into more of the details, but among other policy goals, the Community Television Policy states that the community channel should engender a high level of citizen participation and community involvement in community programming and provide a reasonable, balanced opportunity for the expression of differing views on matters of public concern. Speaker: Ryan Cradduck Ryan is an experienced producer with a demonstrated history of working in the telecommunications and retail industries. Skilled in Management, Customer Service, Voiceovers, Creativity Skills, and Knowledge Sharing. Strong arts and design professional with a Diploma focused in Broadcast Journalism from Lethbridge College.

Lethbridge Polytechnics's Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR) has been embracing Klose's (2024) re-definition of evidence-based policing approach that entails decision-making, “which integrates the best available evidence, professional judgement and community values, preferences and circumstances”. CPSAR currently supports over 14 different research projects, 15 researchers, 14 student researchers that involve meaningful collaborations with over 28 Canadian policing, public safety, academic, and community partners across five provinces. We hope to share the benefits and potential of using “research-informed, practitioner-centred, and community-oriented” (Klose, 2024) evidence-based policing practices overall. We will share the research questions, objectives, methods, and initial data collected and analyzed for a 3-year project based in Lethbridge, which is currently SSHRC/NSERC funded (Community Integration Through Art – Pissatsinaskssini), that has emerged from this redefinition of evidence-based approaches in public safety in Canada. Findings regarding policing, community, and academic partnerships will be shared including current trends, challenges, and opportunities shared by police services. These findings have served to inform current research projects, collaborations, and grant applications. Key findings from our CITAP project, which aims to reduce recidivism and facilitate reconciliation, will be shared about our priority population, including their self-reported preferences and input from service providers on the social-recreational gatherings we are implementing. Practically, we aim to show how co-created, multi-disciplinary, research-informed applied research projects that reflect community values and circumstances can result in meaningful societal benefits. Speakers: Dr. Kirsten Fantazir, President's Applied Research Chair in Public Safety and Dr. Jami Albright-Tolman, Principle Investigator, Researcher and Faculty, Lethbridge Polytechnic Dr. Kirsten Fantazir is an experienced instructor, curriculum developer, researcher, chair, graduate supervisor and mentor at Lethbridge Polytechnic. Kirsten is currently researching the re-integration of marginalized populations through art, technology-facilitated gender-based violence in youth, and authentically assessing police applicants through virtual reality. In 2022, she was named the first President's Applied Research Chair in Public Safety. Kirsten has since led the Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR) which is supported by faculty researchers and student research assistants who currently oversee numerous applied research projects with public safety, community, technology, and academic partners. Dr. Albright-Tolman is an instructor and researcher at Lethbridge Polytechnic in Lethbridge, Alberta. Her research focuses on enhancing public safety by improving social determinants of health in marginalized populations. Currently, she is researching the re-integration of marginalized populations through art and addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence in youth. She has also designed, implemented, and evaluated an online gambling harm reduction program for offenders called Hedge Your Bets.

Our human body comprises 20,000 different essential proteins, each made up of a unique sequence of amino acids, unique in length, composition and three-dimensional structure. If our genome, or epigenome, fails to nourish us with one or more of our own proteins, say insulin, to whom do we turn in order to acquire such essential biomedical proteins or biologics? If our industries require biocatalysts like food processing enzymes or biomaterial proteins such as silk, how easily could our Prairies produce such otherwise expensive and exclusive proteins? Plant Protein farming is developing green sustainable technology to lower the production costs and simplify purification processes to enable cereals like barley and rice to supply recombinant proteins on a global scale. Dry Phission technology tethers or “paints” specific proteins onto the surface of starch granules in seeds. From harvested grain the starch granules are isolated by milling and air-classification allowing for dry gas liberation and collection of the pharmed protein. Speaker: Illimar Altosaar Illimar is Founder and CEO of Proteins Easy Corp. He has been working with cereal genetic engineering and plant proteins at Macdonald College, the Quebec Provincial Seed Farm, the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa and the Plant Breeding Institute in Cambridge. He has been innovating the molecular expression mechanisms and functional properties of proteins in genome-engineered plants. His diverse experience in genomics and biotechnology led him to envision PEC's protein purification technology using dry flour streaming and dry fractionation. Illimar was first to integrate a useful agronomic gene into the genome of the world's number one cereal crop, rice. A strong believer in the potential of molecular farming, he is revolutionizing the production of commercial proteins. Current knowledge of genomics and protein production in rice is developing genome-engineered rice lines with high yields of Synthetic Spider Dragline Silk for athleisure textile applications.

What is the difference between a college and a polytechnic and how long has this change been in the works? How much will this change cost and will it change the funding the institution receives from the Government of Alberta? Other changes at Lethbridge Polytechnic will be addressed by the speaker - among them, what does it mean for applied research and will programs be modified from present teaching methods? For example, will more programs be compatible - and or transferable with the University of Lethbridge? Lethbridge Polytechnic is about to release its new Strategic Framework – The Road Ahead – which will also be discussed Speaker: Dr. Brad Donaldson Dr. Brad Donaldson was named Lethbridge Polytechnic's ninth president and chief executive officer (CEO) in August 2022. With more than 19 years of senior leadership experience in Alberta's post-secondary system, he specializes in shaping organizational strategies, fostering learning cultures and driving innovation through systems thinking. His work is supported by ongoing research in these areas, keeping him at the forefront of educational leadership. Donaldson's career in post-secondary began at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) where he served as dean of the School of Manufacturing and Automation before moving to Red Deer Polytechnic, where he spent four years as vice-president – academic. He then returned to SAIT as vice-president – academic, a role he held for six years before joining Lethbridge Polytechnic. He has served on numerous academic and business committees and boards provincially, nationally and internationally. Donaldson is a current member of the Saskatchewan Higher Education Quality Assurance Board and has held positions with the Senior Academic Officers and Provosts Committee in Alberta, Alberta Association in Higher Education for Information Technology Committee, and the Chair Academy, a leadership development organization. Prior to moving to academic leadership, Donaldson spent more than 20 years working in engineering and in senior leadership roles in the global manufacturing sector, enabling organizational transformation and responsiveness. His focus was on meeting the needs of those served through effective systems and engaged and enabled workforces. Donaldson holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary, a Master of Engineering focusing on workplace design, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering, both from the University of Toronto. At Lethbridge Polytechnic, Donaldson looks to continue developing the institution's many strengths in student success and community support, enabling the polytechnic's ongoing contribution to future prosperity.

This talk will focus on who voted and why. It will dispel several interpretations of the outcome. It concludes that the election is best seen as a reflection of a crisis facing the American political and party systems. Speaker: Trevor Harrison Trevor W. Harrison is a retired professor of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge. He was formerly Director of Parkland Institute (2011-2021) and a member of both the Canadian political science and sociology associations. He is best known for his studies in political sociology, political economy, and public policy. He is the author, co-author, or co-editor of twelve books, including the recently published Tales This Side of the Elysian Fields. He is a frequent and well-known contributor to public media, including radio and television.

Nothing is more important to Albertans than our kids, but too many are struggling. Teachers and parents both know our schools don't have the support kids need. Alberta's per-student spending on education is the lowest in the country. Teachers are leaving the profession, kids are falling behind, and parents are worried. We can make things better, by investing in smaller classes, more support in classrooms, and manageable workloads to be able to recruit, retain, and respect professionals in public education. Speakers: Kevin McBeath, Danielle Gareau and Derek Resler. Kevin started teaching social studies at Winston Churchill High School in 2003, and has never stopped. Outside of the classroom he coaches basketball, coordinates the Interact Club at WCHS, and serves as the Political Engagement Officer for ATA Local 41. When he's not working, Kevin spends his time with his wife and four children. Danielle is a teacher at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (LCI), where she teaches French immersion social studies, science, and legal studies. After graduating from Simon Fraser University, she began her teaching career in British Columbia before settling in Lethbridge seven years ago with her husband and children. In addition to her teaching role, Danielle runs the D&D club at LCI and serves as the Lethbridge ATA Local treasurer, where she also contributes to the political engagement, communications, and teacher welfare committees. Derek has been a teacher in the Lethbridge School Division for 25 years, teaching in several schools as both a classroom teacher and learning support teacher, and is currently teaching Shop at Wilson Middle School. As well, Derek has been the President of the ATA Local 41, Lethbridge Public Schools, for the past 10 years.

There has been a recent spike in downtown fires. The speaker will discuss why fire prevention is essential, how we can minimize fire risks and hazards, and the importance of regular checks and maintenance. Speaker: Troy Hicks, Chief Fire Marshal, Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services Mr Hicks has been with the Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services Fire Prevention Bureau for 13 years and has been the Chief Fire Marshal since Feb of 2024. Originally from N.B. he has been in the fire service for 21 years, military fire fighter for 8 years, and with Lethbridge for 13. He is married with a 24-year-old son.

Parents today likely won't be surprised to know their children have far less freedom to travel in their neighbourhoods than they did. But what they might not know is how that could affect their children's physical activity and mental health. Most children and adolescents worldwide are not active enough to obtain optimal benefits for health and development. Among the many factors associated with physical activity, children's independent mobility (CIM), which is their freedom to roam and explore their neighbourhood without adult supervision, is gaining increasing attention. CIM has declined over the past 50 years in many countries at the same time as mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and suicide among children and adolescents increased. In his previous research, the speaker found that children with greater CIM are more active. More recently, he explored how CIM related to parent-perceived child distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. When CIM was assessed as how far children could travel without adult supervision (home range), he observed that children with the highest home range had 39 per cent lower odds of having elevated distress. This is a notable difference given that just over half of the children met the threshold for elevated distress at the beginning of the study (December 2020). The results suggest that supporting CIM may be a no-cost, equitable approach to promote physical activity and support child development and mental health. The speaker also investigated the factors associated with CIM at the beginning of the study and these results support the old adage that “it takes a village to raise a child”… Speaker: Dr. Richard Larouche Dr. Richard Larouche is an Associate Professor of Public Health at the U of L where he serves as the director of the Physical Activity, Transport & Health (PATH) Research Group. Dr. Larouche is committed to assisting students develop understanding of key concepts and issues in population health, health promotion and research methods. He encourages his students to develop an ethos of evidence-based practice and a desire to engage in knowledge translation activities to bridge the gap between research and practice. In 2020, Dr. Larouche was nominated as Board of Governors Research Chair in Children's Physical Activity. His research is focused on physical activity from a population health perspective, with a particular interest in active transportation, independent mobility, and outdoor play. He has published his first book, Children's Active Transportation, in 2018 and has contributed to the development of the Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play – a document which has inspired many to encourage children to be active outdoors. He is currently leading an international study focusing on physical activity among children and adolescents.

The Wilson Hutterite Colony has been in existence in its present location since 1918 when the original settlers arrived from North Dakota. Originally they came from Europe where people in parts of Austria speak a language similar to theirs even now. Today there are 128 people residing on the colony, located south of Coaldale. The successful farming operation includes livestock and poultry production as well as beautifully crafted goods for colony use sold both locally and even internationally. Some of their products include broiler chickens, fertile eggs and dairy milk. They manufacture custom made western saddles, saddle pads, chaps, gloves, handmade shoes and boots for men as well as furniture, kitchen cabinets, grandfather clocks. From the wool of their Merino sheep they made in-soles. Our presenters will discuss life on the Colony as well as the farming operation and variety of agricultural-based industries. This presentation will be a panel format and out of respect for our speakers, please do not take photos at this session. Speaker: Paul Wurz Paul Wurz has been financial and supervising manager of the Wilson Hutterite Colony for 8 years. He was born in the colony and held the positions of carpenter and shepherd before becoming manager. He and his wife have seven children, six girls and a boy.

logans and populism cliches can become dangerously powerful when not critically examined. Does their persistence, despite lack of merit, speak to their utility for some dominant power? Two examples are: ” There is no such thing as society.” and “The government has no money of its own.” The speaker will explore these examples on their own lack of merit, while touching more broadly on human responsibility for our world today and tomorrow. Speaker: James Moore James Moore has been an instructor in Justice Studies at Lethbridge College, a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant, and a contributing writer to the Manitoba Keewaitinowi Okimakanak . He is a self-motivated philosopher with interest in the possibilities of positive social change.

The argumentative exchange of reasons is often seen as the most equality-affirming, respectful way in which parties can engage with each other's minds. But for argumentation to fulfill this promise, we often have to invest extra effort. One of the places where such extra effort may be required is when we try to understand the reasons that the person we are arguing with is trying to communicate to us. This can be difficult, especially when they are not very good speakers, or when we strongly disagree with their worldview. To capture this, we often say that arguing requires us to interpret the other charitably. But what does that mean? And is charity always helpful, or can it even be harmful to the person we are trying to understand? In this talk, we will explore all the ways that charity can go wrong … and what is required for it to go right. Speaker: Dr. Katharina Stevens Katharina Stevens has worked in the Ethics of Argument for seven years. She is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Lethbridge, where she holds a Board of Governors Research Chair on the Ethics of Argumentation. She is also a co-editor of the Argumentation journal Informal Logic. She is developing a non-ideal role-ethics for argumentation and a textbook on ethical arguing and has published in virtues of argumentation and the role of adversariality in argument.

The speaker, a game warden with 38 years of experience in Alberta, will share stories about his work in protecting the region's fish and wildlife. He will highlight the delicate balance between humans and nature, the diverse wildlife in Alberta, and the challenges faced by conservation efforts. This presentation will showcase the dedication required to safeguard these natural resources and provide insight into the tireless work of individuals committed to conservation. Speaker: Jim Mitchell Jim Mitchell is a retired Alberta Fish and Wildlife Officer, commonly known around the world as a Game Warden. Jim retired in Lethbridge, 2019 after 38 plus years of dedicated service for the Alberta Government. After retiring, he worked at the Lethbridge College for three years, instructing Conservation Enforcement classes he had taken at the college 40 years prior.. Jim was stationed in 5 different districts throughout the province, finishing his career as the Superintendent for Southern Alberta, in Lethbridge. During Jim's career he was a Predator Response specialist, Firearms Instructor and a Surveillance Team member for Justice and Solicitor General, along with all his other duties as a district officer. Jim is married to his wife Joyanne, who retired the same date from the Advancement section at Lethbridge College and their daughter Kaitlyn, who is an educator in Calgary. Jim enjoys travelling, hikes in the mountains, fishing and staying busy on their 3 acres on Glen Lake, near Eureka Montana. After retiring, Jim spent 5 years writing a book, Alberta Game Warden - Behind the Batch of 172 which contains 34 short true stories housed within 8 chapters about his often very exciting and challenging career as an Alberta Game Warden. In his book he talks about his role in Conservation and stories involving all aspects of his career.

Albertans are no strangers to disruptive restructuring of our health care system. Decades of austerity have left us with reduced services, creeping privatization, and worse care conditions. None of this, however, can fully prepare us for the harm that may be caused by the provincial government's ongoing dismantling of Alberta Health Services (AHS). Danielle Smith's government is undertaking a massive restructuring of health care delivery. As the government continues to roll out their plan, it has become increasingly clear that this isn't actually about improving patient care or local input, but arguably, a systematic overhaul designed to benefit the profits of the government's private sector friends. The speaker will argue we do not have to succumb to this ploy. As we begin to better understand what this restructuring will mean for our health care, it's on us to stop the destruction and push for better. One of the most powerful responses we have is to work together and establish certainty amidst the chaos. We CAN rebuild our public health care system. There are solutions to our challenges if we choose to build the collective power to make them happen. Speaker: Chris Gallaway Chris Gallaway (he/him) is an experienced community organizer and advocate for public health care. Born and raised on a farm in rural Saskatchewan, he has since spent most of his adult life living on Treaty 6 territory, first in Saskatoon, and for the last decade living in Edmonton. His past experience includes working for the Alberta Federation of Labour, in three provincial legislative assemblies, and for a variety of non-profit and community organizations. Outside of work Chris is an active volunteer and community member engaged in social justice and the arts.

YWCA Lethbridge & District has been rooted in Lethbridge for 75 years, continuously adapting to the needs of the community. In 2024, the organization continues to play a crucial role in addressing the escalating social and economic challenges faced by vulnerable women, children, and youth. With rising housing and rental costs, many families are unable to secure affordable, stable housing, driving them to YWCA services. The rising cost of living further deepens financial instability, leaving individuals at greater risk of homelessness and domestic violence. In the face of many challenges, including an ever-evolving political landscape, the YWCA remains one of the few organizations offering comprehensive, gender-focused services that address the intersectional nature of these complex issues. The speaker will discuss how the organization is navigating these current challenges, preparing for the future, and YWCA staff members will share first-hand experiences about the organization's evolution and the direct impact its services have on individuals' lives. Speaker: Jill Young Jill Young is an innovative leader with a diverse background that spans the non-profit sector as well as sports, science, and the entertainment industry. Joining YWCA in 2022, her career is distinguished by the seamless integration of her experiences across these various sectors, all driven by a commitment to community empowerment and engagement. As the CEO of the YWCA, Jill leverages this wealth of experience to drive impactful change. Jill is particularly passionate about addressing issues related to domestic & gender-based violence, homelessness, and social inequality. With over 20 years in management and leadership positions, she can be characterized by a collaborative approach, ensuring that after 75 years in Lethbridge, the YWCA remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community.

There's a whole new vehicle technology out there - electric vehicles. When you're in the market for a new or new-to-you vehicle a question arises. Is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) right for you? This presentation looks at the pluses and minuses of fully electric vehicles. Amid the flood of information and disinformation out there, we'll pick out some of the more important things you need to know about BEVs. Speaker: Tom Moffat Tom Moffat is a retired Information Technology Manager, where he spent lots of time investigating new technologies. Prior to landing in the computer field, he worked in a large variety of industries, including oil and gas, mining and tax assessing for the Canada Revenue Agency. Since retiring, he's been following his passions, such as novel writing, presenting concerts with the Lethbridge Folk Club, travel, and exploring the new world of electric vehicles.

The speaker will present the latest strategies for reducing methane emissions in cattle, focusing on how advancements in rumen microbiome research and optimized nutrition can lower environmental impact. He will highlight new data and technologies that improve feed efficiency and sustainability in cattle production. Speaker: Dr. Tim McAllister, Lethbridge Research and Development Research Centre Dr. Tim McAllister is a Principal Research Scientist at AAFC's Lethbridge Research Centre. His research focuses on microbiology, nutrition and beef production and on food and environmental safety issues related to livestock production, strategies for mitigation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, prion inactivation within the environment, antimicrobial resistance in bacteria in feedlots and investigating the discovery and characterization of fibrolytic enzymes from rumen microbes. He also has extensive research experience in GHG emissions within animals from manure and the impact of manure handling procedures, such as composting, on emissions. He is the author or co-author of over 950 peer-reviewed scientific papers and 90 reviews, as well as over 1200+ abstracts and conference proceedings.

A continued focus on strengthening research partnerships and strong performance in federal grant agency support sees ULethbridge among Canada's Top 50 Research Universities spurred by a second-place ranking amongst all undergraduate universities in the growth of research income as it relates to industry partnerships. The partnerships forged in recent years highlight the fact that ULethbridge researchers are helping solve important issues facing small and big businesses, industrial partners, agri-food, tech and many other sectors. ULethbridge have long excelled in fundamental research, something that continues to earn strong support from federal granting partners, and more recently have garnered the attention of valuable partners who recognize researchers have answers to issues they need addressed. The speaker will define the flow of different research funding streams at ULethbridge and argue for the importance of collaboration between post-secondary institutions, governments and businesses. Speaker: Dr. Dena McMartin Dr Dena McMartin is the Vice President (Research) at the University of Lethbridge. She is a leading researcher focused on rural, agricultural, and industrial water resources management and treatment, as well as impacts of freshwater climate extremes on communities and economies. Dena joined ULethbridge in 2021, having previously served in academic leadership and faculty roles at both University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina.

For the past several months, Kathleen Ganley, Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse, Sarah Hoffman and Naheed Nenshi have been battling it out to see who will replace Rachel Notley as leader of Alberta's NDP. Each leadership candidate faced an entrance fee of $60,000 and a spending limit of $500,000. Initially, David Shepherd registered his candidacy early, but did not pursue it further. Rakhi Pancholi also announced her candidacy early, but withdrew from the leadership race shortly after Naheed Nenshi entered the race. She then endorsed Nenshi. Gil McGowan also announced his candidacy later in the campaign, but withdrew for financial reasons. Our speaker will elaborate on the leadership campaign and speculate on the influence, power and support from within, the new Alberta NDP leader will be able to muster. Speaker: Dr. Duane Bratt Duane Bratt is a political science Professor in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University (Calgary, Alberta). He teaches in the area of international relations and Canadian public policy. His research interests include Canadian nuclear policy, Canadian foreign policy, and Alberta politics. Recent publications include: co-editor of Blue Storm: The Rise and Fall of Jason Kenney (University of Calgary Press, 2023), co-editor, Orange Chinook: Politics in the New Alberta (University of Calgary Press, 2019), co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy: Classic Debates and New Ideas 3rd edition (Oxford University Press, 2015) and author of Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen's University Press, 2012). Current projects include a book on the politics of covid in Alberta. Duane is also a regular commentator on political events.

The speaker will share his views on Bill 18, which deals with a potential limitation of municipal-federal agreements - an overview of the bill, its intentions, and the potential impacts on municipal autonomy, operations and how this bill could redefine the relationship between municipalities and the federal government, and what this can mean for local governance and decision-making. Regarding Bill 20, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, the speaker will examine the amendments proposed in this bill, their significance for municipal administration and highlight key changes. He will discuss how these amendments are designed to improve municipal governance, accountability, and service delivery. How are these legislative changes expected to affect the Town of Coaldale? The speaker will analyze the potential challenges and opportunities that comes with adapting to new legislative frameworks. Insights on the steps Coaldale is taking to navigate these changes effectively will be given and from a local governance perspective the broader implications of Bills 18 and 20 will be discussed. Speaker: Jack Van Rijn, Mayor of Coaldale Jack Van Rijn was born in Taber, Alberta, and grew up on a family farm in the Readymade area before moving to Coaldale in 1966. As the youngest of 18 children and the only one born in Canada, Jack has made Coaldale his lifelong home, where he raised his three children: Jack has dedicated over 40 years to volunteering with various organizations to enhance the quality of life in Coaldale. He firmly believes in the importance of giving back to the community and making a real difference. Jack is the former co-owner of Van Rijn Electric, a business he successfully ran with his brother Hank for over 35 years. He believes Coaldale is an ideal place to grow a business and has been an active promoter of local businesses through his involvement with the Chamber of Commerce for the past 38 years, currently serving as Vice President. Jack's volunteerism is extensive. He served as an active firefighter for 33 years, including 21 as Deputy Fire Chief, and worked as a Paramedic for Coaldale & District Emergency Services for 27 years. His contributions to the Kinsmen Club of Coaldale over 37 years have helped raise over $3 million for local projects, such as the Coaldale Community Centre, Kin Picnic Shelter, Skateboard Park, Spray Park, Cottonwood Estates Kinship Park, Eastview Park Revitalization, Mountain Bike Park, and he is currently chairing the new $1.2 million all-wheel skate park. Jack served on the Coaldale Town Council from 2013 to 2017, bringing his commitment and passion for the community to the forefront of local governance. In 2021, he was elected Mayor of Coaldale, a role in which he continues to serve with dedication and enthusiasm.

The sense of isolation that Antarctica brings is achieved in part thanks to an international collaboration and treaty that sees Antarctica as an unowned land, open to science and discovery. It is closely and collectively monitored by protocols that visiting parties agree to follow and therefore, it's a perfect stage for programs focused on leadership and sustainability. Our speaker, who will account her experience, did her homework, and then some, before embarking on her 19-night tour of Antarctica as part of the Homeward Bound global leadership initiative for women with a background in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM). And yet no amount of preparation could rival the experience of interacting with the beauty and remoteness that is the world's fifth-largest and least-populated continent. Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Copeland Jennifer Copeland is an Associate Dean in the Faculty of Arts and Science and a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. She completed a B.Sc. in Biology at Mount Allison University and attended graduate school at the University of New Brunswick where she earned a M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology. Copeland's research interests focus on the effect of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on health across the lifespan, with a particular focus on healthy aging. Her doctoral research focused on exercise physiology and she now uses a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to explore both the consequences and determinants of our daily movement behaviours. A major goal of Dr. Copeland's program is knowledge translation and she engages regularly in research collaborations with community partners and stakeholders. Her laboratory, the Active Healthy Aging Lab, has received funding from CIHR, CFI, PolicyWise for Children and Families, the Sport Science Association of Alberta, and other agencies.

The session will address the history of CPP, who governs CPP, relationship to QPP, funding methodology for pensions, necessary changes to ensure viability in the 1990s, the unfunded liability, viability of the current plan, fiduciary responsibilities of decision makers, ownership of the assets, who gets the liability on separation, the UCP proposal, gaping holes in their promises, UCP's ability to manage the referendum, and finally serious questions for Albertans to ponder. Speaker: David Bruce Carpenter Chartered accountant, tax emphasis, FCA. Involved in private publishing, printing, real estate. Board Trustee Calloway REIT. Lethbridge City Councillor: 3 terms; additional five terms as Mayor of Lethbridge. Director, Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Vice-Chair, The Special Forces Pension Plan. Chair, WCB-Alberta. Director, Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada. Director, Alberta Capital Finance Authority. Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Committees as well as Official Administrator of Alberta Health Services. Alberta Human Rights Commission award for advances in native/non-native relations. Honoured with the Blackfoot name of Piita Poot-Ta (Flying Eagle). Alberta Venture Magazine (July 1998) honoree as one of the 50 most influential people in Alberta. Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel 20 Independent Field Battery and Honorary Colonel 18 Air Defence Regiment. Awarded four commemorative medals. Commendation by Secretary of State for contributions to Canadian citizenship. Senate sesquicentennial medal recognizing valuable service to the nation.

There is a wealth of evidence highlighting the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. This communication highway, facilitated by many pathways, forms the cornerstone of what we now recognize as the gut-brain axis. But why should we care about this intricate web of connections? The answer lies in the profound implications it holds for our overall health and wellness. Research has shown that disruptions in the delicate balance of the gut-brain axis can contribute to a wide array of health issues, ranging from gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to neurological conditions such as anxiety and depression. However, amidst the challenges lie immense opportunities. By understanding how the gut and brain communicate, we can optimize the functioning of this axis, paving the way for improved gut health, enhanced cognitive function, and greater overall well-being. Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Matisz Chelsea Matisz obtained a MSc in Parasitology at the University of Lethbridge, and her PhD in Gastrointestinal Sciences at the University of Calgary (2016). She is an NSERC postdoctoral scholar at the Canadian Center for Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge, where her research seeks to understand how gut health affects brain health and mental health. She has received national awards, including an Alice E Wilson Award from the Royal Society of Canada (2022), and L'Oreal Wilson Women in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Recently, the Alberta government announced an investment of over $200 million to train more physicians for rural areas, with a significant share of that money being invested at ULethbridge for a new rural medical education program training centre, one of two that will be established in the province. ULethbridge will be working with the University of Calgary on the centre here while the University of Alberta will partner with Northwestern Polytechnic to develop one in Grand Prairie. Capital funding of $43.2 million is being invested at ULethbridge. The speakers will detail the current state of health science education at ULethbridge, the vision for distributed medical education and different successful models that exist, the challenges involved in starting a medical education training centre, but also the many possible benefits to not only ULethbridge and Lethbridge but to rural Alberta and beyond. Speaker: Dr. Jon Doan Jon Doan is the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge. Jon completed his PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience at ULethbirdge in 2006 and started his faculty position in the Department of Kinesiology the year previous. Jon's teaching and research is in the area of biomechanics, with an interest in the intersection between context and movements in the workplace and the community. His work also looks at exercise as movement therapy for people living with Parkinson disease.

This talk will outline the brain bases of age-related dementia. Dementias can be reversed or avoided by modifying specific risk factors. Some are only available early in life, while others can be addressed in later years. A current understanding of the full range of risk factors, modifiable and non-modifiable, will be presented. Speaker: Dr. Rob Sutherland Rob Sutherland is Professor & Chair of Neuroscience, Tier 1 Board of Governors Research Chair in Neuroscience, Director of the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, and Director of the Hub for Neuroengineering Solutions. He was recently elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and was awarded the Donald O. Hebb Distinguished Contribution Award by the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour, and Cognitive Science. He has held faculty positions at the University of Lethbridge, University of New Mexico, University of Colorado Boulder, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Please join us for a session that cuts through the confusion surrounding hearing loss and cognitive health with info on: A clear breakdown of the links between hearing loss and cognitive decline. How your brain health could be affected by untreated hearing loss. Strategies to protect your hearing and minimize risks. How to identify misleading marketing and scare tactics being used in the hearing health industry. Speaker: Glenn Hole Glenn is a published researcher interested in psychoacoustics, hearing aid technology, tinnitus, and hyperacusis. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Audiology from Bristol University in the UK (2009), an Advanced Studies Certification in Tinnitus and Hyperacusis (2016), and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Audiology from Salus University (2020). Glenn is undertaking his Doctor of Audiology AuD degree course and will graduate in 2025. Outside work, Glenn enjoys fitness, music, hiking, camping, and spending time with his wife and three young children.

The latest data indicates a concerning increase in drug-related incidents and overdose deaths in Lethbridge. Over the past years, there has been a significant rise in the use of opioids and methamphetamines. The trend mirrors the provincial and national crisis but is exacerbated locally by socio-economic factors unique to Lethbridge. Sergeant Darroch will provide an updated overview of the ongoing drug crisis in Lethbridge. He will explore current trends, the community impact, response efforts, and propose directions for future intervention. Speaker: Sergeant Ryan Darroch Sgt. Ryan Darroch is with the Lethbridge Police Service Downtown Policing Unit. He is in 21st year of policing with Lethbridge Police Service with the bulk of his career being in a front line role. He has spent his first 5 years on the street in patrol division, then the Special Operations Unit which morphed into ALERT, patrol again, Intel Section and then into the Downtown Policing Unit in 2017 during the height of the drug crisis. In 2022, Darroch was moved into the Sergeant role of the Downtown Policing Unit where he currently works. His most important job in life is being a dad of two amazing young ladies and married to a fantastic lady.

In the opinion of the Supreme Court of Canada, the purpose of protecting freedom of expression is to enable “the pursuit of truth, participation in the community, and individual self-fulfillment and human flourishing.” However, expressive freedoms can be and have been subject to limits. Where these limits should be located, and for what purposes, is a matter of near constant debate. The speaker will provide an overview of existing arguments for and against limiting freedom of expression. Speaker: Dr. Susan Dieleman In 2023, Dr. Dieleman was named the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership and Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Lethbridge. Before coming to Lethbridge, she taught at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (2018-2023), the University of Saskatchewan (2015-2018) and Dalhousie University (2012-2015). Dr. Dieleman completed her PhD in Philosophy at York University (2011), an MA in Public Policy and Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University (2012), an MA in Philosophy at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (2005) and a BA (Hons) in Philosophy at Wilfrid Laurier University (2002).

Join us for an enlightening presentation by Apooyak'ii / Dr. Tiffany Hind Bull-Prete as she delves into crucial topics surrounding the Stolen Children Era. Discover the origins of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and gain insight into why the Calls to Action are relevant to all of us. This lecture is a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of these important issues. Speaker: Apooyak'ii/Dr. Tiffany Prete Apooyak'ii/Dr. Tiffany Prete (nee Hind Bull) is a member of the Kainai (Blood Tribe) of the Siksikasitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), located in the Treaty 7 area. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge. Her program of work consists of implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action on the Blood Reserve. Dr. Prete earned her bachelors of elementary education specializing in math and science, and completed her master of education and doctor of philosophy in education at the University of Alberta. She held both a Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Postdoctoral Fellowship, and was an inaugural recipient of the University of Calgary's Provost's postdoctoral award for Indigenous and Black scholars at the University of Calgary.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently a hot topic — some people tout it as the next best thing for increasing productivity and reducing costs while others are concerned robots will be replacing workers. Every day brings a new headline, and the average person may be left to wonder whether AI is a good or bad thing. The speaker will argue that AI is in the midst of a big transition. Companies are looking at how to innovate and deliver more value for shareholders, that is, make more money by automating everything. But that can backfire, as has happened with self-checkouts. Overall, AI is just a tool with benefits and drawbacks and the legal system hasn't caught up with the implications of AI, so it's unlikely it'll take over the world anytime soon. A house builder, for example, may find some AI tools helpful with certain aspects of the work, but humans are still needed to build the home. Until computers get much more powerful, it's going to be difficult to have AI analyze what people want and possibly transform our lives. Reality is, there's a lot of hype in AI right now and that hype probably overestimates what we can do with it. AI can certainly be a useful tool, but it doesn't replace what we can do as people, which is to come up with original ideas. The speaker will elaborate Speaker: Dr. Sidney Shapiro Dr. Shapiro is an Assistant Professor of Business Analytics at the Dhillon School of Business. With a decade of experience in data science, he specializes in integrating business intelligence, data engineering, and machine learning. Dr. Shapiro's academic focus includes teaching data analytics courses and conducting research in AI applications in business. Prior to his current role, he has led data science teams and contributed to academia as a program coordinator and educator. Dr. Shapiro holds a PhD in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies from Laurentian University focused on social network analytics. He is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for the evolving field of data analytics.

oin us for an insightful presentation by Minister Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East and Alberta's Minister of Affordability and Utilities. Minister Neudorf will delve into the details of Alberta's electricity market providing valuable insights into its current state and discussing key factors impacting electricity affordability. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Alberta's electricity sector, and discover how government initiatives are working towards ensuring a reliable and affordable electricity grid for all Albertans. Don't miss the opportunity to stay informed and engaged on critical issues shaping our province's electricity landscape. Speaker: Nathan Neudorf MLA for Lethbridge East Nathan Neudorf was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lethbridge East on April 16, 2019, and was re-elected on May 29, 2023. Prior to his election, Mr. Neudorf worked in commercial construction. He has his civil and structural engineering diploma and is a red seal journeyman carpenter as well as a gold seal project manager. An active community volunteer and leader, Mr. Neudorf served as the past president of the Lethbridge Construction Association and on the board of directors for the Alberta Construction Association, Alberta Construction Safety Association, and Worker's Compensation Board. Nathan Neudorf was sworn in as Minister of Affordability and Utilities and Vice Chair of the Treasury Board on June 9, 2023. He previously served as Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure. Mr. Neudorf, his wife Deanne, and their five children live in Lethbridge. In his spare time, he enjoys running with his wife and pet beagle and spending time outdoors.

Tourism is vital for the success of many economies around the world. It boosts revenues, creates thousands of jobs, helps to develop infrastructure and plants a sense of cultural exchange between visitors and residents. With four UNESCO World Heritage sites and the largest facilities for Sports and Business Events south of Calgary, opportunities are available to invest, grow and capture additional economic impact. How do we accomplish this and do it in a sustainable way? The Speaker will explore some of the exciting projects happening in 2024 and look at the potential of tourism in our region over the next 10 years. Speaker: Erin Crane Erin Crane is the CEO for Tourism Lethbridge. She tells people that this was the position she was born to do! Erin grew up at the Grand Canyon and has spent a majority of her career working in the tourism industry. From managing performing art centres, to coordinating world championship boxing events, to working in hotels, to working aboard the Vulcan Trek Station to encourage business and event growth for the City of Lethbridge, she has seen it all! A traveler herself, Erin loves what she does and looks forward to sharing her passion for tourism with others.

The Alberta Government recently announced their intention to ban gender-affirming care for trans youth under the age of 18, despite contemporary research and internationally recognized best practices, as set out by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), agreeing that this could end up hurting many of those vulnerable youth. Additionally proposed measures for transgender minors also includes a ban on puberty blockers and parental consent for pronoun changes. Teachers and health professionals were largely not consulted, but more importantly, trans youth have had their voices completely ignored. If legislated into law, these measures could have serious consequences and make Alberta similar to most U.S. states controlled by Republican politicians. The speaker will contend this is blatant government overreach and legislated bias. Speaker: Katie DeLucia-Burk Katie DeLucia-Burk (she/her), is a registered social worker with a BSW from the University of Calgary. She is the sole consultant and educator for Queer Consulting YQL, through which she works with an array of service providers and institutions to foster belonging, transform systems and spaces, and address the systemic oppression of 2SLGBTQ+ folks. A self-identified queer, trans woman, Katie's work centers around community-based advocacy, trans feminist theory and research, and developing resources and policies to support marginalized communities. She has spoken at several national conferences on topics related to gender and sexuality, including the 2023 Moving Trans History Forward Conference at the University of Victoria where she presented on a teaching resource manual, of which she is a co-author, entitled Teaching Beyond the Gender Binary: A Resource Manual.

The ability to ride your bike off highway and jog or walk safely along a 15 km paved pathway between Lethbridge and Coaldale is something the LINK Regional Pathway Society is working towards. And they have the support of the City and Lethbridge County, St. Mary Irrigation District (SMRID) and the Town of Coaldale. The society has been working on a vision to connect the Henderson Lake area with the Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale using the SMRID canal easement running through irrigated farm land. The total cost of the project, including picnic shelters along the pathway, will be more than $5 million, of which $2 million has been raised so far. It is hoped that within a few years, enough money will be found to complete this pathway, which recently received Trans Canada Trail designation. Construction of the pathway from Coaldale to Hwy 512 started in the fall of 2023 and should be ready for use this year. Funding is also in place to complete crossing under Hwy 512 and further along past Vista Meadows. The speakers will articulate the LINK Regional Pathway Society's plans for this exciting, but challenging project and argue that active living options such as this pathway, are increasingly important for our mental and physical well-being. Speakers: Henry Doeve and Alvin Fritz Henry Doeve moved to Coaldale from Agassiz, BC in 1981 to operate a dairy farm. Together with his family he ran that farm for 36 years retiring from the dairy industry in 2017. Henry has been an active member of the Southern Alberta community for 20 years, serving on many community boards and among them, Lethbridge County Councilor from 2007 until 2017. Henry quit smoking 18 years ago and bought a bicycle. One thing led to another and the year that Henry turned 50, he had run a full marathon, 3 half marathons and cycled across BC. Henry is currently chairman of the Link Pathway Society, a local not for profit grassroots initiative with the goal of linking the Lethbridge-Coaldale communities with multi use walking and biking trail. Being the son of a prolific masonry contractor, Alvin Fritz began reading architectural drawings at age 12 in the context of working for his father's construction company, Otto Fritz Masonry Construction (Leth) Ltd. Alvin began his post-secondary studies at the University of Lethbridge majoring in Fine Arts and received his Bachelor of Arts and Science degree 1980. Alvin chose to pursue his career in architecture at University of British Columbia from where he graduated in 1983, receiving the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Gold Medal, awarded to the graduate with the highest academic standing. After winning the Deutsche Akademische Austausch Dienst (DAAD) scholarship to study Heritage preservation and restoration in Munich, Alvin moved with his family to Germany for one year to complete his studies at the Technische Universitat Munchen. Upon his return to Canada he gained a broad range of experience in all aspects of the architectural profession. Alvin was employed in numerous architectural offices, offering his strengths in design, building technology and graphic representation. In 1989, he founded his own independent comprehensive practice.

ALERT's (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams) ICE (Internet Child Exploitation) teams investigate a range of criminal offences involving child pornography, any computer-related child sexual abuse, child luring over the internet, voyeurism involving underage victims, and child sex trade/tourism. ICE teams also investigate sextortion involving minors. Intakes and case referrals have nearly tripled over a 6 year period. Since last year, ICE experienced over an 8% increase, in a continued upward trend since the pandemic and continued increase in youth digital dependency. New provincial funding has allowed ALERT to address the increased pressure with additional resources. Speaker: Heather Bangle Cst. Heather Bangle has been a member of the RCMP for over 22 years. She served 6 ½ years in general duties before transferring to the ALERT Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit in 2008. In 2011 Heather transferred within ALERT to the Southern Alberta ICE unit and has years of experience investigating all child exploitation offences committed online here in Canada and around the world. Heather has received extensive training in regards to ICE, including the Digital Technologies for Investigators course, the Canadian Internet Child Exploitation course and the Advance Internet Child Exploitation course, all hosted by the Canadian Police College. Heather Bangle has received training for Online Covert Investigations, Peer to Peer Investigations and Search Warrant Drafting through the RCMP and is a qualified Child Forensic Interviewer. She has also attended several conferences and workshops specific to Internet Child Exploitation across North America where ICE investigators and other agencies committed to the protection of children are able to network and learn best practices for the always evolving world of the Internet and technology.

Through Kainai Peacemaking we continue to strive for quality of life and provide an orderly and acceptable way of conducting our lives within the Kainai community by providing opportunities for individuals to resolve conflicts with the law. Speakers: Debbie Melting Tallow, Sherry Tailfeathers and Leon Day Chief Debbie Melting Tallow is administrative support/Intake worker for the Kainai Peacemaking Program. She was employed as the administrative assistant when the program started 15 years ago and as time went on and referrals increased, she attended Cardston court for such referrals, assisted as a facilitator for peacemaker/elder counseling, wrote completion reports, and updated the Crown, Defence lawyers and Native Counseling regarding the referrals. Sherry Tailfeathers has been employed by the Kainai Peacemaking Program since 2009 and serves as Community Liaison/Facilitator. Leon Day Chief, MHD, IBSW, is the program supervisor. He facilitates peacemaking and elder counseling and manages the inner workings of the Kainai Peacemaking Program, so that it runs as efficiently as possible.

In January 2024, Rachel Notley announced that she's stepping down as leader of the Alberta NDP. Notley, the daughter of former NDP leader Grant Notley, was elected to the Alberta Legislature in 2008, representing Edmonton – Strathcona. She won the provincial party leadership in October 2014 and subsequently served as premier of Alberta from 2015 - 2019 after the NDP won the 2015 provincial election. No matter who follows Notley, her resignation will leave a gaping hole in Alberta politics. The speaker will reflect on Notley's legacy in Alberta and speculate on where a new leader may take Alberta's NDP. Speaker: Trevor W. Harrison Trevor Harrison is a Professor Emeritus of sociology at the University of Lethbridge. He is also a former Director of the Parkland :Institute (2011 - 2021), an Alberta wide research organization, of which he is a founding member. He is best known for his studies in political sociology, political economy and public policy. Harrison is the author, co-author or co-editor of ten books, not including a self-published book of poetry, as well as numerous journal articles, chapters, and reports. He is a frequent contributor to public media, including radio and television.

Combining firm ideological commitments with shrewd political tactics, Jason Kenney was a key figure in bringing right-wing populism to the mainstream of Canadian politics, but in doing so he unleashed forces he couldn't control, which eventually produced his downfall. The speaker will argue that from Jason Kenney's days as an anti-abortion activist at the University of San Francisco, and through his years as a Canadian Taxpayers Federation lobbyist, Reform MP, top cabinet minister in the Harper government, and Alberta premier, Kenney has been single-mindedly driven to bring his harsh moralistic worldview into the mainstream. Kenney took on the old guard of Canada's liberal consensus and won, playing a key role in shifting the country's political discussion to the right. But the very right-wing populist forces Kenney cultivated would come back to haunt him. Speaker: Jeremy Appel Jeremy Appel has observed Alberta politics and reported on various aspects of Kenney's agenda since 2017, when Kenney made his way across the province in his big blue pickup truck to rile up aggrieved conservatives. Appel's book, Kenneyism: Jason Kenney's Pursuit of Power examines Kenney's political beliefs, his rise through federal political ranks, and his ultimate resignation from the leadership of the United Conservative Party.

Sometimes it's difficult to tell if what we're seeing online is true. With so much information coming from countless different sources the internet can be an overwhelming landscape. There are a lot of tactics misinformers can use to catch us off guard and no one is excluded from getting caught up in it from time to time. ScienceUpFirst is an initiative from the Canadian Association of Science Centres. Our mission is to share good science, giving people the tools that they need to spot misinformation for themselves. I will be discussing this topic and answering any questions that you might have about us, misinformation and being a good digital citizen. Speaker: Amanda Bigford - English Content Creator, Canadian Association of Science Centres | Association canadienne des centres de sciences

There's no question our communities face major struggles within the K-12 education system in Alberta - unfunded students, overwhelmed staff, crowded classrooms, and insufficient inclusive learning supports. So is anything actually working in education? Here's the answer key: “Yes”. Creating a vision for a successful learning for every student is a critical part of developing our communities. Kristina Larkin advocates for change and also celebrations, and will explore school and education system successes, promising practices, and the excellent learning that takes place in Alberta schools - and ways to encourage more. Speaker: Kristina Larkin Kristina Larkin is a Trustee with Lethbridge School Division, Director of Community Programs at the YMCA of Lethbridge, Board Co-Chair at Opokaa'sin Early Intervention Society, and Auntie to wonderful kiddos. She has worked with and cared for thousands of students through her work in schools, community tutoring and education support programs, supporting refugee students to settle in Lethbridge, working alongside Indigenous education programs, and leading social programs including child care, out of school care, academic and mental health programs, and youth drop ins. She works to make sure their voices are heard at every table.

Dams don't make water. They store it. Water actually comes from the headwaters landscape and we are squandering our future because of a collective failure to see that the most important water management decisions are actually land use decisions. There is more water to be found, but only if we demand changes to how our Eastern Slopes are managed. And time is running out. Speaker: Kevin Van Tighem Kevin has worked in landscape ecology and conservation for four decades, mostly in western Canada's national parks. His family roots in what is now Alberta go back to 1875. Since retiring as superintendent of Banff in 2011, he has served on the boards of the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Livingstone Landowners Group and has been active in support of numerous conservation causes. Kevin is the award-winning author of fifteen books on wildlife and nature including Our Place/Changing the Nature of Alberta, Heart Waters/Sources of the Bow River. and Wild Roses Are Worth It. He was granted an honorary Doctor of Science by the University of Lethbridge in 2022 and was honoured that same year with a Blackfoot name that translates to Rough Rapid Water.

In a 2015 ruling, the Supreme Court of Canada unanimously voted that the prohibition on assisted death in the Criminal Code was unconstitutional. This led to Parliament passing Bill C-14 in 2016, amending the Criminal Code to allow legal exemptions for MAiD. Since its passage, MAiD usage has increased every year, with a total of 10,064 MAID provisions in 2021 alone, accounting for 3.3% of all deaths in Canada. Public polling suggests that the majority of Canadians support MAiD, but their opinions about the service are nuanced and complex. There continues to be stigma, taboo, logistical and procedural challenges, as well as ethical and equity concerns about the practice. In debates about MAiD, very little attention has been paid to the rural parts of the country. There is of course no singular, agreed-upon definition of rural, but the concept often includes a combination of geography, culture, population size or density, and qualitative experience. Given that rurality is a significant and often overlooked determinant of health, it is arguably important to examine the distinct conditions for MAiD in rural settings. For instance, there are concerns that in rural settings where health services often are limited, residents might feel compelled to use MAiD as a default option. Some scholars have suggested that MAiD may be seen as a good solution for rural and remote patients who want to die at home. Others have called for caution to ensure that geographically isolated individuals are not placed in a position where MAiD will be seen as their only source of respite from end-stage disease. The speaker will elaborate on her research. Speaker: Dr. Julia Brassolotto Julia is an Associate Professor in the Public Health Program at the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences. She recently held a 7-year Alberta Innovates Health Solutions (AIHS) Research Chair in Rural Health and Well-being. Julia's research program looks at aging and dying (as they pertain to continuing care settings, age-friendly communities, and MAiD). She completed her doctorate and post-doctoral fellowship at York University in the Health Policy & Equity program. By training, Julia is an interdisciplinary social scientist and a qualitative health services researcher.

The Lethbridge Historical Society (originally the Whoop-Up Chapter of the Historical Society of Alberta) has been publishing occasional papers/books since the 1960s. The Society's current publication – Upon Further Reflection: Lethbridge Then and Now – is the Society's 62nd publication. The book is an update of the LHS' 1980 publication: Reflections: Lethbridge Then and Now, written by Warren Hall and Barb Goodman. The captions in the new book were researched and written by Belinda Crowson, and the new photographs taken by Mike Jensen and Belinda Crowson. Upon Further Reflection shares the story of the grand and the mundane buildings in all parts of the city, showing how sites have changed and providing readers a glimpse into the development of some areas of the community. Belinda Crowson will outline the LHS' book publishing program and its role in supporting local history and historians. She will also explore the research and work that went into this publication and how the stories of local history are captured and shared by the Society. Speaker: Belinda Crowson Belinda Crowson is the president of the Lethbridge Historical Society, a local historian and public speaker. She has published seven books with the Lethbridge Historical Society, including the newest publication: Upon Further Reflection: Lethbridge Then and Now, as well as numerous articles on a wide variety of Southern Alberta subjects.