Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

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.

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.