Date: Sept. 20 – 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Calgary
Venue: The Deane House

The mountains are calling and we must go. If there is one inclusive point of pride for Albertans, it is our Rocky Mountains. Under their majestic peaks we hike, ski, kayak, hunt, explore, camp, and marvel at their mystique. They propel our tourism industry, drawing hundreds of thousands of people onto their rocky slopes every year. Its watershed catches the rainfall and snow that empties into our streams, creeks and springs to provide water for southern Alberta. Ranchers graze their cattle in lease lands on its eastern slopes, and fly fishers to extreme sport junkies choose Alberta as home to take advantage of the gifts of its wilderness.

Beneath the rock, aspen and pine growth, beneath the mountain streams and velvet underground of the slopes, run veins of coal which, until May of this year, have been off limits for mining because of a decades old policy that restricted coal mining in four separate categories spanning the foothills and Rockies.

In mid-May of this year the Alberta Government rescinded that policy, opening an economic portal for a province beleaguered by the economic slowdown caused by COVID-19 pandemic, as well as unprecedented plunging oil prices due to the war between Russia and Saudia Arabia.

There are strong views on the lifting of this policy. Ranchers whose grazing lease lands will be directly affected are speaking out and some First Nations treaties say they were not consulted. While communities suffering deep economic losses in a province that has an unemployment rate of 15.5% hope for a renewed economy boost, others express concern for the protection of Alberta’s watershed and sensitive eco-systems.

Can a balance be struck between the stewardship of the land, and the need to restart our economy?

Discover what Jason Kenney’s policy shift may mean for the Alberta economy, ranchlands, sporting and fishing grounds and wildlife by attending this important debate.

The panel, comprised of individuals speaking to both side of this issue will be moderated by Käthe Lemon, editor of Avenue Magazine (Calgary).

Following the debate, the Deane House will present an exclusive menu for dinner, curated to pay tribute to the waterways and ranchlands of the Foothills. We encourage you to make a reservation ahead of time, as seating is limited, and finish the day with an incredible culinary delight.

DETAILS: Doors open at 4:30 p.m. at the Deane House in Inglewood, Calgary. Beverages and tiny bites will be offered. The debate will be held outdoors in the tents with socially distanced seating in place. Debate runs from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m., with a question period from 6:00-6:30 p.m. Dinner reservations begin at 6:30. Call the Deane House at (403) 264-0595 to reserve your dinner table.

Ticket Price: $25.00

(includes beverage and appetizer, does not include dinner)