Past Event - April 2, 2026 - St. Albert

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this event. It was a meaningful opportunity to come together, share perspectives, and engage in thoughtful discussion. We appreciated the energy and insight each participant brought, and we are especially grateful to our speakers for their valuable contributions.

Imagine a Progressive Future community dialogue event poster in St. Albert featuring Dr. Kristopher Wells, Dr. Victoria Bucholtz, and Janis Irwin MLA. Free public event April 2, 2026 at St. Albert Inn & Suites. Doors 6:30 PM, event 7:00–8:30 PM. Hosted by Give Voice with sponsors Momentum and TransAction Alberta.

Imagine a Progressive Future: A Community Dialogue (Past Event Info) 

Communities grow stronger when people come together to listen, learn, and engage in respectful dialogue.

Give Voice AB invites you to an evening of thoughtful discussion featuring three influential voices working at the intersection of education, human rights, and public leadership in Alberta.

This event will explore the impact of recent policies affecting trans youth and families, the importance of evidence-based discussion, and how communities can work together to protect dignity, inclusion, and human rights.

Whether you are seeking to better understand current issues or looking for ways to support inclusive communities, this conversation will provide insight, context, and opportunities for meaningful learning.

Featured Speakers

Dr. Kristopher Wells

Dr. Kristopher Wells is an independent Senator from Alberta and Co-Chair of the Canadian Parliamentary Pride Caucus. Previously a Canada Research Chair at MacEwan University, he founded the Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity and helped launch initiatives including Camp fYrefly, the Alberta GSA Network, and Pride Tape. His work advancing inclusion and public education has earned numerous honours, including the Alberta Centennial Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Dr. Victoria Bucholtz

Dr. Victoria Bucholtz is a historian, educator, and human rights advocate based in Calgary. She is a Sessional Instructor at Mount Royal University and Executive Director of TransAction Alberta, and also serves as Director of Learning & Engagement for Skipping Stone. Her work focuses on gender theory, community education, and building inclusive cultures. In 2025 she received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contributions to advocacy and public engagement.

Janis Irwin, MLA

Janis Irwin is the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood and the Official Opposition Critic for Housing. Before entering politics she worked as a teacher, vice-principal, and education leader with Alberta Education. She is widely recognized for her advocacy on human rights, public education, and affordable housing, and for her commitment to building inclusive communities across Alberta.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Location: Kingswood Room, St. Albert Inn & Suites
Address: 156 St. Albert Trail, St. Albert

Ticket Information

This is a FREE community event, but registration is required due to limited seating.Please reserve your ticket through Eventbrite to ensure a seat. https://imagineaprogressivefuture.eventbrite.ca

Thank you to our Event Sponsors

Momentum
TransAction Alberta

Past Events - Nov 25, 2025 - St.Albert

This past event was very successful !  

Three Albertans share what happens when staying silent isn’t an option. Hear how private citizens became public figures and advocates for their communities — and what inspired them to speak up.

 

The Accidental Advocate: Sometimes Silence Isn’t an Option (Past Event Info)

This event is about people, not politics. It’s about real Albertans who care deeply about their communities and chose to step forward when it mattered most. Change doesn’t start in government offices — it starts with people willing to get involved, build trust, and take part in meaningful conversations.

Come hear the real stories from Albertans who made the courageous decision to step out of their role as private citizens and become public figures and powerful advocates. Learn how you can transition from being an observer to an effective, community-minded leader.

🎤 Featured Speakers: The Journey from Private Citizen to Public Figure

Hear from three dynamic Albertan leaders about their journey into community leadership and the power of civic participation:

  • Bonnie Critchley: A fifth-generation service member who proudly served 22 years in the Canadian Army. Bonnie will share how her sense of fairness, resilience, and commitment to community led her to speak up and help amplify local voices.
  • Lucia Stachurski: With 25 years in senior federal government roles as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Lucia has worked under both Liberal and Conservative governments. She believes in practical, evidence-based solutions and listening to what communities actually need.
  • Amanda Patrick: A current St. Albert City Councillor and organizer of the Run for Reconciliation. Amanda made history as the first Indigenous (Métis) woman elected to council. She is a strong advocate for affordability, accessibility, and honoring St. Albert’s Indigenous history through inclusive, forward-looking leadership.

Opening Remarks will be provided by Ken Chapman of Reboot Alberta.

🎯 Key Takeaways: From Complaining to Community Action

  • How to build community resilience and find supportive networks.
  • The personal process of deciding to step up for your community.
  • The difference between complaining and constructive civic engagement.
  • Inspiration and practical steps for becoming an effective community leader.

🗓️ Event Details

    • Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
    • Time: Doors Open 6:30 PM | Program 7:00–8:00 PM
  • Location: Heritage Room, St. Albert Inn & Suites

 Ticket Information

This is a FREE community event, but registration is required as seating is limited.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-accidental-advocate-tickets-1967817862198?aff=oddtdtcreator