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.
Past Event - April 2, 2026 - St. Albert
Imagine a Progressive Future: A Community Dialogue
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.
Topics We Will Explore
- The impact of recent policies on trans youth and families
• School policies, sports participation, and human rights
• Countering misinformation with evidence and research
• Protecting dignity and human rights in our communities
Event Details
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Location: Kingswood Room, St. Albert Inn & Suites
Address: 156 St. Albert Trail, St. Albert
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Program: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
FREE Parking is available on site.
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
Event Sponsors
Momentum
TransAction Alberta
Thank You to our Event Sponsors
Past Events – Feb
Standing With Our Community – this event to be rescheduled.
When rights, safety, and dignity are under threat
Give Voice invites you to a free, respectful evening focused on allyship, community responsibility, and how Albertans can show up for one another with care and clarity.
This event is about supporting people, not debating identities. Many community members want St. Albert to be a place where everyone belongs — but misinformation, fear-based narratives, and shifting policies can make it difficult to know how to help.
This conversation is for anyone who wants to move beyond good intentions and into meaningful, practical support.
A Conversation with Janis and Marie
We are honoured to welcome two Alberta MLAs for an open and grounded discussion:
Janis Irwin
MLA Edmonton–Highlands–Norwood
Marie Renaud
MLA St. Albert
Together, they will speak about supporting 2SLGBTQ+ people and persons with disabilities, and what allyship can look like in everyday community life.
This Conversation Focuses On:
- Being a more informed ally
- Dispelling common myths
- Speaking up in everyday conversations
Event Details
As of Feb 17th cancelled – will be rescheduled.
Past Events
Note: 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
Reboot Alberta / Coffee’s On invites you to a free, inspiring evening focused on community action and civic courage, in partnership with Give Voice AB.
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.
About the Hosts
- Reboot Alberta / Coffee’s On: Reboot Alberta promotes thoughtful public discussion online, while Coffee’s On focuses on bringing people together in person — connecting neighbours, sharing ideas, and building community through coffee and conversation.
- Give Voice AB: A community group that meets over coffee to plan and carry out local advocacy efforts.
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
- Coffee & Mingling: 6:30 PM-7:00 PM (A chance to connect with neighbours and hosts)
- Location: Heritage Room, St. Albert Inn & Suites
- Parking: Free on-site parking available
Ticket Information
This is a FREE community event, but registration is required as seating is limited.
Reserve your spot today and be part of an evening that celebrates courage, connection, and community.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-accidental-advocate-tickets-1967817862198?aff=oddtdtcreator