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b'At the recent Alberta provincial election, a historical low 41% of registered voters exercised their right to vote. In that election, the Progressive Conservative government was re-elected with a massive majority, 72 of the legislature\\u2019s 83 seats. \\n\\nTogether, these two developments raise questions about the health of democracy in Alberta. The low turnout indicates a worrying level of disengagement with politics in the province, due possibly to apathy, or to despair or comfort with the government. At the same time, the sheer domination of the government in the legislature raises questions about the ability of our political system to hold the government accountable and a future for opposition and democratic deliberation in Alberta. \\n\\nThe election results indicate that it\\u2019s time to take a long hard look at our political practices in Alberta. Should we change the way the provincial legislature works? Is it time to join the ranks of other provinces that have considered changes to their electoral systems? Or should we consider making voting compulsory, as in Australia? Harold Jansen will examine some of the options.\\n \\n\\nSpeaker: Harold Jansen \\n \\n Harold Jansen is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of \\n Lethbridge. His teaching and research focus on Canadian and Alberta politics \\n including political parties and elections. \\n\\n\\nDate:\\t\\tThursday, March 27, 2008\\n\\nTime: \\t\\tNoon - 1:30 PM\\n\\nLocation: \\tEricksen\\u2019s Family Restaurant (lower level of The Keg)\\n\\t\\t1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S.\\nCost:\\t\\t$10.00 (includes lunch)'