Speakers & Sessions
The 2026 Curtis Oscar Noble Legislative Conference brings together a diverse group of speakers, facilitators, and professionals who will share their expertise, perspectives, and experiences with delegates.
Through keynote discussions, interactive workshops, and engaging panel conversations, this year's program is designed to encourage new perspectives, strengthen connections, and provide practical insights that support Local leadership and advocacy.
Under our theme, Partners in Progress, each session offers an opportunity to explore the issues shaping Alberta, develop valuable skills, and strengthen our collective ability to advocate for Fire Fighters and Paramedics across the province.
Keynote Address & Q&A
Understanding Alberta's Political Landscape
Join political analysts Janet Brown and Dr. Duane Bratt for an engaging look at Alberta's evolving political landscape, the issues shaping public opinion, and the dynamics influencing government and public policy.
Drawing on their respective expertise in public opinion research and political analysis, Janet and Duane will offer valuable perspectives on Alberta's political environment, helping delegates better understand the broader context in which IAFF Alberta advances its legislative priorities.
The session will include an opportunity for questions and discussion, encouraging delegates to explore the political issues and developments that may influence their advocacy and engagement with elected representatives.
Janet Brown - Keynote Speaker
Pollster and Political Commentator
Janet Brown Opinion Research
Duane Bratt - Keynote Speaker
Professor
Mount Royal University
Janet Brown is an Alberta-based pollster and political commentator with more than 30 years of experience in public opinion research. Her work examines the attitudes, priorities, and perspectives of Albertans, offering insight into the public sentiment and political trends shaping the province.
Dr. Duane Bratt is a professor at Mount Royal University specializing in Alberta politics, Canadian public policy, and political analysis. A frequent media commentator and published author, he brings an academic and historical perspective to understanding Alberta's political environment and the forces shaping government decisions.
Confabulation | The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy
Interactive Storytelling & Advocacy Workshop
Effective advocacy begins with the ability to tell a compelling story. Led by the Confabulation team, this interactive workshop will explore how personal experiences and storytelling can strengthen communication, build meaningful connections, and bring important issues to life.
Through group discussions, practical exercises, and small-group collaboration, delegates will learn techniques to develop and share stories that resonate with their audiences.
Building on these skills, Local Executive Boards will work together to develop and practise their own advocacy stories, connecting IAFF Alberta's legislative priorities to the experiences of Fire Fighters and Paramedics in their communities.
The workshop will help delegates prepare for their upcoming MLA meetings, providing practical tools to communicate their priorities with confidence, authenticity, and impact.
Workshop Facilitators
The four facilitators will work with delegates throughout the workshop, guiding discussions, supporting story development, and helping participants apply storytelling techniques to their advocacy efforts.
Matt Goldberg
Founder and Artistic Director
Confabulation
Smriti Bansal
Content Marketer & Story Coach
Confabulation
Deb Vanslet
General Manager
Confabulation
Carol-Lynne Michaels
Co-Producer & Artistic Director
Confabulation
Panel Discussions
Engaging Conversations & Perspectives | Moderated by Ryan Jespersen
Local Issue-Based Campaigns
Local leaders sharing their experiences and approaches to issues such as EMS funding, labour relations, staffing, and local advocacy initiatives.
Consultants
Perspectives from professionals working in government relations, communications, and public affairs.
Partisan Perspectives
A discussion bringing together representatives from political parties.
Organized Labour Collaboration
Exploring shared challenges, experiences, and opportunities for collaboration across organized labour.
Ryan Jespersen - Moderator
Host
Real Talk at ryanjespersen.com
Ryan brings his experience in broadcasting and interviewing to Noble Leg 2026, where he will moderate panel discussions featuring diverse perspectives and conversations on issues relevant to Alberta's Fire Fighters, Paramedics, and Local leaders.
Panel Topics
Local Issue-Based Campaigns
Local leaders sharing their experiences and approaches to issues such as EMS funding, labour relations, staffing, and local advocacy initiatives.
Consultants
Perspectives from professionals working in government relations, communications, and public affairs.
Partisan Perspectives
A discussion bringing together representatives from political parties.
Organized Labour Collaboration
Exploring shared challenges, experiences, and opportunities for collaboration across organized labour.