Mr. Willis McLeese was first introduced to high school debate in 1973. He immediately saw the value in these programs and worked tirelessly with the Canadian Student Debating Federation to help the organization grow. In 2003, an agreement was finalized between Upper Canada College, the Upper Canada College Foundation, the Canadian Student Debating Federation and Mr. Willis S. McLeese, later called McLeese Debate. Funds he generously donated to this cause were to be managed to ensure that funding was never a barrier for any child, regardless of where they lived, or attended school. Today, those funds are used strictly for growing speech and debate programs across Canada. Speech & Debate Canada Foundation is forever grateful to have access to funding through this endeavour.