Testimonials
We have had a lot of Canadians reach out to us with their thoughts on what debate has done for them.
We are sharing their thoughts with you.
“Studying and practising debate develops a collection of invaluable skills that is hard to come by elsewhere. For young people in high, or junior high school, the ability to organise one's ideas, judge them harshly on their merits, and then present those polished arguments in such a way as to be digestible by the average person, is an ability that so drastically improves the quality of work elsewhere in life, it’s remarkable. As a coach, I’ve seen this in individuals with whom I’ve practised for a number of years, and I’ve also seen my own work improve in this way. Communication is key in so many areas of our world, and Speech and Debate Canada is the low barrier to entry needed to encourage this sort of growth across the country.”
...Jack Brown, debate coach and engineering student @ Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
"High school debating set the stage for my development as a human rights lawyer and law professor. It planted the seeds of persuasion, organization and engagement, all of which I’ve used to help create systemic change."
...Sunil Gurmukh, B.Comm. (Hons.) Queen’s University LL.B. University of Western Ontario
"I am grateful to the impact Speech and Debate Canada Foundation has had on Nova Scotia Debate. I am responsible for growing debate throughout the entire province and that is completely in a volunteer capacity. SDCF enables us to connect students and teachers who are passionate about debate with experienced coaches who are excited to give back to the community. The growth of debate clubs in our public schools over the last two years would not have been possible without SDCF's incredible programs!"
... Ali Cherri, Provincial Coordinator, Nova Scotia Debating Society (NSDS)
“Participating in competitive debate changed my life. It taught me valuable transferable skills like teamwork, public speaking, and critical thinking. All young Canadians should have the opportunity to take part in competitive debate.”
... Scott Stirrett, CEO/Founder of Venture for Canada,
S&DCF Board Member
"S&DCF has helped us tremendously in establishing connections across Canada regarding debate, as well as increasing accessibility to debate in our community, we can't wait to see what the future entails thanks to S&DCF!"
... Keanne Mendoza, Grade 11 Student (2023-24), Winston Churchill High School, Lethbridge, Alberta
“The largest lament I hear about starting a debate club is the lack of qualified expertise to teach students the skills needed to participate in debate and speech activities. To that end, Speech and Debate Canada does a wonderful job pairing experienced coaches with clubs and teams who would otherwise not have the capability of furthering their debate techniques. Former provincial and national debaters share their skill building repertoire with newly burgeoning clubs in order to build the needed background to participate in online and in-person tournaments with confidence and enthusiasm. This is especially true in areas that may be geographically compromised. Thank you to Speech and Debate Canada for providing a weekly coaching session to local schools that further the understanding of how to engage in discussion effectively. We hope that you will be able to continue to spread the good work in more schools and communities.”
... Marilyn Lunde, Kootenay Regional Coordinator, Debate and Speech Association of BC (DSABC)
"Speech & Debate Canada plays an invaluable role in the development and expansion of debate and public speaking programs nationwide. The organization’s contests and competitions, sessions and workshops, and passionate board and team of instructors help make oratory accessible to Canadian children and youth across all backgrounds. As a Student Oratory Coach, Speech & Debate Canada has facilitated my contribution to the next generation of public speakers by creating opportunities for avid competitors to assist with the establishment, instruction and adjudication of debate and public speaking in their communities. I have grown as a leader and communicator as one of the foundation’s instructors and I look forward to continued involvement with Speech & Debate Canada over the years ahead."
... Reyhan Habib, Canadian Public Speaking Team 2024, S&DC Foundation Instructor, Southern Alberta Alumni Representative, Alberta Debate & Speech Association (ADSA)
"Being involved in competitive debate in high school was extremely formative for me. Debate strengthened my public speaking skills, but more importantly ,it developed my thinking skills. Debate taught me how to analyze issues from different perspectives, develop greater empathy for those who think different."
...Garnett Genuis, Member of Parliament for Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan
"As a parent with zero experience in speech and debate, I am so grateful to the Speech and Debate Canada Foundation for helping me start a debate club at our school. They answered all of my questions quickly and generously. And they helped our school navigate our particular challenges—including the size of our club and the wide age spread—and provided us with a coach who was engaging, personable, and taught us the basics of Canadian National Debate Style. Many of our students felt confident enough to enter their first debate tournament, and they are already excited about starting again in the new school year. We could not have had such a successful first year without the guidance and direct support of S&DCF."
... Patricia Ocampo, parent volunteer, Lanor Junior Middle School, Etobicoke, Ontario
“Debate in high school taught me many of the skills I still need today; public speaking, critical thinking and the ability to counter arguments on the spot."
... Vinayak Mishra, Lawyer and S&DCF Board Member
"Debate gave me the ability to speak publicly with confidence, to construct arguments, and to engage with important political, moral and social questions. My experiences with debate led me to my career in public interest law. I am forever grateful for the opportunities debate afforded."
... Nicola Langille, Lawyer
"Speech and Debate Canada Foundation has had an incredible impact on junior and senior high debate in Nova Scotia. When comparing my time as a junior high debate coach prior to SDCF versus my experience coaching in partnership with SDCF, the well-thought-out resources and assistance of the organization has allowed me to improve the structure of my practices and ensure a positive and rewarding debate experience for both teachers and students, regardless of their prior debate background. Thanks to their continued support, debate in Nova Scotia public schools is thriving once again and enabling members of the debate community to grow the passion that students have for debate. Furthermore, they have greatly helped new and existing coaches to make debate more accessible to new students than ever before. I don't believe this amazing growth would have been possible without the amazing support of SDCF and its staff."
... Isaac Cormier, Debate Coach, Nova Scotia
“Do you have strong opinions? Are you interested in current events? Do you want to win all of your arguments? If this sounds like you, come to Debate Club! Learn about public speaking and the art of persuasion by starting one of our programs. Whether you have a job interview or you want to be ready for Judge Judy, you can always use debate and public speaking skills. We hope to see (and debate) with you soon!”
... Massoma Kisob, S&DC Foundation Instructor in Ontario
