Debating Union

Previous/other names: N/A

Prominent date(s) of activity: 1982 - ?

History: The UNB Debate Society was formed in 1982, resurrecting a century old tradition of debating at UNB (see Literary and Debating Society).

Activities: The group practiced debating skills, competed in six or seven debating tournaments around the world each year, held public debates about controversial issues, fundraised for their travel fees, and organized parties.

In April 1997 the UNB Debating Union organized for a Model Parliament to take place at the Legislative Assembly in Fredericton. Upwards of 50 students from various political clubs around campus participated in the event, representing Reformers, Liberals, Tories, the NDP, and the Bloc Quebecois. This event was organized to increase the level of political engagement on campus, and to introduce students to the art of debating.

Note(s): Many prominent public figures arose from the Altantic debating circuit, including journalists, senators, MPs, MLAs, industry leaders, student leaders, lawyers, and one prime minister.

Source(s):

• UA Case 173.
• The Brunswickan, vol. 130, no. 23, March 1997, p. 5.

© UNB Archives & Special Collections, 2014