Our Mission

Our Mission
The NLSDU is an organization dedicated to assisting, expanding and developing debate, public speaking, and youth parliament activities as means of education, as instrument of public policy and as activities for their own sake.

Comprised of former participants and alumni of these bodies as well as other friends and supporters in the wider community, members share the common interest of improving and promoting the future prospects of young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.  

If you would like to assist our activities or would like more information, please contact us, or join our Mailing List!

Our Founder
The Newfoundland and Labrador Speech and Debate Union was founded by the late Simon Lono.  He was a massive contributor to debate in the province for decades.  He also participated in and shepherded students to compete in debate at all levels - clubs, Provincials, Nationals and Worlds. 
Simon was an immense advocate for research into Orphan Diseases - diseases that were lesser-known and affecting a more marginal (and thus marginalized) portion of the population.  He zealously campaigned for debate to be integrated into school curricula, and for students to become more acquainted with the political systems in which they lived.  In particular he often extolled the virtues of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms - and that it both enshrines free speech and protects against hate speech - the latter being something he felt should be more protected against worldwide.

Many current and former members of the NLSDU and its partner organizations were introduced to and taught about debate by Simon, and hope to continue doing the same for others.  Even students who have never met him continue to have their exposure to debate influenced by his approach.

The NLSDU offers a variety of services...

Services to the educational sector include:

• Coaching for clubs at Newfoundland and Labrador Schools (available in person or virtually)

• Classroom or school-wide exhibition debates on any educational or education-related topic

• Workshops to classrooms and student groups on debating, either introductory or more advanced development

• Coach's workshops and clinics

• Attractive teaching materials for advance and novice students and coaches

Corporate/Community Services include:

• Exhibition debates on any topic or issue

• General workshops on speaking and presentations

• Custom workshops on combat communications

If you are interested in enlisting our services for your event or school, please contact our Chairperson or Director of Programming.