Welcome to the NL Speech and Debate Union

Your Resource for Everything Debate in Newfoundland and Labrador

Want to know what's going on with the NLSDU? Register for our Mailing List below so you don't miss another event, and take a look at our Newsletter to see some of the things on the go!

Current Activities: September, 2023

High School and Junior High Clubs are currently renewing club meetings for the year.  The NL Speech and Debate Union is looking for volunteers to coach at returning and new schools.  Additionally, engagement with rural schools is also underway with the help of the Speech and Debate Canada Foundation.  Our board presently has spaces for Director of Communications and a Director-at-Large.  If you are interested in volunteering at a school or applying for a Board Position, please do not hesitate to reach out!

At Memorial University, the NLSDU is working to support efforts to renew activities for MUN Debate, the MUN United Nations Society and the MUN World Health Organizations Society, in addition to reaching out other related organizations to work together in the upcoming year.

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Championships

For the first time since 2019, the NLSDU was very excited to be hosting the Provincial Debate Championships on April 29th, 2023.  In doing so we saw participation from both Junior High and High School students and excellent engagement with the final motion - "This house, as a public figure embroiled in controversy, would choose to improve rather than resign."

The Importance of Critical Thought in a Technological Age

This TEDx Talk was given by our late founder, Simon Lono. His impassioned approach to debate and education galvanized the Newfoundland and Labrador Speech and Debate scene, and we hope to in a small way continue his work, and this video demonstrates the philosophy that the NLSDU brings to debate.