Speech and Debate Canada

Partnering with all schools across Canada

Our History

Our benefactor, Mr. Willis S. McLeese, wanted to ensure that students within Canada would learn communication and leadership skills. Today, we continue his legacy across Canada working with various groups, schools, and communities to ensure that no child is left behind.

The Schulich Foundation embodies Seymour Schulich’s view that those who enjoy Canada’s freedoms and standard of living have an obligation to give back to society, if they are able.

From their perspective, they are always thinking about how best to equip our youth with lifelong skills for their success and we can help them to further that mission by teaching skills to think critically, debate and defend their positions, and communicate persuasively.

We are thrilled that as of September 2025, the Schulich Foundation is supporting us both through a grant to open more schools, but also with outreach to their contact schools across the country.

We are very grateful for their support to help us develop our youth, the future leaders of Canada.

"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)

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"Thank you to Speech and Debate Canada for providing a weekly coaching session to our local schools."

Marilyn Lunde, Kootenay Regional Coordinator, Debate and Speech Association of BC (DSABC)

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“Joining the debate club and learning this skill was the best part of my school year.”

Grade 12 student, West Hill Collegiate Institute, Toronto, Ontario

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"Speech and Debate Canada Foundation has had an incredible impact on junior and senior high debate in Nova Scotia."

Isaac Cormier, Debate Coach, Nova Scotia

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Speech and Debate Canada

Partnering with all schools across Canada

Our History

Our benefactor, Mr. Willis S. McLeese, wanted to ensure that students within Canada would learn communication and leadership skills. Today, we continue his legacy across Canada working with various groups, schools, and communities to ensure that no child is left behind.

"The growth of debate clubs in our public schools over the last two years would not have been possible without SDCF's incredible programs!"

"Thank you to Speech and Debate Canada for providing a weekly coaching session to our local schools."

“Joining the debate club and learning this skill was the best part of my school year.”

"Speech and Debate Canada Foundation has had an incredible impact on junior and senior high debate in Nova Scotia."