Now that the campaigning is done for the federal election, it's time to open a whole new debate.
The Estevan Comprehensive School is hosting the first two days of the 2011 Junior National Debates May 13 and 14, attracting about 75 students and 35 delegates from across the country who will practice several debate styles.
The competition's theme is Energy Resources, a natural topic for the Energy City.
Margaret Duncan, the ECS teacher who runs the school's debate club, said it's good that the topics that will be pursued are relevant to this area.
"There is the energy theme this year," she said, "so a lot of topics deal with the situation around Estevan."
One particular argument the competitors will be debating is the belief that Canada should rely on renewable fuel sources instead of fossil fuels.
The host province moves around each year, and Duncan said the school was asked to host for Saskatchewan this year by the Saskatchewan Elocution and Debate Association.
Those attending the event will also have an opportunity to tour the energy-producing facilities this area has to offer. Organized by personnel at Shand, they will be visiting the Shand Power Station and some locations in the oilfields.
While there are no students from the ECS debate club competing in the debates, the ECS students will be involved as moderators and judges. Being able to witness the proceedings is an experience on its own.
Duncan said it's not only about being able to argue your point, but also being exposed to multiple points of view.
"The idea for the students is looking beyond what's in front them. When they get both sides of the argument, it improves their general presentation (when they debate later)."
There are eight teams from Saskatchewan who will be competing for the top spot in the country. The debates include both intermediate and junior categories, with students in Grades 7, 8 and 9. Four teams from each of the other provinces will be at the competition, three high school junior teams and one intermediate team.
The ECS students, themselves, certainly don't lack experience. Duncan noted her team regularly competes, attending about four tournaments each year. They have taken their arguments to Regina, Alberta and as far away as Hay River for nationals. The school has close to 30 students involved in the debate club and preparing for the Junior Nationals next week.
As for debating styles, Canadian National and cross-examination styles will be used during the contest. The National style allows for arguments and rebuttals, while cross examination is more of a question and answer style, similar to a lawyer questioning a witness at a trial.
The school is still looking for volunteers to be judges and for sponsors. Those interested in judging can call the school and ask for Duncan. There will be a brief training session so judges know what the rules are and what criteria the debaters are expected to meet.
The finals will be held on May 15 in Regina. Those volunteering to judge in Estevan are not required to judge finals in Regina.
