UBCO’s top student debaters will debate the expansion of Canada’s use of drone technology at this year’s Roger Watts Debate.
What: The Roger Watts Debate
Who: Top UBCO student debaters
When: Wednesday, March 25, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: Mary Irwin Theatre, Rotary Centre for the Arts, 421 Cawston Ave., Kelowna
Governments around the world are rapidly embracing unmanned technologies to power everything from defence operations and disaster response, to border security and critical infrastructure management.
As drones become central to national security strategies worldwide, they’ve rapidly evolved into a high-stakes issue on the global stage.
Next Wednesday, UBCO students will take to the stage at the annual Roger Watts Debate to explore the opportunities, risks and ethical considerations surrounding the expansion of Canada’s drone technology.
“Be it resolved that: Canada create a national drone program for civilian and military use.”
“Each year, the Department of Economics, Philosophy and Political Science is proud to organize the Roger Watts Debate—an event that puts undergraduate voices at the centre of a lively, community-wide conversation,” says organizer Dr. Renaud-Philippe Garner, Assistant Professor of Philosophy. “You only have to pick up a paper or watch the news to see why debating public affairs matters. At UBCO, students sharpen those skills through open inquiry and respectful debate, both on stage and in the classroom.”
After several rounds of debates, the top students will present their cases to a panel of local judges who will determine the winners. Prizes of $1,000 for the first-place winners and $500 for the runners-up will be awarded. Student participants will also have the opportunity to compete for the $500 People’s Choice Award.
The event is a partnership between the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences’ Department of Economics, Philosophy and Political Science and a community advisory committee. It’s held each year as a public forum to debate current issues and is named for the late Roger Watts, a respected member of the Okanagan’s legal community, a skilled orator and strong advocate.
The Roger Watts Debate is made possible through the generous support of its sponsors Sandra Watts, and the Central Okanagan Foundation’s Roger Watts Memorial Fund.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To learn more or to get tickets, visit: epp.ok.ubc.ca/about/roger-watts-debate
