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1834 Debates

The 1834 Youth Debates were created as part of Operation Black Vote Canada's 1834 series of programs designed to empower Black youth to become local and global leaders. In 2025, the debates were moved to the 1834 Foundation to join the other series of 1834 programs.

This initiative is a partnership with University of Toronto Schools (UTS). UTS is an independent school for students in grade 7-12 affiliated with the University of Toronto.

The 1834 Youth Debates are designed to promote problem solving, oral communication, and innovation in thinking among Black youth in grades 7-12

The topics discussed at the 1834 Youth Debate will revolve around relevant issues in Black communities that are within the scope of public policy that may or may not be addressed and solved by Canadian public policy. In addition to this, the topics will give students the opportunity to challenge Canadian policies through an innovative anti-Black racism and analytical lens. As such, the topics of the debate will be centred around environmental racism, the political engagement of marginalized communities, and the effectiveness of a democratic institution.

In preparation for the 1834 Youth Debates, students are required to complete the virtual debate course. The course will provide students with the opportunity to sharpen their critical thinking and public speaking skills. Although these skills are necessary for communicating one’s argument, the development of these skills is instrumental to a student’s educational success.

The objectives of the 1834 Youth Debate are to develop student’s ability to synthesize complex information, exercise creativity, and integrate different ways of knowing by:

  1. Keeping calm
  2. Being confident
  3. Maintaining proper body language
  4. Learning debate format
  5. Utilizing debate terminology
  6. Working on emotions
  7. Speaking loudly, clearly, and concisely.
  8. Staying focused and on task

The tournament will be in-person on the last Saturday in February in Toronto. The 1834 Youth Debates will host two streams of competition, one for grades 7-9 and one for grades 10-12.  Each team will consist of two students. More details of the debate structure will be reiterated during the virtual debate course.

Black/African descent in grades 7-12 with parents or guardian permission

  • Resides in Ontario
  • Available for online sessions in January and February
  • Available for in-person weekend Tournament last Saturday in February
  • Interested in public speaking 
  • Maturity (self-awareness/respect for others)
  • Leadership (initiative/ability to work with others)
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Motivation
  • Language skills

Acceptance upon completion of application, if you meet all eligibility.

Registration opens from September 15th  to November 1st each year.

Eligible candidates must register using the secure online 1834 Foundation application system. Please note that we require parent’s permission signature if under 18 years old.

All applications are strictly private and confidential.

If you have further questions, please email Debates@1834Foundation.ca

Apply Here