UBC Debates premieres in Vancouver at UBC Robson Square

UBC Vancouver piloted a UBC Debates event to a sold-out crowd at UBC Robson Square Jan. 26.

Hosted by President Benoit-Antoine Bacon, the debate brought university faculty and community members together to consider the question: 

“Short-Term Fixes, Long-Term Consequences: Rethinking Canada’s Immigration Strategy: Is Canada creating a permanent “service class” of workers with limited rights OR are temporary residents an essential part of the economy, keeping businesses staffed and prices affordable.”

On stage arguing the “service class” side were former Dean of the Peter A. Allard School of Law Dr. Catherine Dauvergne and Don Wright, former deputy minister to Premier John Horgan and former head of the public service for the Government of British Columbia.

Arguing the “essential” side were Dr. Robert Russo, a lecturer in the Masters of Laws (Common Law) Graduate Program at Allard, and Stan Vander Wal, a second-generation farmer, owner and president of Rainbow Greenhouses and past president of the BC Agriculture Council.

“Despite their opening positions, the panelists found some common ground, largely concluding that temporary foreign workers are by definition a service class of workers that are essential to core aspects of the Canadian economy, agriculture specifically,” noted Vice President, External Relations, Melanie Stewart.

“Panelists delved into the nuances of this aspect of the immigration system at length—including the inequities and exploitation that exist within the system—and we’re hopeful the audience came away with a deeper understanding of the complexities at play beneath the headlines and political rhetoric.”

UBC Debates is modelled on the hugely successful debate series launched at UBC Okanagan three years ago.

The impetus behind the Okanagan debate series is relatively simple, explained UBCO associate vice president of University Relations, Marten Youssef. 

“Universities are uniquely positioned to model civil discourse around controversial questions. Our faculty challenge convention every day and in every field of study. We want to give them the opportunity to do that in front of the community so we can showcase not only their expertise but also debunk the false narrative that universities are ideological echo chambers,” said Youssef.

“Vancouver’s debate series will no doubt build on those key foundational elements.”

An assessment of the Vancouver debate pilot is now underway, with plans to expand the series in a way that best meets the needs of the Vancouver community. More details will be announced in the coming months.