A monthly pub night and debating society
Third Meeting Tuesday, September 28, 2004, 7:30-9:00 PM
THE PROPOSITION: “Whereas the Missile Defence Shield is part of the global War On Terror and a credible response to the threats posed by rogue states with weapons of mass destruction; be it resolved that:
Canada must join and support the Missile Defence Shield as a show of support for our main ally and trading partner, and to ensure that Canadians have the protection this shield offers.”
SPECIAL GUESTS: Ernie Regehr opposing the proposition and The Beaches–East York Debating Team supporting it.
The Gauche Zone is pleased to welcome Ernie Regehr (above left) as our distinguished guest for the evening. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of Project Ploughshares, a Canadian ecumenical peace coalition. His recent citation for the Order of Canada describes him as “... one of Canada’s most prominent and respected voices on international disarmament and peace. Canadian and foreign governments as well as the United Nations call upon him as an expert on disarmament. A dedicated humanitarian, he has made a significant contribution to Canada's international reputation as a leader in peacemaking.”
The Gauche Zone Debating Team (above right) for this event will be a gender-balanced team of two. Neither is a public exponent of missile defence. They are not representatives of the arms industry. And they are not representatives of the Liberal or Conservative Parties of Canada. However, unlike any of the actual proponents of missile defence that the Gauche Zone contacted, they were willing to act as proponents of the proposition so that a public debate could take place. They will be home every night studying the subject until September 28.
DEBATE FORMAT Speakers will have two minutes each to state their argument before the debate is thrown open to the floor. A mediator will ensure that there is only one speaker at a time and will intervene with comments or questions of the speakers to keep the debate flowing. The proposition is either supported or defeated by cheers of Yeah or Nay – if the cheers are equally loud there will be a show of hands. There will be a declaration.
FIRST TWO DEBATES Those who attended the previous meetings of The Gauche Zone enjoyed two stimulating evenings of debate on Canada and the Iraq War (with Rick Salutin and Marcus Gee) and on Nuclear Power and our Energy Future (with Peter Tabuns and Andrew Müller). To read reports of the either debate, click on the links above.
SPONSOR The Gauche Zone is sponsored by Beaches–East York NDP. Gauche Zone debates and their outcomes do not necessarily reflect the positions of the New Democratic Party.
The Waterhouse located at 2282 Queen Street East is the new Gauche Zone venue.
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