First in MLI’s Great Canadian Debates Series features Ted Morton and Andrew Nikiforuk, moderated by Peter Milliken
OTTAWA – On October 24, 2013 at 7pm, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) will host the first of its four-part Great Canadian Debates series. Professor Ted Morton, former Alberta Minister of Energy, will argue in favour and journalist Andrew Nikiforuk, author of “The Energy of Slaves” will argue against the resolution “President Obama should welcome Canada’s ethical oil.”
Environmentalists believe the US President should refuse Canada’s oil due to its contribution to climate change, and they question the economic benefits. Proponents of the Keystone XL pipeline to carry oil sands oil south to the US Gulf Coast argue that thousands of jobs will be created, that transport by pipeline is safer and more environmentally friendly than other means, and the US should prioritize its free and democratic neighbour over the regimes of other oil producing nations. Who is right?
Entering its third season, the MLI Great Canadian Debates series addresses important current and historical Canadian public policy issues. These popular debates are held before audiences at the Canadian War Museum, Barney Danson Theatre in Ottawa, and rebroadcast on CPAC. They will be moderated by former Speaker of the House of Commons, Peter Milliken.
Tickets to attend the Great Canadian Debates series are available to public at a cost of $20 ($15 for students and seniors). Please visit: https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/events/the-great-canadian-debates/
The 2013-14 GCD schedule:
October 24, 2013 – Resolved: President Obama Should Welcome Canada’s Ethical Oil. Professor Ted Morton vs. Author and Journalist Andrew Nikiforuk
November 26, 2013 – Resolved: The Right to Strike Has No Place in the Public Sector. Professor Tom Flanagan vs. Economist Jim Stanford
February 27, 2014 – Resolved: Muslim Immigration is No Threat to Canada or the West. Professor Salim Mansur vs. Journalist and Author Doug Saunders
March 27, 2014 – Resolved: Free Speech in Canadian Universities is Rapidly Becoming an Endangered Species. Professor and Author Barbara Kay vs. Professor Daniel Drache
The Macdonald-Laurier Institute is the only non-partisan, independent national public policy think tank in Ottawa focusing on the full range of issues that fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
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For more information, please contact David Watson, managing editor and communications director, at 613-482-8327 x. 103 or email at david.watson@macdonaldlaurier.ca. On Twitter @MLInstitute
