CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR DEBATE #4
THE EVENT
History Wars is a series of four provocative debates exploring some of the most compelling subjects in Canadian history.
THE FORMAT
Well-known historians and personalities debate topics ranging from Pierre Trudeau to Canada’s role in international peace keeping. A moderator leads the discussion and audience members are invited to pose questions during a Q&A session at the end of the evening.
TOPICS & DATES
DEBATE #1: PIERRE TRUDEAU: CANADA’S MOST DISASTROUS PRIME MINISTER
September 27, 2011 at 6:30pm, Canadian Museum of Civilization Theatre, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M8
One of the most loved and loathed Prime Ministers of Canada, Pierre Trudeau’s influence continues to be felt today. But was he a good Prime Minister?
Moderator: Michael Bliss
Speakers: David Frum vs Lawrence Martin
DEBATE #2: AFTER AFGHANISTAN THE CANADIAN FORCES SHOULD KEEP THE PEACE RATHER THAN WAGE WAR
November 11, 2011 at 6:30pm, Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6H4
Canadians historically have been great supporters of peacekeeping, and after the heavy casualties in the long Afghan war, many believe the Canadian Forces should do only UN peacekeeping, not warfighting. But is this possible or wise? Has peacekeeping turned into peace enforcement? If so, is this different from war? What should Canada do?
Moderator: Michael Bliss
Speakers: Michael Byers vs J.L. Granatstein
This night in partnership with the Free Thinking Film Festival.
DEBATE #3: MONARCHY IS A DANGEROUS ANACHRONISM
March 14, 2012 at 6:30pm, Canadian Museum of Civilization Theatre, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M8
Do Canadians care about the monarchy? Should they? Is it a symbol of enduring values or an absurd holdover from a long-vanished past?
Moderator: J.L. Granatstein
Speakers: Michael Bliss vs John Fraser
DEBATE #4: POWER CORRUPTS CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS – Register here
May 10, 2012 at 6:30pm, Tabaret Hall, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1A2
Our system gives enormous power to the Prime Minister, the power to appoint or not, decide or delay, deliver or fail to deliver. Is this too much power for any one person? Is it dangerous to Canadian liberties? Is it necessary for efficiency?
Moderator: J.L. Granatstein
Speakers: Sheila Copps vs Andrew Coyne
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are $30 per debate. Register using the links below or call Patricia Bouchard at 613-482-8327 x 104. Please note: Students and seniors may purchase tickets at a special rate of $25 per ticket at the door only (valid student ID required).
BIOGRAPHIES
Michael Bliss is one of Canada’s leading historians and has authored books on business history, politics, and medical history.
David Frum is a widely syndicated columnist and prolific author, based in Washington D.C.
Lawrence Martin writes best-selling political books and is a regular columnist on national politics in the Globe and Mail.
Michael Byers is a Professor of Political Science at the University of British Columbia. He writes and speaks extensively on defence, foreign policy, and the North.
Jack Granatstein is a historian and former director of the Canadian War Museum. He writes on Canada-US relations and the military.
John Fraser is a former journalist and the Master of Massey College at the University of Toronto.
Hon. Sheila Copps was a longtime Member of Parliament from Hamilton, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and Deputy Prime Minister. She is a regular columnist and media commentator.
Andrew Coyne is a columnist for Postmedia News and one of Canada’s leading political commentators.
SPONSORS
