UBCO debaters argue for and against mandatory vaccines

Photo: UBCO

Should vaccinations be mandatory?

The University of British Columbia Okanagan will be debating the merits of that argument at the end of March.

While many eagerly await their turn in the COVID-19 vaccination queue, UBCO student debaters will face off for what is sure to be a provocative debate.

The organizer of the debate, Dr. Julien Picault, has thrown down the gauntlet.

“The pandemic has affected everyone in some way, and that’s the type of topic we look for—one with wide-reaching implications, one that nearly everyone has an opinion about one way or another,” says Dr. Julien Picault, associate professor of teaching in economics and the event organizer.

“While the overarching theme of this debate is governmental power, it’s really pitting one’s right to public health and safety against one’s right to choose what goes into their body. Our students have been debating for weeks using thoughtful, evidence-based arguments. Our top debaters have made it to this final round and I expect a high-quality, engaging debate as always,” Picault adds.

The event is named after the late Roger Watts, a respected member of the Okanagan’s legal community, and a skilled orator and advocate.

If you're interested in watching the debate unfold you can watch virtually on March 31 at 5:30 p.m. The event is free, open to the public, and supported by local donors and community sponsors.

Prizes of $1,000 will be awarded to the first-place finisher, the runners-up will be awarded $500 each.