Hart House Debating Club

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In 1986, the University of Toronto Debating Union - university-wide debating club dating back to the 1940's - approached the Hart House Debates Committee and came to an agreement that secured support for the Union from Hart House. The organization, renamed the Hart House Debating Club, has ever since been the only debating club at the University of Toronto open to all students from all colleges and campuses.

Since its inception, the Hart House Debating Club has played host to some of the most prominent figures of the day, including several Canadian Prime Ministers, foreign ambassadors, and John F. Kennedy. Moreover, the Club has hosted dozens of prestigious tournaments, including the National, North American, and World Championships.

Furthermore, the Hart House Debating Club is also Canada's most successful debating organization, having won the National and North American Championships on more occasions than any other competitor in either tournament's history. Indeed, all told, the Hart House Debating Club won more than 10 national and international tournaments in 2006, and is the reigning British Parliamentary National Champion, Canadian Parliamentary Novice National Champion, and Canadian Parliamentary Varsity National Champion. The Hart House Debating Club has also won the World Universities Debating Championship twice; in 1981 and 2006.

Despite its status as the most competitive debate team in Canada, the Hart House Debate Club stands by its principles of admitting any and all interested University of Toronto students as members, providing world-class debate training, creating a platform for critical thought and impassioned discussion, and by making participation in debating events affordable and practical for all members.