Speak
Present a case and respond under pressure.
Start registrationOntario launch registration
TK Debate
TK stands for Talent Kids.
Learning Democracy by Doing Democracy.
10–17competition ages$100qualifier entry3 stagesone civic journey
In partnership with
Future Civic Leaders Canada
An independent non-profit partner supporting non-partisan civic education and youth leadership.
Why families choose TK Debate
Speak. Think. Lead.
Real civic questions. Evidence-backed arguments. Decisions made together.
Think
Turn research into a policy worth defending.
Lead
Negotiate, work together, and earn trust.
Not a regular debate camp
What students take away.
Skills to practise. A record of growth to keep.
Speaking confidence
Policy & evidence
Team leadership
Democratic judgement
Candidate profile
Earned recognition
Learning Democracy by Doing Democracy
Your route to Ottawa.
01$100
Qualifier
Start with your voice
What’s included
Online entry + selected city experiences. Includes 12 months of basic membership after payment.
02Invitation email
Semi
Train. Research. Debate.
What’s included
Two months of training and competition, including a planned Legislature-style experience for all paid participants.
03Finalist email
Ottawa Final
Put leadership into practice
What’s included
A proposed six-day academy and championship, followed by an optional celebration gala.
Later-stage fees are shared with eligible families. Dates and government venues are subject to confirmation.
A path that grows with you
Every age has a next step.
From first speech to team leadership.
Ages 10–11
Foundation
Build speaking confidence, listening skills, and civic foundations.
The Semi experience · planned format
Two months. Four milestones.
- 4
Online sessions
Debate, perspectives, evidence, and digital campaigning.
- Research
Build your case
Prepare a position backed by evidence.
- 2
Competition weekends
Four days of live debate and teamwork.
- Chamber
Everyone takes the floor
A planned Legislature-style experience for all paid Semi students.
Government venue access and scheduling remain subject to approval. Participation details will be confirmed before enrolment.
Ottawa Final · proposed six-day programme
Six days to step into leadership.
National Civic Leadership Academy & Parliamentary Championship.
90 planned finalists3 × 5 caucuses per age group6 days in Ottawa
Day 01
Understand power & democracy
Explore representation, public responsibility, and how decisions are made.
Day 6 · every team rotates
Three caucuses. Every perspective.
Government
Propose the motion
Opposition
Challenge the case
Electorate
Vote on persuasion
Day 6 evening · optional
Civic Leadership Celebration Gala
Dinner · Recognition · Networking · Photography
Student and parent/guest tickets planned. Pricing and availability to be confirmed.
For parents & guardians
Questions before you begin.
Is TK Debate affiliated with a political party?
No. TK Debate is non-partisan civic education. Students examine different viewpoints, evaluate evidence, and practise respectful disagreement.
Are government venues confirmed?
City Hall, Ontario Legislature, and parliamentary settings are proposed experiences subject to written approval. Dates and confirmed venues will be shared before families commit to an event.
Does every Semi participant experience the Legislature stage?
The planned format gives every paid Semi participant the full Legislature-style experience: ages 10–13 on one day and ages 14–17 on another. Venue access remains subject to approval.
Does my child need social media?
Ages 10–12 have no social-media scoring. Ages 13–17 may participate in an age-appropriate digital civic campaign with guardian consent. AI may assist assessment, with human review.
What does the Qualifier fee include?
The proposed $100 CAD Qualifier fee includes 12 months of basic membership. Quarterly activities are optional and may have separate fees. Membership begins after confirmed payment.
Are mentorship or internship placements guaranteed?
No. Any mentorship, shadowing, or internship opportunities are independently offered by external organisations and depend on availability and eligibility.
Ontario Qualifier
Start your civic journey.
Submit your family’s details, then complete payment when checkout is open. We’ll keep your registration and payment status together.
Recommended pathCompetition
Preferred cityToronto
Qualifier fee$100 CAD
Includes 12 months of basic membership after confirmed payment. Dates and venues are subject to confirmation.