2026 Blackstone Debate Championships

On March 17, the Faculty of Law hosted the finals of the Blackstone Debate Championship after a seven-year hiatus. The final round saw four students of different years go head-to-head on the question "Be it resolved that the monopoly on the delivery of legal services in Alberta be ended.” Abigail Conrad and Roobee Baydid argued in the negative, while Lily Francis and Andrei Baractari argued in the affirmative.

In a split decision by the judges, Francis and Baractari were named winners of the final round with Baractari also recognized as the top oralist, receiving the Most Outstanding Speaker Cup, generously donated by Richard N. Billington and Geoffrey D. Baker.

Special thanks to Justice Robert Armstrong, Professor Kathleen Mahoney, KC, and Richard Billington, KC for acting as judges in the final round. Congratulations as well to all the students who took part in this year’s competition!