The Brian Casey Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually by the Canadian Student Debating Federation ("CSDF") to recognize exceptional leadership, dedication, and a lifetime of service to Canadian debating. The award honours Brian Casey, whose contributions span over four decades as a coach, organizer, writer, and advocate for accessible debate. From founding a junior high debate club in Victoria to coaching at Sacred Heart School of Halifax, Brian has empowered generations of students to think critically and engage confidently.
He launched a national debate camp in 2005—attended by over 800 students—and has organized more than 50 tournaments, including National Seminars and Senior and Junior Nationals. A past president (1983-1988) and long-time board member of the CSDF, Brian has also served on provincial debating associations across Canada. His debate resources, shared freely online, continue to support new and experienced debaters alike. Beyond debate, Brian is a criminal defence lawyer and trial advocacy instructor at Dalhousie Law School. His lifelong commitment to the values of debate has left a lasting legacy across the country
YEAR | RECIPIENT | ROLE |
|---|---|---|
2025 | Richard Picotin | Director of French Debate |
2024 | Jordan Burg | Director |
2023 | Debra Miko | President (2013 – 2022) |
2022 | Martin Poirier | TC Coach |
2021 | Melissa Ong | Director |
2020 | John Baty | President (1982 – 1983 & 2010 – 2012) |
2019 | Simon Lono (1963 – 2019, Never Forgotten) | President (2004 – 2005) |
John Robinson | President (1997 – 1998) | |
2018 | John Filliter | President (1981 – 1982 & 1996 – 1997) |
Steven Penner (1990 – 2018, Never Forgotten) | Director | |
2017 | Geoffrey Buerger | Director |
Rupert Ray | Director | |
George Pepall | President (1998 – 2004) | |
Brian Casey | President (1983-1988) | |
Fred Horne | President (1991 – 1996) | |
Tom Lawson | Founder |