There are multiple sides to every story. For this assignment you will be required to work in groups of one, two, three or four in order to create a “point/counterpoint” type of an argument. The goal of this is to see how limiting the arguments can be when one side may be biased with an agenda. Many modern Canadian issues involve stakeholders from many different backgrounds, with many different opinions.
QUESTION
Please check full instruction in file!!!!
There are multiple sides to every story. For this assignment you will be required to work in groups of one, two, three or four in order to create a “point/counterpoint” type of an argument. The goal of this is to see how limiting the arguments can be when one side may be biased with an agenda. Many modern Canadian issues involve stakeholders from many different backgrounds, with many different opinions. Stakeholders are individuals who are directly involved in making decisions. They can be government officials, celebrities, company owners, neighbourhood organizations, or anything else you find applicable. You are required to choose a stakeholder position (either for or against) one of the scenarios listed on page 3 of this assignment. Using this foundation, you must have a back and forth debate within your group. You were only asked to discuss the environmental challenges of these issues, however each of these also has many consequences for social, economic, and health parameters in Canada. How you organize this is up to you. You can choose to act as yourselves, or get into characters (an Indigenous group vs. Justin Trudeau, David Suzuki vs. an oil company, Donald Trump vs. An anti-coal group, etc). You must explain the format and setting of your debate (i.e., is it on Twitter between two or more political figures? Is it a transcript from an interview? Is it a video interview? Was it a Facebook argument? Is it on the class Discussion Forum?), and provide a copy of it (in text or picture/screen capture format).
Working Alone or in a Group of 2
The deliverables for this are different depending on the number of people in your group. If you are
working in a group of two or by yourself there must be a minimum of 7 exchanges. An exchange is a
back and forth between two parties. For example, (the below include real quotes, you are expected to
be original):
ANSWER
Point/Counterpoint Debate: Environmental Challenges in Canadian Issues
Introduction
In this assignment, we will engage in a point/counterpoint debate to explore the environmental challenges associated with various Canadian issues. As stakeholders representing different perspectives, we will present contrasting arguments in a back-and-forth format to highlight the diverse viewpoints and potential biases that can influence discussions on these issues. Our debate will focus on the environmental aspects but acknowledge the broader social, economic, and health consequences these issues entail. The format of our debate will take the form of a transcript from a panel discussion hosted on a virtual platform.
Debate Setting: Virtual Panel Discussion
Participants: Sarah (Representing Environmental Advocates) and Mark (Representing Industrial Development)
Transcript
Moderator: Welcome to our virtual panel discussion on the environmental challenges in Canadian issues. Today, we have Sarah and Mark, who will present their differing perspectives on one of the scenarios outlined in the assignment. Let’s begin.
Exchange 1
Sarah: As an environmental advocate, I believe that protecting our natural resources should be the utmost priority. The expansion of oil pipelines poses significant threats to our ecosystems, leading to habitat destruction, water pollution, and contributing to climate change.
Mark: While I understand the concerns, it’s important to consider the economic benefits associated with pipeline development. These projects create jobs, boost the economy, and provide energy security for our nation. We can balance environmental protection with responsible resource extraction.
Exchange 2
Sarah: I appreciate the economic benefits, but we must prioritize sustainability for future generations. Instead of relying on fossil fuels, we should invest in renewable energy sources and promote a transition to a low-carbon economy to mitigate climate change and protect our environment.
Mark: Transitioning to renewable energy is admirable, but it requires substantial investments and time. In the meantime, we need to utilize our available resources responsibly and ensure stringent regulations are in place to minimize environmental impacts.
Exchange 3
Sarah: While regulations can help mitigate some risks, we have witnessed instances of environmental disasters caused by lax oversight. We must prioritize stringent regulations, enforceable penalties, and hold industries accountable for their actions to prevent irreversible harm to our ecosystems.
Mark: Agreed, accountability is crucial. However, it is also essential to acknowledge the positive steps industries have taken towards environmental stewardship. Many companies have implemented sustainable practices, reduced emissions, and supported conservation efforts. We should recognize and incentivize these initiatives.
Exchange 4
Sarah: I appreciate the efforts made by some industries, but we need comprehensive and systemic changes to address the scale of environmental challenges we face. It requires collaboration between stakeholders, governments, and industries to create a sustainable future for Canada.
Mark: Collaboration is indeed vital, and industry recognizes the need for sustainable practices. By working together, we can strike a balance between environmental protection and economic growth, ensuring a prosperous future for both our natural heritage and our citizens.
Conclusion
Through our point/counterpoint debate, we have highlighted the contrasting perspectives on environmental challenges in Canadian issues. While environmental advocates emphasize the importance of safeguarding ecosystems and transitioning to renewable energy, proponents of industrial development stress the economic benefits and responsible resource extraction. It is crucial to continue these dialogues, considering multiple viewpoints, and finding common ground to address environmental concerns while promoting sustainable growth in Canada.
