Essay Competition

The 2023 Patrick Webb Essay Competition

Patrick Webb was a Social Studies secondary school teacher in West Vancouver.  He began the essay competition many years ago so as to bring B.C. secondary students to think clearly about bio-medical issues and their moral dimensions.  The essay competition is open to secondary school students, and is designed to encourage students to recognize the dignity of every human life.

JUNIOR CATEGORY TOPICS (Grades 8-10 – Choose One)
Two prizes: 1st Place – $400.00        2nd Place – $200.00

1) As MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) is increasingly accepted and offered as a means of suicide, there arises a serious question: who should receive suicide prevention and who should be offered MAID?  Can both solutions co-exist?  What are the implications of MAID on existing suicide prevention services?

2) How do the use of euphemism and word choice convince young people in North America that Abortion and MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) are not only justifiable, but necessary?  How can pro-lifers counter these tactics? 

SENIOR CATEGORY TOPICS (Grades 11-12 – Choose One)
Two prizes: 1st Place – $800.00        2nd Place – $400.00

1) One argument that advocates of abortion and euthanasia make is that the person killed (For example, a pre-born child with a probable severe disability or a senior with a painful terminal illness) is better off dead than enduring pain or hardship.  What elements of our culture lead people to this type of thinking and what is a better way to approach suffering?

2) In 2020 there was a series of advertisements in Vancouver stating, "The most loving gift you can give your first child is to not have another."  As some Canadians advocate for a one child policy, China provides a useful case study of the long term effects of such a policy.  Research the effects of China's one child policy, discuss its underlying values, and consider a thoughtful rebuttal.

• DEADLINE: Entries must be postmarked or emailed by Monday, May 15th, 2023.

The essays will be marked by experienced educators.  The entry/information form can be downloaded below and submitted with completed essays (preferably) via email or in print via post to the addresses below:

Email to:  northshoreprolife@gmail.com
- Subject Line:  Patrick Webb Pro Life Essay Competition 2023

Mail by post to:
North Shore Pro-Life Society
Attention: Patrick Webb Pro Life Essay Competition
P.O. Box 37026
North Vancouver BC  V7M 4M4