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MEDIA ADVISORY: A Conversation on the State of the Rule of Law in Canada
OTTAWA,
October 29, 2014 —
In the lead-up to the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta next year, the Public Law Group of the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law invites the media to attend a panel discussion titled “A Conversation on the State of the Rule of Law in Canada.”
In light of the recent attacks in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and on Parliament Hill, there will no doubt be considerable discussion by the panellists about the balance among national security, privacy, freedom of expression and the rule of law.
WHAT: A Conversation on the State of the Rule of Law in Canada
WHEN: Tuesday, November 4, 2014, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m.
WHERE: Gowlings Moot Court Room, Fauteux Hall (57 Louis Pasteur| map)
The panel will feature the following speakers:
Robert Walsh, former law clerk and parliamentary counsel, will focus on the rule of law and the operations of Parliament. He will discuss whether Parliament must accept the rule of law or whether it can place itself above it. He will also focus on how the rule of law interacts with the foundations of responsible government in Canada and our system of constitutional democracy.
The Honourable Justice David M. Paciocco will discuss the role of the judiciary and the rule of law, including how the rule of law interacts with parliamentary supremacy and the interpretation of legislation by the judiciary.
Irwin Cotler, MP and former minister of justice, will focus on the role of the executive in promoting and protecting the rule of law, including the role of the attorney general in ensuring that the executive, including the prime minister, is bound by and obligated to protect and promote the rule of law.
Nathalie Des Rosiers, dean of the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Common Law Section, will discuss the role of civil society and lawyers in protecting the rule of law in Canada. She will also address the systemic barriers to the rule of law in Canada and whether the rule of law means anything today.
The event will be moderated by Errol Mendes, Common Law Section.
Media inquiries
Danika Gagnon
Media Relations Officer
University of Ottawa
Office: 613-562-5800 ext. 2981
Cell: 613-863-7221
danika.gagnon@uOttawa.ca
