The Centre for Constitutional Studies bids a fond farewell to Patricia Paradis

The executive director of the Centre for Constitutional Studies, Patricia Paradis, retired from her position in the spring of 2022.

As executive director, she was focused on expanding Canadians' understanding of the Constitution by providing easily accessible information to people of all ages and backgrounds and creating a cross-Canada hub for constitutional research.

“It is essential to create resources where people can access the Constitution and realize how it impacts their everyday lives,” said Paradis, who also taught Human Rights Law in Canada as a sessional instructor for the Faculty of Law. “The Constitution is so fundamental to how our country functions and how we operate. I believe people should know what a constitution is, what it does and what our Constitution says. But sadly, it’s something that’s simply not taught.”

A Formidable Legacy

For over a decade, Paradis conceived remarkable ways to engage public interest over the Constitution.

She spearheaded the U-School Constitution Workshops, which allow grade 6 students to learn about the Constitution and the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments, and she also implemented the Downtown Charter Series (now called the Online Charter Series), where professors from the Faculty and other experts offer minilectures on the Charter to the public.

In addition, Paradis planned and organized national conferences that touched on topics such as Senate reform, the patriation of the Constitution and reconciliation in regard to law practices.

With respect to the Centre’s research mandate, Paradis edited two journals: The Review of Constitutional Studies and the Constitutional Forum — something she learned ‘on the job.’ She came to value this task as one of the most rewarding parts of her position.

“Working with scholars to assist them with the publication has allowed me a window into a tremendous world of collegiality, humility and very hard work,” said Paradis. “It’s been a great gift.”

She also established an Editorial Board for the Review that is made up of political scientists and law scholars from across Canada who help guide the editorial direction of the publication. Notably, she expanded on the Centre’s bilingual reach by selecting two editors in chief for the Review from the Université de Montréal.

“We've been marvelously fortunate to have Patricia at the Centre’s helm,” said Professor Eric Adams, who worked closely with Paradis. “How lucky for us that what began as her agreement to serve for one year as interim executive director became a remarkable decade of unparalleled leadership in public legal education and research about the Constitution.”

Welcoming Richard Mailey As The Centre’s New Director

On June 1, 2022, Richard Mailey stepped into the role of director of the Centre. In addition to completing his postdoc at the university, he also served as the Centre’s research associate since 2020.

Mailey received his LLB and LLM from the University of Glasgow, and PhD from the University of Luxembourg. He has taught for the U of A’s departments of political science and sociology. Speaking about what attracted him to the director role, Mailey pointed to the value he’s seen the Centre offer firsthand.

“We’re evidently at a juncture right now where people need accurate and engaging content on the Constitution as much as they ever have. I know that every generation feels like they’re confronting unique (and uniquely grave) social problems, but I think in this instance it might actually be true!” he said.