The Centre for Constitutional Studies bids fond farewell to Patricia Paradis

The Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Studies, Patricia Paradis, has announced that she will retire this spring.

In addition to her 12-year tenure at the Centre, Paradis has taught Human Rights Law in Canada as a sessional instructor for the University of Alberta Faculty of Law since 1996.

“The Centre has grown in many positive directions under her leadership,” said Dean Barbara Billingsley. “The Faculty of Law has benefited greatly from her collegiality, boundless energy, enthusiasm, and expertise."

As an Executive Director, Paradis has remained 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. “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 has 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. She also implemented the Downtown Charter Series (now called the Online Charter Series), where professors from the Faculty and other experts offer mini-lectures on the Charter to the public.

Paradis has planned and organized national conferences that touch on topics such as Senate reform, the patriation of the Constitution, and reconciliation in regards to law practices.

With respect to the Centre’s research mandate, Paradis edits two journals: the Review of Constitutional Studies and the Constitutional Forum. She has come 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.”

“Part of what has been especially remarkable about Patricia's tenure as Executive Director is the diversity of her initiatives across many constitutional fields,” said Vice Dean Eric Adams, who has worked closely with Paradis since 2007. “She's treated each with equal care and concern, enthusiasm, diligence and creative flair.”

Professor Steven Penney, current chair of the Centre’s Advisory Board, said she will be missed.

“She’s a tremendously positive force for the Centre, the University, and the broader community,” he said. “We will deeply miss her passion for public legal education, her impressive work ethic, and her talent for bringing people together.”

Looking towards the future

Paradis feels the time is right to pass the torch to the next Executive Director and focus on her own passions.

In addition to reconnecting with some of her favourite pastimes, Paradis sees herself remaining active in research and education on the Constitution – something she remains passionate about.

“There are many things I would like to do such as travel, sing, play the harp, and edit my great grandfather's memoirs,” said Paradis, “And perhaps I’ll even continue to produce resources about the Constitution and speak at conferences on the subject. There are so many things I would love to do – what I have to do is not take on too much!”