A Legal Forum for Intellectual Diversity

The Runnymede Society is a membership-based organization that invites speakers from all across the ideological spectrum to debate legal ideas that engage the rule of law, constitutionalism, and individual liberty. The goal is to focus on these age-old principles in the context of real issues that are not often explored in the law school classrooms.

Notwithstanding Judicial Review

In this episode of Runnymede Radio, we share a live recording from a student chapter event hosted by the Runnymede Society’s University of Calgary Chapter, featuring Professor Geoff Sigalet (UBCO). Professor Sigalet’s lecture makes the political and legal case against substantive judicial review of laws enacted under section 33 of the Charter. Drawing on recent constitutional litigation, academic debate, and institutional and political analysis, he explains why provinces have been more willing to invoke the notwithstanding clause since 2018, critiques

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Can the Centre Hold? A Lecture by Justice Malcolm Rowe

In this episode of Runnymede Radio, we share a live recording from a student chapter event hosted by the Runnymede Society’s Osgoode Hall Chapter, featuring Malcolm Rowe of the Supreme Court of Canada. Justice Rowe’s lecture, titled “Can the Centre Hold?”, draws on W.B. Yeats’ The Second Coming to reflect on the pressures of an increasingly polarized society and the importance of moderation in public life. Blending political and legal philosophy, the lecture explores how these traditions intersect to shape

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Runnymede 10 Retrospective: Taking Our Place

In this special retrospective episode of Runnymede Radio, former Runnymede Society National Directors Mark Mancini and Kris Kinsinger reflect on a consequential period in the organization’s history, recorded as part of Runnymede’s tenth anniversary. The conversation explores the resistance Runnymede faced as it grew beyond its early days, the disruption and challenges of the COVID years, and how the organization adapted under pressure while remaining grounded in its core commitments. Mark and Kris discuss what it meant to stand firm

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Watch “Runnymede 10 – A Decade of Dialogue in Pursuit of Principle” Video

Ten years ago, a handful of students and scholars set out with the conviction that the nation’s deepest principles deserve open, honest conversation. From that conviction, the Runnymede Society was born. As part of Runnymede 10, we are pleased to share our tenth-anniversary video. Take a brief look back at the ideas, conversations, and moments that shaped our first decade. Watch the anniversary video here.

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Runnymede 10 Retrospective: The Early Years

In this special retrospective episode of Runnymede Radio, co-founders Joanna Baron and Asher Honickman reflect on the Runnymede Society’s earliest days, marking its tenth anniversary. The conversation revisits what first inspired Runnymede’s founding in 2016, the challenges of building a national forum for constitutional debate, and the ideas and principles that have endured over the past decade. Joanna and Asher also reflect on how the organization’s early ambitions shaped its growth—and what those formative years can tell us about Runnymede’s

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Wednesday
11
March 11, 2026 | 11:30 am

Vavilov en conversation : sept ans d’évolution du droit administratif

Université de Moncton (Pièce 132 - Pavillon Adrien-J.-Cormier) |

Joignez-vous à la section de l’Université de Moncton de la Société Runnymede pour une discussion sur l’arrêt Canada (Ministre de la Citoyenneté et de l’Immigration) [...]

Monday
02
March 2, 2026 | 12:30 pm

A Fireside Chat on Constitutional Law with Justice Huscroft

Western University Faculty of Law (Moot Court Room) |

Please join the Runnymede Society’s Western University Chapter for a fireside chat on constitutional law with Justice Grant Huscroft of the Ontario Court of Appeal [...]

Thursday
26
February 26, 2026 | 2:30 pm

Freedom of Expression in Tumultuous Times

Osgoode Hall Law School (Junior Common Room) |

Please join the Runnymede Society’s Osgoode Hall Chapter for a timely and thought-provoking discussion on freedom of expression in Canada with Jamie Cameron (Osgoode Hall) [...]

Friday
06
February 6, 2026 | 12:00 pm

The Nature of the Judicial Role

University of Manitoba Faculty of Law (Room 204) |

Please join the Runnymede Society’s University of Manitoba Chapter for a lecture on the nature of the judicial role in Canada with Professor Ryan Alford [...]

Tuesday
03
February 3, 2026 | 4:30 pm

Framing Power: Executive Authority Through Law, Politics, and the Art of Dentons

Dentons Canada LLP (Calgary) |

The Runnymede Society’s Calgary Lawyer Chapter, in collaboration with Dentons Canada LLP, is pleased to invite you to an evening examining the intersection of law, [...]

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Why join?

INTELLECTUAL ENRICHMENT

We provide funding for debates, symposia, and panel discussions with external speakers and refreshments. We are able to assist with reaching out to speakers and fund out-of-town speaker travel expenses.

SOCIAL LIFE

We host regular networking events with local members of the legal profession, academics, journalists, and other students.

ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE

We aim to connect first-year students with upper-years who can provide mentorship and academic guidance, as well as course summaries.

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