Jesse Hartery and Simon Bouthillier will discuss the debates surrounding the Alberta Sovereignty Act: the origins of the proposal and its development over time, while placing it in the context of the law of Canadian federalism from 1867 to the present. They will also discuss the political and legal debates that might arise as the Act is applied in practice, namely the advantages and disadvantages of uncooperative federalism. They will situate these debates in the Quebec context, notably through the example of medical assistance in dying.

Jesse Hartery is a PhD candidate at Melbourne Law School. His research focuses on legal theory, multi-level governance and legal traditions. Jesse has practiced as a commercial and constitutional litigator and clerked for Justice Nicholas Kasirer at the Supreme Court of Canada. Jesse is also a co-founder of the McGill Runnymede Society and an alumnus of our faculty.

Simon Bouthillier is an associate with McCarthy Tétrault LLP. Called to the Barreau in 2021, Simon’s practice involves civil and commercial litigation, professional liability, penal and regulatory offences, injunctions and extraordinary remedies, and class actions. Simon is particularly known for his expertise in public and constitutional law, and has been a member of the Canadian Bar Association’s Constitutional Law Section since 2023. Like Jesse, Simon is an alumnus of our faculty. We are pleased to welcome both back to McGill and we hope you can join us!

If you have any questions, please contact us at mcgill@runnymedesociety.ca.