Errol Mendes (English only)
Full Professor, Faculty of Law - Common Law Section
[email protected]
Professor Mendes’ expertise includes Canadian politics, human rights law, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, hate crimes and federalism.
"The law would establish "bubble zones" which some argue may be a violation of freedom of expression. I think it is justified given the harassment and worse that in particular religious and ethnic minorities face and can be also justified under our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, the police should use their existing powers to curtail such harassing behaviour."
Jean-Rodrigue Paré (English and French)
Part-time Professor, School of Political Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences
[email protected]
Professor Paré can provide context on how the business of government will proceed.
"In about a year, the NDP will want to go into an election to regain party status. If Poilievre is still leader by then, the Conservatives will also want an election, and the Bloc will try to surf on the Parti Québécois wave. We could be seeing an election in the fall of 2026, unless Poilievre fails to stay on as Conservative leader."
Robert Falcon Ouellette (English & French)
Associate Professor, Faculty of Education
As a former Liberal MP, Professor Ouellette can discuss Indigenous affairs, Canadian politics, Constitutional Law and human rights.
"The opening of Parliament is always full of ceremony and history, but the real work now begins.
The government needs to get budget consultations moving quickly, while the opposition will soon be testing the Prime Minister’s resolve and looking for weaknesses during QP. With a minority Parliament, every move matters and the question will be whether Mark Carney can sustain the energy of his start, manage potential scandals from ministers, and prove he’s ready for the daily grind of politics in Ottawa, something Pierre Poilievre has already mastered.
On the new legislation protecting religious and cultural buildings, it will be important to watch how this is implemented in practice, ensuring it truly safeguards diversity while respecting Canada’s commitments under reconciliation."
Irvin Waller (English and French)
Emeritus Professor, Department of Criminology, Faculty of Social Sciences
Professor Waller's research interests include Canadian crime, including the prevention of crime and dangerous criminals.
"Homicide rate jumped 50% in last decade in part driven by handguns. Even if bail decisions are fixed to avoid repeat violence, they are not a panacea. Investing smartly to stop crime before it happens will reduce violence by 50% within 3 years, as examples from UK and even USA show us."