Human Rights Speakers Series: Dr. Jeffrey B. Meyers

Join Royal Roads University for the launch of the Human Rights Speaker Series, a new quarterly series that creates space for learning, dialogue and critical reflection on the protection of human rights and emerging human rights issues in Canada and around the world.

In this session, The Notwithstanding Clause as Turnkey Authoritarianism: Human Rights on the Line, legal academic and criminology instructor, Dr. Jeffrey B. Meyers, examines the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms’ notwithstanding clause and its growing use in Canadian politics. 

Once understood as an exceptional constitutional measure, Section 33 allows governments to pass laws that can override certain Charter protections. Meyers will explore what it means when this power becomes normalized, and why its use raises urgent questions about rights, democratic accountability and the rule of law.

The event will feature a conversation between Dr. Meyers and Royal Roads President Phillip Steenkamp, followed by a moderated Q&A with Royal Roads Head of Human Rights and Accessibility Alejandro Campos-Garcia.

• This is a hybrid event, with options to attend in-person or online. Please register to receive the location and zoom link.

Co-sponsored by the Human Rights & Accessibility Office and the Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost.