A federal election will be held on Monday, April 28. The following University of Victoria experts are available to media for comment about the election and national issues affecting Canada prior to and including election day:
Deborah Curran (Law) is a professor at the University of Victoria in the Faculty of Law and School of Environmental Studies. Teaching courses relating to land and water, including municipal and water law, Curran’s research focuses on adapting water law, sustainable land use and how Indigenous law is shaping state law. As the executive director with the Environmental Law Centre at UVic, she supervises students working for community and Indigenous organizations. For over 20 years Curran has assisted local governments, community organizations and Indigenous Nations in creating sustainable communities through the implementation of green bylaws. She is available to speak on environmental issues and concerns. (Contact: [email protected])
Stacey Fitzsimmons (Business) studies how immigrants, refugees and multicultural individuals contribute unique skills, perspectives and networks that benefit organizations. Her research with BC firms demonstrates that accessing international talent isn’t just about filling labor shortages but can also strengthen performance and innovation. (Contact: [email protected])
Asad Kiyani (Law) researches and teaches in international criminal law, with expertise in the International Criminal Court. He also studies domestic criminal law, particularly the powers of police to investigate crimes and how race matters to criminal justice. He has received international prizes for his research, as well as several teaching awards. He is available to speak on issues related to international relations and immigration. (Contact: [email protected])
Justin Leifso (Political Science) is an expert in Canadian politics and public policy. He explores the relationship between power, policy and politics in Canada. He is available to speak about the Canadian election and the current political landscape. (Contact: [email protected])
Ry Moran (Libraries) is an expert on truth and reconciliation in Canada and is the inaugural Associate University Librarian, Reconciliation at UVic. As the former director of statement gathering for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the founding director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, Moran can discuss a range of topics including the Canadian Reconciliation Barometer. (Contact: [email protected])
Michael Prince (Human and Social Development) is a political scientist, social policy and public administration expert, and disability advocate. He can speak about the national campaigns, what the election means for BC and Vancouver Island ridings, televised leadership debates, policy platforms and Trump’s effect on the federal election. (Contact: [email protected])
Katya Rhodes (Public Administration, Institute for Integrated Energy Systems at UVic) is a climate policy expert investigating the issues of effective and acceptable pathways to reduce climate change. With respect to the Canadian election, she can discuss climate-related policies including carbon pricing, regulations and subsidies. (Contact: [email protected])
Estair Van Wagner (Law) is an associate professor at the University of Victoria in the Faculty of Law. She holds degrees in political science, law and environmental studies from the University of Victoria, Osgoode Hall Law School and York University. Van Wagner has led several SSHRC-funded research projects, including a study on Aboriginal title and land use on Vancouver Island. She also researches Maori law and mining in New Zealand and collaborates with the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate on human rights and homelessness. Her work focuses on property law, natural resource law, planning law and environmental justice. (Contact: [email protected])
Justin Wiltshire (Economics) is an expert in labour market dynamics, housing prices and immigration. He is available to speak about the Canadian election and how it relates to the cost of living, job security and Canada’s economic prospects. (Contact: [email protected])
