Federalism: Thinking Outside the Box

Can federalism reinvent itself to include actors that have often been left out (municipalities, Indigenous peoples, civil society, etc.)?
Can institutions of self-rule and joint rule be recast to better meet contemporary policy and polycentric challenges?
How can comparative law and politics help to “think outside the box”?

SUBMISSIONS AND INQUIRIES

ELIGIBILITY
Authors must either:

• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in law or political science;
• Hold a law or political science degree and have obtained their most recent degree (in law, political science, or otherwise) after February 7, 2020;
• Have been admitted to the Bar (or the local equivalent) after February 7, 2020.

Submissions should be sent by email to:
Prof. Johanne Poirier, Peter MacKell Chair in Federalism
at baxter-competition.law@mcgill.ca.

The original text must be in English (max. 8,000 words) or in French (max. 8,800 words), including references.

For the complete submission guidelines, please consult our website:
https://www.mcgill.ca/law/research/essay-contests/baxter-competition-federalism

GOAL OF THE COMPETITION
The goal of the Competition is to advance research and foster informed debate on federalism by students and young professionals from around the world.

QUOTE
“We believe that Canada ultimately benefits from a thoughtful discourse about the strength and weaknesses of federal systems. If properly and respectfully fostered at universities, this can promote a new generation of citizens (and leaders) who have actually given some thought to how our country operates, and perhaps ways to make it better.”
— Colin and Rachel Baxter

SUBMISSION DEADLINE
FEBRUARY 7, 2025, BEFORE MIDNIGHT (EASTERN STANDARD TIME)

For more information, visit:
McGill Federalism Competition

View the notice here.

Posted: January 9, 2025