Anaïs Bussières McNicoll Joins CFE Board

Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, Director of the Fundamental Freedoms Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), is joining the Centre for Free Expression’s (CFE) Advisory Board. 

“Anaïs brings considerable experience in the advocacy of democratic rights and the defence of fundamental freedoms both in her work at CCLA and previously in litigating important cases including at the Supreme Court of Canada,” said James L. Turk, Director of CFE. “We are delighted she is joining the CFE board.”

As part of her role at CCLA, Anaïs develops and manages strategic litigation in which the CCLA, as a party or intervener, endeavors to advance the law on fundamental freedoms, democratic rights and mobility rights. She is deeply involved in CCLA's opposition to the increasing use of the notwithstanding clause to override basic human rights. 

Prior to joining the CCLA, Anaïs was a partner at a national law firm, where she practiced litigation, with a focus on public and constitutional law, as well as civil law.  She was particularly sought after for her contributions to complex cases at the appellate stage, especially before the Supreme Court of Canada.

Anaïs was called to the Quebec Bar in 2015 after earning her law degree with honors from the University of Montreal. She then completed a two-year clerkship at the Quebec Court of Appeal.

The Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University is a hub for public education, research and advocacy on free expression and the public’s right to know. Its work is undertaken in collaboration with academic and community-based organizations across Canada and internationally.