Anaïs Bussières McNicoll

Anaïs Bussières McNicoll is the director of the Fundamental Freedoms Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA).

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 also advocates for fundamental rights and freedoms in various forums, including parliamentary committees and the media. She is deeply involved in CCLA's opposition to the increasing use of the notwithstanding clause to override basic human rights. Anaïs believes that a society cannot be truly free and democratic without a transparent, accountable state that respects the rule of law and upholds Charter-protected rights. She is honored to dedicate her professional career to defending these principles.

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.