Jocelynne Renz

Research Intern

Jocelynne Renz is a second year student in the English Common Law program at the University of Ottawa, where she has previously completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Management. She is a member of Moosomin First Nation located in Saskatchewan and is an active member of the Indigenous Law Student Governance at the University of Ottawa, which aims to foster a community for Indigenous learners and advance recognition within colonial legal spaces. She is passionate about learning and advancing legal frameworks that support Indigenous communities and enterprises.

Bailey Pelletier

2024 Spring Term

Bailey is a fourth-year law and master’s student in the English Common Law section at the University of Ottawa and the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton. In the spring of 2024 Bailey will be graduating with a Juris Doctor and a Master of Arts in International Affairs. Prior to law school she completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science at Brandon University. Her primary interests are in advocacy, public law, and Aboriginal law.

This past summer Bailey worked at Norton Rose Fulbright in Ottawa where she will be returning to complete her articles. For the past two years, Bailey has worked for the federal government, first starting as a summer co-op student at Environment Canada, followed by Indigenous Services Canada. Prior to law school, Bailey spent a year interning at the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba which ignited her passion in Indigenous legal issues and social policy.

In her spare time, Bailey enjoys yoga, skating, and spending time with family and friends. You can also catch her as a dancer and the costume coordinator for the law school’s spring production of Legally Blonde the Musical!

Simona Tersigni

2024 Spring Term

Simona is a second-year student in the English Common Law program at the University of Ottawa. With a deep commitment to advancing Indigenous rights and health law policy reform, as well as gender equity and access to justice for women and marginalized groups, Simona is thrilled to be interning for Senator Boyer. This opportunity allows her to delve into the intricacies of legislative development in areas aligned with her passions.

Simona is also active in the law school community as an executive member of the uOttawa’s Health Law Student Association, as well as a Research Assistant for Professor Stefanie Carsley in the area of surrogacy and reproductive law. Additionally, she participated in the Nelligan Moot during her first year where she was able to strengthen her legal writing and oral advocacy skills.

Prior to studying law, Simona graduated with High Distinction from the University of Toronto where she majored in Criminology and double minored in Political Science and Music History. Outside of her studies, you can find Simona planning her next travel adventure or updating her Goodreads followers on her latest five-star read.

Darrelyne Bickel

Research Intern

Darrelyne is a Métis single mother from northern Manitoba, currently completing a Master of Arts in Political Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to graduate studies, she completed a Bachelor of Arts, with Great Distinction, majoring in Political Studies and minoring in Sociology. Her previous work experience includes research for various Métis-specific projects and over six years as a Legal Assistant. Her lived experience as a Métis woman and survivor of intimate partner violence (IPV) drives her current research of applying the Métis relationality concept of wahkootowin to the Saskatchewan Family Law System in hopes that the suggestion of a Métis feminist framework can provide policy alternatives and better protect survivors of IPV and their children. Darrelyne is honoured to assist Senator Boyer’s work through research.

Adam Paul

Research Intern

Adam Paul (Metis) recently completed a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Manitoba. Prior to grad school, Adam Paul completed a Bachelor of Arts (4 Year Honours) in Political Science at Brandon University.

Adam Paul has experience working in Research and Academia. He also has experience in Public Administration as a Policy Analyst with the Manitoba Government at Apprenticeship Manitoba and with the Government of Canada at Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Adam Paul is currently working as a Performance Analyst with the Manitoba Government at Manitoba Health Seniors and Long-term Care.

Madison Bell

2023 - Fall Term

Madison is a third-year law student in the English Common Law section at the University of Ottawa. Prior to law school, she completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Public Law at Brock University.

This past summer, Madison summered at WeirFoulds LLP, where she received hands on experience in areas of commercial litigation, employment law, and regulatory work. Since law school, Madison has developed a strong passion for grassroots work and community-based initiatives. As a Research Assistant for the Ottawa People’s Commission on the Convoy Occupation, she attended community meetings to listen to residents share their personal experiences with the Convoy. She subsequently wrote a comparative piece on the inherent limits on the right to protest.

As a Dean’s Fellow and Legal Writing Leader at the University of Ottawa, Madison has spent much of her law school career teaching first year students how to conduct legal research and write persuasively.

Madison spends her free time exploring Ottawa and focusing on her extracurriculars. She is particularly proud of her work with Elephant in the Room, a club that promotes the discussion of mental health in the legal profession.

Esmé Ariss

2023 - Fall Term

Esmé is a third-year law student in the English Common Law program at the University of Ottawa. She will be graduating in Spring 2024, with a Juris Doctor and an option in social justice. Her interests are in the areas of social justice including Indigenous Rights, Gender Equity, and Canadian Aboriginal Law.

Esmé is an executive member of the University of Ottawa Association of Women and the Law and participated in the Allies in Law Program. She has competed and placed in a number of moots and mock negotiations demonstrating strong debating and oral advocacy skills. Esmé’s work experience includes the University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic as a student lead in the Landlord and Tenant division and a student member of the Steering Committee. Most recently she was a summer student at Connolly Obagi LLP where she will complete her articles.

Esmé attended Queen’s University where she received her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Gender Studies and completed the Certificate in Law program. Outside of school, you can find Esmé enjoying a laugh over dinner with family and friends. She is thrilled to be working for Senator Boyer and engaging in the process of legislative development!

Kirsten McCann

2021 - Fall Term & 2023 - Spring Term

Kirsten is in her third and final year at the University of Ottawa in the Faculty of English Common Law. Passionate about the intersections between gender, Indigenous rights, climate change policy, technology, and equality, Kirsten hopes to one day practice law in a relating field. She is also a fierce advocate for sexual violence prevention and is currently a workshop coordinator for the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund’s “Only Yes Means Yes” consent workshops for Ottawa high school students. She spent this past summer working in Vancouver at the law firm Gowling WLG LLP, where she will be returning to article after graduation. Throughout law school, Kirsten has worked at the Law Commission of Ontario researching environmental rights, as a bilingual assistant editor at the Ottawa Law Review, a research assistant at the Centre for Law, Technology and Public Policy, and completed an international exchange program at Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

Before law school, Kirsten completed an Honours Specialization Degree in Political Science at Western University. Outside school, you can find Kirsten skiing every chance she can get and striking out more often than she would like to admit on her school’s amateur softball team.

Jayna Green

2023 - Spring Term

Jayna was born on the unceded, traditional territory of the Beothuk and Mi’kmaq in Newfoundland and is of Mi’kmaq-settler ancestry. She is completing the final year of her Common Law JD Program at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law. She is passionate about the intersections between Indigenous rights, environmental law, and Canadian Aboriginal law. Throughout law school, Jayna has gained valuable legal research skills as a student research associate with Decolonizing Water, an Indigenous-led partnership committed to enhancing the protection of water and Indigenous water governance. Some of her research has focused on cumulative environmental effects on Aboriginal and Treaty rights and the socio-legal implications of hydroelectric development for Indigenous communities. Most recently, Jayna was elected the Vice President of Events for the University of Ottawa’s Indigenous Law Student Governance, an Indigenous student government dedicated to furthering reconciliation, representing the interests of Indigenous law students, and advocating for the inclusion of Indigenous legal traditions within Canadian legal education. This past summer, Jayna was a summer student at Stewart McKelvey in St. John’s, NL, and looks forward to returning to complete her articles upon graduation.

Before law school, Jayna received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Political Science and a minor in Business from Memorial University and spent her summers working in her family’s tourism and hospitality business outside Gros Morne National Park. In Jayna’s spare time, she can be found making the most of the great outdoors with family and friends, and sometimes strumming a tune around a campfire.

Sophia Lagimodiere

Research Intern

Sophia is a third-year law student at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law. Prior to law school, she received her Bachelor of Arts (High Honours) in Political Studies with a minor in Psychology. Throughout her studies, she has continued to be involved in her community, working as Summer Student Managing Editor of the Saskatchewan Law Review, writing for Eagle Feather News, holding positions on the Law Students’ Association and Indigenous Law Students’ Association Executives, and participating in CLASSIC’s Intensive Clinical Law program. Sophia is happy to work for Senator Boyer providing Indigenous Metis research, data collection and writing services.

Aliyyah Jafri

2022 - Fall Term

Aliyyah is a third-year law student in the English Common Law program at the University of Ottawa. Aliyyah is passionate about the ways in which the law interacts with minoritized communities, and how the law and policy may act as a tool for further disenfranchisement. She is further interested in racial and gender equity, health policy, Indigenous rights and privacy law and surveillance. Aliyyah recently summered at Norton Rose Fulbright in Toronto and will be returning in 2023 to complete her articles. Throughout her time in law school, Aliyyah has worked with the University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic, as a division leader in the family law section, furthering her passion for access to justice. Additionally, in her first year of law school Aliyyah worked as a research assistant at the uOttawa Centre for Health Law, Policy and Ethics on an international team, researching legal discourses surrounding reproductive health law.

Prior to law school, Aliyyah received her Bachelor of Arts in International Development & Political Science from McGill University. Outside of law school, Aliyyah is an avid reader, runner and plays for her school's amateur softball team. Hailing from the coast of British Columbia, Aliyyah enjoys being in nature and is always scouting new hiking trails that rival the west coast.

Jenna Smith

2022 - Fall Term

Jenna is a third-year law student in the English Common Law Program at the University of Ottawa. She completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of Guelph, where she developed a deep interest in politics and the Canadian legislative process. While at Guelph, Jenna represented the Gryphons as a varsity track and field athlete, winning multiple provincial and national medals in her events.

During law school, Jenna has been involved with the Ottawa Law Review as an Assistant Editor, Associate Editor, and now a Senior Editor where she sits on the Senior Board as an Online Manager. Jenna has also been a Community Outreach Coordinator for StreetSmart, an organization where law students give informative legal presentations to street-involved and marginalized youth. Jenna is currently an “Only Yes Means Yes” Workshop Coordinator for the Women’s Legal Education Action Fund (LEAF) Ottawa chapter.

Camille Andrzejewski

2022 - Spring Term

Camille Andrzejewski joins Senator Boyer’s team as a third-year student at the University of Ottawa in the French Common Law Program. Camille’s interest in the intersection of law and politics – specifically the ability to reform outdated institutions to reflect modern realities – led her to pursue this internship. Camille hopes to develop practical skills in legislative development, while obtaining a fresh perspective on today’s societal challenges. Her interests extend to public international law, constitutional law, international tax, and human rights.

Camille complemented her law school experience by competing in the Jessup moot--the world’s largest moot court competition; serving as Associate Editor of the Ottawa Law Review; co-authoring an academic paper with a professor; and mentoring law students. After graduating in 2022, Camille will be clerking at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice before returning to Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Vancouver.

Prior to law school, Camille obtained her Honours Bachelor of Health Science degree also from the University of Ottawa. She previously worked in the Ontario public service, most recently at the Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of the Attorney General. Outside of school, Camille is passionate about giving back to her community and has previously volunteered with the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, the Ottawa Hospital, and local food banks.

Jasmine Law

2022 - Spring Term

Jasmine Law is a third-year student in the English Common Law program at the University of Ottawa. Jasmine’s legal interests include litigation, public law, and human rights. She recently summered at Aird & Berlis LLP in Toronto, and the year before that, at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.

She is currently a Senior Editor and Special Projects Manager for the Ottawa Law Review, as well as a Research Assistant with the Refugee Hub. Besides her involvement with the OLR, Jasmine was also a Co-President of uOttawa's Association of Women and the Law and a Dean’s Research and Writing Fellow. As an avid mooter, Jasmine has also competed in different moots during each year of law school. Prior to studying law, Jasmine graduated with High Distinction from Carleton University’s Bachelor of Journalism program, where she strengthened her skills in research and writing. She also spent a year working in corporate communications and public relations at Hyundai Auto Canada. Outside of school and work, Jasmine enjoys trying new restaurants and planning her travels to new countries.

Renée Manderville

2022 - Spring Term

Renée is a bilingual second-year student in the Faculty of English Common Law at the University of Ottawa. Having focussed on various Indigenous communities in continental Southeast Asia while specializing during her Master of Arts in History at McGill, Renée looks forward to translating her expertise of Indigenous rights abuses in other parts of the world into the Canadian perspective. She currently holds an executive position in the University of Ottawa Women in the Law Association, where she strives to incorporate Indigenous and other BIPOC voices into discussions of gender and law. Aside from law school, Renée continues to work for the Indian Ocean World Centre, a McGill based research centre focussing on the historical intersectionality of environmental and human developments spanning between Coastal East Africa and Japan. Her passion for environmental sustainability, women’s rights, and refugee rights have all contributed to her hopes of pursuing a career in Health Law.

Among her many interests, Renée enjoys hiking, skiing, yoga, and art. A social cause that she is passionate about is the Indigenous Water Crisis, and she hopes to advocate for victims of this and other health-related human rights abuses after passing her bar. Renée is set to graduate law school in Spring of 2023.

Wafa Khan

2021 - Fall Term

Wafa is a third-year student in the English Common Law Program at the University of Ottawa. Prior to law school, she graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Wafa is passionate about giving back to marginalized communities and has done so through her work with various organizations like Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights Ottawa, The Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, and the NORTH Clinic. Wafa anticipates being called to the Manitoba Bar in 2023 where she hopes to continue working between the intersection of health, law, and policy reform.

Aiden Cyr

Research Intern

Aiden is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation with ancestral roots in the Métis homeland along the Red River in the settlements of St.Norbert and St.Francois, Southern Manitoba. The traditional Buffalo hunt staging grounds. Aiden assists the Senator’s work as a researcher, through social media and as a direct assistant to the office. He uses his experience as an environmental activist and a champion of the rights of Indigenous peoples to best assist the Senator in her role.

Chesa Abma-Slade

Chésa Abma-Slade, Xwsepsum (Esquimalt Nation) member, believes in the importance of representing the diverse perspectives of Indigenous peoples’ (especially Indigenous children and youth) in movements for change. Currently, she is studying law in a joint degree program in Canadian common law and Indigenous legal orders. Chésa’s work experience includes education, research, and communication within schools, First Nation communities, NGOs, and government organizations.

Excitingly, Chésa's outstanding community work saw her present at a Generation Equality Event, "Feminist Youth Will Not be Left Behind." You can watch the video on youtube, where she speaks at the 15-minute mark. https://youtu.be/gedDQOwlJEw?t=946

Ariane Lefebvre

2021 - Spring Term

Ariane is a second-year student in the French Common Law Program at the University of Ottawa who will be graduating in 2022. Prior to her studies in law, she completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Ottawa. Her studies continue to fuel her passion and interest in the intersectionality between health and the law.

She is beyond excited to have the opportunity to witness the development of the law and to work alongside Senator Boyer, an expert in the field of Indigenous health law in Canada. Ariane is currently the French Common Law Representative for the Health Law Students’ Association and the Undergraduate Student Member for the University of Ottawa’s Senate Appeals Committee. Outside of her studies and extracurricular commitments, Ariane can be found practicing yoga, snowboarding, and spending time outdoors in northern Ontario.

Tara Rose McDonald

2021 - Spring Term

Tara Rose McDonald is in her final year of law school at the University of Ottawa in the Common Law English Program. Previously, she was a Chancellor’s Scholar at Queen’s University where she graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts, Honours, and where she majored in Global Development Studies and minored in Political Science.

Ms McDonald currently works at both the Department of Justice Canada in the Criminal Conviction Review Group and at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law as the Indigenous Learner Academic Mentor. She is extremely passionate about Indigenous rights, women’s health, and criminal justice reform. Ms McDonald is very excited to employ her experience as a student of law, researcher, and community legal advocate as she works with the Honourable Senator Boyer to improve the health and livelihoods of Indigenous peoples across Canada.

In the summer of 2021, Ms. McDonald will begin clerking for the Honourable Justice Paul Favel at the Federal Court of Canada.

Alexandra George

2020

Alexandra is a second-year student in the French Common Law Program (JD) at the University of Ottawa. Prior to entering law school, she studied 4 years at the University of Windsor with a double major in French Studies and Criminology. Alexandra expects to complete law school by 2022 and expects to be called to the bar in 2023. Alexandra also completed her internship with the offices of Senator Boyer and Senator Hartling.

Blossom Malhan

2020

Blossom Malhan is a resident of British Columbia who is passionate about electoral reform and International Relations. She is committed to the process of self-education in order to better listen and serve as an ally to fellow Canadians facing inequality and discrimination. Blossom is currently attending law school at the University of Ottawa and is expected to be called to the Bar in 2022.

Emily Kim

2020

Emily Kim is a fiercely active uOttawa student whose enthusiasm for extracurricular’s and public service knows no bounds. She assisted lawyers who represent underrepresented parties as a triage coordinator for Law Help Ontario. She has also served as an executive committee member, events coordinator, and graphic designer for several community serving organizations including, Pro Bono Students Canada Executive at University of Ottawa and HanVoice Ottawa Chapter. Emily’s burgeoning legal career will benefit greatly from her time under the mentorship of Justice Peter Doody at the Ottawa Courthouse and as a student working for Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City (CLASSIC).

Emily Kim expects to graduate the JD program in Common Law at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law in 2021 and to be called to the bar in the year 2022.

Jennifer Linde

2020

Jennifer is a second-year student in the French Common Law Program at the University of Ottawa who will be graduating in 2022. Originally from Vancouver, she chose to pursue her law degree in the nation’s capital in order to study in French and pursue her interests in public and constitutional law. With her keen interest in legislative development, Jennifer is absolutely thrilled to have been given the opportunity to work as an intern for Senator Boyer.

Jennifer serves as Vice-President (Internal) of the Regroupement étudiant de common law en français (RÉCLEF) and as Associate Editor for the Ottawa Law Review. Passionate about human rights, she has volunteered with a number of organizations centered around equity initiatives, including Reach Canada and the Vancouver Women’s Health Collective. Jennifer is also a host for The Law School Show podcast, where she seeks to highlight the work of women in the legal profession as well as the work of those fighting to improve access to justice.

In her spare time, you can find Jennifer running along the Rideau Canal, snowshoeing in Gatineau Park, or cozying up with a good book and a cup of tea.

Kallisti Sipidias

2020

Kallisti Sipidias is completing a Juris Doctor degree in common law at the University of Ottawa – Faculty of Law. She is currently a second-year student and plans to graduate in the Spring of 2022. Prior to law school, she completed a double major in Political Science and Sociology and received an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto. Kallisti completed her internship with Senator Boyer and Senator Boniface's offices.

Kallisti’s genuine curiosity, quest for knowledge, and desire for developing a deeper understanding of the world lead her to pursue a career in law. She is interested in applying her legal knowledge and practical approach to help people and businesses solve complex legal problems. Kallisti’s passion for law is rivaled only by her love for fitness, cooking, traveling, reading, and collecting antique jewelry.

Lauren Thompson

2020

Lauren Thompson joined Senator Boyer’s team before entering her third year of law school. She anticipates being called to the bar in 2022 and is expected to complete her University of Ottawa Juris Doctor in June 2021. Lauren was previously a medical responder before changing careers into law. She worked with Senator Boyer in helping to gain insight on the resources available to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lauren is currently a Dean’s Technology Fellow with the University of Ottawa, and a Hyman Soloway Fellow in the application of Artificial Intelligence in law with Global Affairs Canada. She is also currently working in a Department of Justice practicum and in the Ottawa Community Legal Clinic/Legal Aid Ontario. When not working, Lauren enjoys camping with family and friends, and is a competing equestrian.

Taryn Michel

2020

Taryn Michel is First Nations from Michipicoten located on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. She is from the Martin Clan and her spirit name is GINEW KWE which means Golden Eagle Woman. Taryn is happily married to her husband and is blessed with two beautiful children in Alexander and Reese where they live in Sudbury, Ontario.

Following the traits of her spirit name, Taryn has both powerful, long-seeing vision and a majestic spirit. She chose to pursue a career in legal advocacy to honour her name and the skills she has been gifted. Taryn employs these skills well as the Vice President for the Indigenous Law Students Association at the UOttawa Faculty of Law and ass the National 1L Rep for the National Indigenous Law students association. She is currently entering her second year of law school and is a 2022 JD candidate at UOttawa.

Alexander Baxter Healy

2019

Alexander Baxter Healy completed his Senate internship working with the offices of both Senator Boyer and Senator Boniface. His work primarily focused on bills under consideration by the Senate committees on Human Rights and National Security and Defence.

Alex currently holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Ottawa (2019) as well as a Bachelor of Commerce with a minor in Economics from Mount Allison University in New Brunswick (2014). His studies at uOttawa concentrated in public and national security law, which led him to be selected to compete for Team Canada in the International Crisis Law Simulation held at Georgetown University, in Washington DC. While completing his BCOMM in New Brunswick, Alex was a starting offensive lineman and captain for the Mounties varsity football team and was selected to play in the CIS East-West all-star competition in 2012.

Ally Memedovich

2019

Before law school, Ally obtained her BHSc in Public Health with a concentration in Psychology from the University of Calgary. She is particularly interested in how health policy and other government policies impact people’s everyday lives. After law school, she is hoping to work in the public sector or alongside marginalized persons. When not reading for law school, Ally enjoys reading books for her book blog.

Ally expects to graduate law school in 2021 and expects to be called to the bar in 2022.

Courtney Wilbur

2019

Courtney Wilber is a status member of the Northern Tutchone community belonging to the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation in the Yukon Territory. In August 2017, Courtney was gifted her Grandmother’s Traditional name Nän Chié á which means “coming from the ground.”

Courtney has accepted the tremendous responsibility that comes with accepting a traditional name and with both the help of her Grandmother’s teachings and a legal education she is preparing to honourably protect the rights of her home community. Courtney knows too well the effect that Residential Schools had on both her community and family members and uses this knowledge to drive her focus in Indigenous rights as a prospective legal advocate. Courtney expects to graduate the uOttawa J.D common law program in 2021 and expects to be called to the bar in 2022.

Connor Scott

2018

Connor Scott received his Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law in 2019. Prior to that, he graduated with distinction from Western University as a Western Scholar with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree, specializing in Political Science. Connor believes deeply in the importance of public service. It is this conviction which has motivated him to pursue a public law practice, specializing in health law, and secure internship opportunities with the Hospital for Sick Children, Senate of Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health. In August 2020, Connor began articling with the Legal Services Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care.

He expects to have fulfilled all of the licensing requirements to be eligible to be called to the Bar of Ontario in June 2021.

Kelly Duquette

2018

Kelly Duquette is Métis artist and lawyer, practicing Municipal and Aboriginal business law in Gowling WLG's Ottawa office. She has a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA) and a Juris Doctorate Degree (JD) from the University of Ottawa.

Kelly specialized in Indigenous law throughout her University career and has participated in a number of Indigenous-focused internship opportunities. One of these internship opportunities included the legislative development internship in the Senate alongside Honourable Senator Yvonne Boyer. During this internship, Kelly attended bi-weekly Aboriginal People’s Senate Committee meetings and prepared briefs of the meetings. Further, she assisted and informed Senator Boyer through the completion of various research projects and senate speeches, and responded to questions from the community.