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Heather received her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in June 2000 from Wilfrid Laurier University with a major in English and a minor in Development and International Studies. Heather went on to study in the English Common Law program at the University of Ottawa, graduating magna cum laude in 2005, having received several academic awards during her studies. Heather spent her articling year as law clerk to Mr. Justice Mosley at the Federal Court of Canada and was called to the Law Society of Upper Canada in 2006.
While an undergraduate student Heather spent several summers working at the Canadian International Development Agency. After finishing her undergraduate degree she spent six months travelling solo throughout Asia, Australia and New Zealand. While in law school Heather worked as a tutor to first year students in the area of constitutional law. She was also a member of the editorial board of the Ottawa Law Review for two years. During her second year she organized a conference entitled "Bridging National Security and Human Rights." Speakers at the event included the Secretary General of Amnesty International (Canada), the Commissioner for Public Complaints against the RCMP and the General Counsel to the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.
Heather has always had an interest in human rights and international law. While a student in the LL.M programme at the University of Cambridge, Heather completed her master's thesis in the field of international criminal law. Her topic was whether the doctrine of command responsibility can be applied to non-traditional actors, namely corporate officers in multinational corporations. Heather graduated with her LL.M from Queens' College, specialising in international law.
Upon completing her studies in England, Heather returned to Ottawa and began working as Legal
Counsel with the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
"When one strides onto the streets of Cambridge it is like stepping back in time. The buildings and streets of the town seep with history and one cannot help but be caught up in the nostalgic and romantic feel of the place. The serene setting of the river Cam running behind the old colleges is unlike anywhere else I have been. On a sunny day Cambridge must be one of the prettiest places on earth.
The old colleges and their ancient traditions sometimes make you feel as though you are living in another time and place. The formal hall dinners and black-tie events are simply magical. The social and academic community was a very special experience that I will always look back on fondly. Living and studying in England has provided me the opportunity to meet people from around the world and develop what I'm sure will be life-long friendships.
The academic experience at Cambridge was remarkable. The opportunity to learn from scholars who are the foremost in their respective fields is invaluable. The level of teaching has been wonderful and the opportunity to work closely with my thesis supervisor was an incredible learning experience.
I would highly recommend the University of Cambridge and the LL.M programme to anyone who wishes to study with the best and the brightest from around the world. I feel privileged to have been able to study at such a remarkable institution and will always be truly grateful for the support I received from the Rt. Honourable Paul Martin Scholarship. Without the support of the Institute I would have missed out on what I'm sure will be one of the highlights of my life. I am truly honoured to have been chosen."
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