Re(Thinking) Quebec Civil Law in its Contexts
Quebec civil law is characterised by several distinctive features: it is the result of a recent (re)codification that has given it a ‘modern’ character; it is also a hybrid, bilingual system and the legacy of a colonial past. The Centre Crépeau has held four academic events to mark significant anniversaries in the history of private and comparative law, namely the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the Civil Code of Québec (1994), the 50th anniversary of the Centre Crépeau (1975), the 125th anniversary of the 1900 Paris Congress — a pivotal moment in the founding of comparative law — and the 10th anniversary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015).
These activities will result in the publication of two edited volumes. For further information, please see the news section.
This programme is made possible thanks to the financial support of the Notarial Studies Fund of the Chambre des notaires du Québec. The Chambre des notaires is not responsible for the content, which remains the sole responsibility of the Crépeau Centre and the participants in its activities
The Figures of the Civil Code of Québec
On December 5, 2024, the Crépeau Centre launched its 2024–2026 programme with the symposium The Figures of the Civil Code of Québec. By examining several such figures, the speakers explored representations of persons, civil law and contracts that underlie them. A collective volume bringing together their contributions is in preparation..
The programme for this event can be downloaded via this link.
For more information about this event, please see the event's news.
50 years of interpreting and defining the law
On May 2, 2025, former directors and assistant directors of the Crépeau Centre came together in a symposium on 50 years of interpreting and defining the law, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Centre. They discussed the broad themes that underlie research at the Centre, in particular the Private Law Dictionary and Bilingual Lexicons. A collective volume will be published with their contributions.
The programme for this event can be downloaded via this link.
For more information about this event, please see the event's news.
Decolonizing Comparative Law
On October 16, 2025, in collaboration with the Wainwright Chair, the Crépeau Centre organised a panel on Decolonizing Comparative Law during the congress of the American Society of Comparative law, which took place at McGill’s faculty of law. Speakers suggested avenues for identifying and denouncing colonial influences on the comparative study of law.
The programme for this event can be downloaded via this link.
For more information about this event, please see the event's news.
Reconciliation and Grammar of Law
On May 8, 2026, the Crépeau Centre organized a symposium on Reconciliation and the Grammar of Law. Members of Indigenous communities, anthropologists and jurists discussed the theme of reconciliation in relation to Indigenous languages and legal traditions. News of this event will be available shortly.
The programme for this event can be downloaded via this link.
