The Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre

Our Staff

Our Staff

The Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre boasts a diverse and dedicated team of professionals committed to safeguarding and promoting civil liberties in the province. From seasoned research associates to passionate advocates, their collective efforts drive positive change in protecting individual rights and freedoms for all Albertans.
photo of Alex Monteil, Executive Director of ACLRC
Executive Director

Cam Stewart, MA

Cam Stewart, Mikostahpinukum (Red Morning) is the Executive Director of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, bringing a deep passion and proven expertise in strategic planning, organizational change, and human rights. His leadership is grounded in inclusive action and a steadfast commitment to community, shaped by his work with institutions across Alberta, including the Calgary Police Service, Alberta Human Rights Commission, Rotary, StopHateAB, Calgary Learns, University of Calgary, and 12 CSI.

His contributions to advancing equity and inclusion have been recognized with numerous honours, including Rotary International’s Person of Action – Champion of Inclusion, the Jewish Repairing the World Award, the YMCA Peace Medal, the Baha’i Community Racial Harmony Award, Muslim Community of Calgary Award, Alberta’s Outstanding Contribution to Community Adult Learning Award, and the Calgary Police Service Chief’s Award for Community Service. He has also been gifted an eagle feather, pipe, and the Blackfoot name Mikostahpinukum  “Red Morning.”

Cam holds a Master’s degree in Intercultural Communication from Royal Roads University and has delivered keynote speeches, workshops, and strategic guidance to hundreds of organizations. An international best-selling author and published researcher, he continues to inspire change through both his leadership and his voice.

photo of Alex Monteil, Executive Director of ACLRC
Lead Human Rights Educator

Kyle Gardiner, J.D.

Kyle Gardiner is a lawyer and the Lead Human Rights Educator with the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre. In this role, he prepares and delivers a wide range of educational resources for schools and community organizations across Alberta. He is deeply committed to public legal education, and to ensuring that knowledge of human rights is accessible to all members of our diverse society.

Kyle is a proud graduate of the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, where he focused much of his early research and volunteer work on human rights and social justice. During law school, he received the Dean Michael Wylie Social Responsibility Award, and the Hon. Cecilia Johnstone Equality Award, among other fellowships and scholarships.

Prior to joining the ACLRC, Kyle managed a broad litigation practice advising clients in various areas including employment law, discrimination and human rights, child advocacy and family law, wills and estates, international and cross-border litigation, and jurisdictional disputes. Kyle believes that to practice law effectively, a lawyer must first seek to understand the diverse cultural and experiential backgrounds of their clients, and master the ability to teach and explain the law in relatable, understandable terms.

Kyle is an active member of the Law Society of Alberta and has appeared as counsel before various administrative tribunals and at all levels of court in Alberta.

photo of Alex Monteil, Executive Director of ACLRC
Administrator

Sharnjeet Kaur, B.Ed

Sharnjeet Kaur serves as the Administrator and Volunteer Coordinator at the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, where she plays a key leadership role in overseeing operations, financial management, and organizational systems. With over 13 years of professional experience, she ensures the Centre operates efficiently while supporting its expanding work in human rights education, research, and community engagement.

Sharnjeet holds a Bachelor of Education from common law jurisdiction and has completed certifications in Office Administration and Planning, along with Sage 50 Accounting Levels 1 and 2 through Mount Royal University. Her diverse professional background spans education, administration, bookkeeping, and project coordination, providing her with a strong foundation in operational leadership and organizational effectiveness.

Before joining the Centre, Sharnjeet worked as a senior high school teacher, where she developed strong skills in leadership, planning, communication, and multitasking. These competencies continue to inform her practical, solutions-oriented approach to administration.

At the Centre, Sharnjeet has played a pivotal role in strengthening and modernizing internal operations. She led the transition to structured digital systems, including Microsoft Office platforms, SharePoint, and cloud-based tools, significantly enhancing workflow efficiency, record management, and team collaboration. She also manages the Centre’s website and supports the coordination of conferences, educational initiatives, and public outreach programs.

Deeply committed to advancing human rights and fostering community engagement, Sharnjeet brings a global perspective and a strong commitment to fairness, accessibility, and collaboration. As Volunteer Coordinator, she cultivates a culture rooted in accountability, integrity, and growth, mentoring volunteers and supporting their meaningful contributions to the Centre’s mission.

Known for her patience, organization, and attention to detail, Sharnjeet approaches both people and systems with a long-term vision for growth and sustainability—qualities that continue to strengthen the Centre’s operations and community impact.

photo of Alex Monteil, Executive Director of ACLRC
Articling Student

Lesley Ukwu, LLB, NCA Cert.

Lesley Odinaka Ukwu is an articling student with the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, where she contributes to advancing civil liberties and human rights through legal research and public legal education.

Drawing on her experience practicing law in another common law jurisdiction and her work implementing Government of Alberta programs supporting vulnerable communities, Lesley brings a unique perspective to advancing civil liberties in Alberta. These experiences inform her ability to connect legal frameworks with real-world social systems, particularly in areas affecting vulnerable populations, including policy implementation, stakeholder coordination, and public-facing service delivery.

Further, her interdisciplinary background uniquely positions her to support the Centre’s education mandate. Lesley holds a Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.), was called to the Nigerian Bar, has earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and completed her National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) requirements in Canada. These qualifications strengthen her expertise in legal education, curriculum design, instructional delivery, and learner-centered engagement.

At the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, Lesley supports initiatives that align with the organization’s mission to promote respect for civil liberties and human rights through research and education, contributing to a more informed and inclusive society.

photo of Alex Monteil, Executive Director of ACLRC
Researcher

Flora Stevenson, LL.M

Flora Stevenson has joined the Centre to support its research and engagement mandate.  She is a Treaty 7 settler originally from Brazil, where she earned her law degree and began her legal career working in family violence law. After completing her LL.M. in Environmental Law at the University of Calgary, she spent eight years at the Alberta Law Foundation, where she carried out community‑based research in collaboration with stakeholders across Alberta to strengthen access to justice.
Her current research centres on human rights, civil liberties, and the co‑creation of knowledge with communities, grounded in a belief that education can expand collective freedom. Flora brings a relational, grounded approach shaped by dialogue, shared learning, and a commitment to creating the conditions for people to understand, claim, and exercise their rights, alongside work aimed at transforming the legal and institutional systems that affect them.
She is also married with two children and spends much of her time at kids’ volleyball, hockey, and baseball, as well as enjoying time in nature.
photo of Alex Monteil, Executive Director of ACLRC
Communications Specialist

Akon Arok, BA

Akon Arok is the Communications Specialist at the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre. In this role, she updates and maintains the ACLRC website, develops and schedules social media content, supports publication of the ACLRC Newsletter, and assists with communication and public outreach.
Akon is a Fall 2025 graduate of the University of Calgary, where she studied Communication and Media with an embedded certificate in Mental Wellbeing and Resilience. She is passionate about the intersection of communication and technology and hopes to pursue a public sector role that brings together both interests.
Outside the Centre, Akon is the Founder and CEO of a refugee-led organization known as the Kakuma Empowerment Program that empowers refugee youth in Kenya across the Kakuma Refugee camp and Kalobeyei Settlement through biannual high school scholarships, tutoring, mentorship, and training sessions for application to tertiary education scholarships and sponsorships.

The Human Rights Education Program

Our Human Rights Education Program is delivered by talented staff and law students who are passionate about human rights and civil liberties. Our presentations are carefully crafted to meet the needs of our audience. We have presentations specifically for Elementary School Students (Grade 3-6), Middle School Students (Grade 7-9), High School Students (Grade 10-12), Teachers and for Communities and Professional Organizations.

Our curriculum is designed to focus on Human Rights, Indigenous Rights and Civil Liberties.

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Volunteer Opportunities

For volunteer opportunities please check back in the future. Click below for more info on volunteering.
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We aim to promote awareness among Albertans about civil liberties and human rights through research & education.
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OUR FUNDERS & SUPPORTERS
Land Acknowledgement: The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).

2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
(403) 220-2505
aclrc@ucalgary.ca

 

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