Our Team
We're dedicated to protecting the liberties of Canadians, utilizing legal action and educational initiatives.
John Carpay
President
John Carpay was born in the Netherlands, and grew up in British Columbia. He earned his B.A. in Political Science at Laval University in Quebec City, and his LL.B. from the University of Calgary.
Fluent in English, French, and Dutch, John served the Canadian Taxpayers Federation as Alberta Director from 2001 to 2005, advocating for lower taxes, less waste, and accountable government.
Called to the Bar in 1999, he has been an advocate for freedom and the rule of law in constitutional cases across Canada.
As the founder and president of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, John has devoted his legal career to defending constitutional freedoms through litigation and education. He considers it a privilege to advocate for courageous and principled clients who take great risks – and make tremendous personal sacrifices – by resisting the unjust demands of intolerant government authorities.
In 2010, John received the Pyramid Award for Ideas and Public Policy in recognition of his work in constitutional advocacy, and his success in building up and managing a non-profit organization to defend citizens’ freedoms.
John Carpay was born in the Netherlands, and grew up in British Columbia. He earned his B.A. in Political Science at Laval University in Quebec City, and his LL.B. from the University of Calgary.
Fluent in English, French, and Dutch, John served the Canadian Taxpayers Federation as Alberta Director from 2001 to 2005, advocating for lower taxes, less waste, and accountable government.
Called to the Bar in 1999, he has been an advocate for freedom and the rule of law in constitutional cases across Canada.
As the founder and president of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, John has devoted his legal career to defending constitutional freedoms through litigation and education. He considers it a privilege to advocate for courageous and principled clients who take great risks – and make tremendous personal sacrifices – by resisting the unjust demands of intolerant government authorities.
In 2010, John received the Pyramid Award for Ideas and Public Policy in recognition of his work in constitutional advocacy, and his success in building up and managing a non-profit organization to defend citizens’ freedoms.
Luke Neilson
Director of Communications
Luke A. Neilson graduated with a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Calgary in 2022. His research focused on historical explanation and ancient philosophy. In 2021 and 2022, Luke received the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council graduate scholarships, at both the Master and Doctoral levels, for his research on historical explanation and causation. Throughout his university years, Luke was also involved in student leadership and human rights campaigns. Luke is dedicated to conducting research on, and educating the public about, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Every day, he applies his passion for evidence, public policy analysis, and historical research to his work as part of the Communications team at the Justice Centre. In his spare time, Luke enjoys boxing, diving, classical and jazz piano, and writing.
Luke A. Neilson graduated with a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Calgary in 2022. His research focused on historical explanation and ancient philosophy. In 2021 and 2022, Luke received the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council graduate scholarships, at both the Master and Doctoral levels, for his research on historical explanation and causation. Throughout his university years, Luke was also involved in student leadership and human rights campaigns. Luke is dedicated to conducting research on, and educating the public about, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Every day, he applies his passion for evidence, public policy analysis, and historical research to his work as part of the Communications team at the Justice Centre. In his spare time, Luke enjoys boxing, diving, classical and jazz piano, and writing.
Joel Pelletier
Communications Design Lead
Joel is a defender of human rights, individual freedoms and free speech. Over the past two decades Joel has studied e-media, marketing, user experience design and graphic design. He has expertise in online strategies, web site management and graphical implications.
Joel is a defender of human rights, individual freedoms and free speech. Over the past two decades Joel has studied e-media, marketing, user experience design and graphic design. He has expertise in online strategies, web site management and graphical implications.
Marcie Clare
Events and Projects
Marcie spent most of her career in the group insurance industry developing lasting relationships with clients, consultants, and brokers. She considers customer service to be an important factor for success and strives to ensure that her interactions leave a positive impression. Marcie is honoured to be a member of the Justice Centre team who are rare voices of reason in these uncertain times. Born in Winnipeg MB, Marcie also lived in Richmond BC and Saskatoon SK, where she earned her BA in English, before settling in Calgary in 1986. Marcie loves to read, socialize, and spend time with her family. She enjoys escaping to Canmore and regularly supports live music and comedy.
Marcie spent most of her career in the group insurance industry developing lasting relationships with clients, consultants, and brokers. She considers customer service to be an important factor for success and strives to ensure that her interactions leave a positive impression. Marcie is honoured to be a member of the Justice Centre team who are rare voices of reason in these uncertain times. Born in Winnipeg MB, Marcie also lived in Richmond BC and Saskatoon SK, where she earned her BA in English, before settling in Calgary in 1986. Marcie loves to read, socialize, and spend time with her family. She enjoys escaping to Canmore and regularly supports live music and comedy.
Charlotte Jordan
Administrative Assistant
Charlotte values her personal liberty and the freedom to make independent decisions without external influence. She recognizes the importance of self-determination, autonomy, and the fundamental right to live in accordance with one’s own principles and beliefs. Charlotte places great importance on civil liberties and human rights, and is dedicated to safeguarding these rights not only for herself, but also for others. As an individual who values independent thought, she is not afraid to question the status quo and challenge authority when she deems it necessary. In addition, she advocates for limited government and free markets, which she views as vital components for promoting economic prosperity and personal freedom. While she firmly believes in the principles of personal responsibility and self-reliance, she also recognizes the importance of social responsibility and endeavors to promote these values both in her personal and professional life. Her professional experience encompasses owning and operating a restaurant in Southern Manitoba, as well as working in the agricultural industry, shipping seeds globally. During her leisure time, she dedicates herself to volunteering at church and maximizing the time spent with her loved ones, including family and friends.
Charlotte values her personal liberty and the freedom to make independent decisions without external influence. She recognizes the importance of self-determination, autonomy, and the fundamental right to live in accordance with one’s own principles and beliefs. Charlotte places great importance on civil liberties and human rights, and is dedicated to safeguarding these rights not only for herself, but also for others. As an individual who values independent thought, she is not afraid to question the status quo and challenge authority when she deems it necessary. In addition, she advocates for limited government and free markets, which she views as vital components for promoting economic prosperity and personal freedom. While she firmly believes in the principles of personal responsibility and self-reliance, she also recognizes the importance of social responsibility and endeavors to promote these values both in her personal and professional life. Her professional experience encompasses owning and operating a restaurant in Southern Manitoba, as well as working in the agricultural industry, shipping seeds globally. During her leisure time, she dedicates herself to volunteering at church and maximizing the time spent with her loved ones, including family and friends.
The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms
defends the human rights and constitutional freedoms
of each and every Canadian.
We are funded entirely by the voluntary support of Canadians who value Canada's tradition of freedom.
