William Cross, the first Honourable Dick and Ruth Bell Chair for the Study of Canadian Parliamentary Democracy.
A self-described student of Canadian political institutions and researcher whose work emphasizes the connections between civil society and political parties and legislatures has been appointed as the first Honourable Dick and Ruth Bell Chair for the Study of Canadian Parliamentary Democracy. William Cross, a professor of political science at Carleton, was selected after an intensive national search.
“I am excited about this new position, especially since it coincides with such a tumultuous and exciting time in Canadian politics that reminds us of the importance of our democratic institutions,” says Cross, whose recent work includes studies of youth participation in Canadian politics, candidates in the 2008 federal election and changing methods of party leadership selection.
The chair, which resides in the Department of Political Science, will initiate courses and conferences to promote a better understanding of the dynamic and ever-evolving Canadian parliamentary system.
“Carleton has a well-deserved reputation as a leader in the study of Canadian politics, partly due to our strategic location in the nation’s capital and because of the wealth of expertise we have in our department,” says Laura Macdonald, former chair of the department. “In his new position, Dr. Cross will help Carleton to enhance its reputation as a centre of expertise in this discipline.”
The chair was created through a generous gift from alumna and honorary doctor of law Ruth Bell, MA/65. She views this gift as a lasting legacy to a lifetime of civic and political engagement, and to commemorate the love for Canada, for community and for Carleton that she and her late husband Dick, a member of Parliament for the former riding of Carleton and minister of citizenship and immigration, shared.
“This gift from Dr. Bell allows Carleton to reaffirm its commitment to being at the forefront of scholarship and teaching on Canadian politics and government,” says Cross.
In his first speech as chair, Cross presented some of the challenges facing domestic politics and institutions of governance. “There is much to be done in the study of Canadian politics. One of the continuing challenges we face is ensuring that our democratic institutions reflect the changing composition of Canadian society both in terms of who we are and the democratic values we hold. While our political institutions have largely resisted formal change, civil society has changed dramatically.”
“It is every generation’s responsibility to learn about our democratic traditions and institutions and to consider how they might be improved upon,” says Cross. “Through the Honorable Dick and Ruth Bell Chair for the Study of Canadian Parliamentary Democracy, the department of political science at Carleton accepts this challenge and plans to be at the forefront of this important work.”