Featuring Grad Studies

by Sarah Huzarski

SI CHEN is a Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) candidate and the current Clive V. Allen Fellow in International Business Law. Working under the supervision of Professor ADELLE BLACKETT, Ad. E., who holds the Canada Research Chair in Transnational Labour Law and Development, Chen’s doctoral research explores the protection of labour rights in the context of Chinese investment in Africa.

“China’s political and economic engagement with Africa has generated intriguing debates in the academic and policy arenas, because such engagement has — and will continue to have — implications for both economic development and social justice in Africa. China’s approach to labour issues in its outward investments will have considerable impacts on workers, both on the African continent and in other transnational contexts,” Chen explains.

Last winter, Chen was also a Doctoral Teaching Fellow for Professor Blackett’s course Transnational Futures of International Labour Law. The course served as a celebration of the International Labour Organization’ (ILO) centenary and an opportunity to critically reflect on the transnational future of international labour law. Founded in 1919, the ILO is the only tripartite United Nations agency, which brings together governments, employers and workers of Member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programs to advance social justice and promote decent work. In addition to being a founding member, Canada uniquely supported the ILO during WWII by providing a temporary home for it at McGill University from 1940 to 1948.

Intending to become an academic herself, Chen is thrilled to be working with Professor Blackett, who she describes as an inspiring mentor. “It is my great honour to be the recipient of the Clive V. Allen Fellowship. It has helped me realize my research goals, exchange views and disseminate findings at conferences in Canada and abroad. I have also been inspired to support my peers and younger generations to the best of my ability.”

About the Clive V. Allen Fellowship

The Clive V. Allen Fellowship in International Business Law was established in 1999 through a substantial contribution by Nortel Networks Corporation on the retirement of CLIVE V. ALLEN, BCL’59, following his 25 years of service as Nortel’s Chief Legal Officer, and subsequent generous contributions by Mr. Allen and some of his friends in the legal community.