For many students, university is a place where ideas collide—where debate, inquiry, and intellectual courage take root. For Dr. Geoffrey Sigalet, Assistant Professor of Political Science at UBC Okanagan, these moments of dialogue are not only the essence of academic life—they are the foundation of his teaching, research, and leadership on campus.
A scholar of constitutional law, judicial politics, and political theory, Dr. Sigalet’s path has been defined by curiosity, mentorship, and a lifelong fascination with the workings of power, law, and justice. Today, he channels that passion into his teaching and research at UBCO, inspiring students to engage critically with Canada’s constitutional system and the principles that underlie democratic life.
From Calgary Roots to Constitutional Questions
Born in Edmonton and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Dr. Sigalet grew up surrounded by lively political debate. “Politics was part of daily life,” he recalls. “My family loved talking about current events and public policy around the dinner table.”
Those conversations—and morning car rides listening to Alberta talk radio with his auntie Jo—sparked an early interest in public affairs. Still, when he began his undergraduate studies at the University of Alberta, Dr. Sigalet initially chose a path in the sciences.
“I thought I would become a doctor,” he laughs. “But then I took an introductory political science course and was completely hooked.”
The world of ideas—particularly political philosophy—captivated him. Influential professors like Don Carmichael, Heidi Studer, and Jason West introduced him to the works of Plato, Aristotle, and Augustine, laying the foundation for a deep interest in ethics and ancient political thought. “I thought I would be a political theorist,” he says, “and I still try to carry that philosophical lens into everything I do.”
After completing his undergraduate degree, Dr. Sigalet pursued a Master’s degree at McGill University, where he explored Aristotle’s concept of shame under the supervision of Dr. Christina Tarnopolsky. His academic journey continued to Princeton University, where he began to blend political theory with public law, writing a dissertation on constitutional dialogue between courts and legislatures under the guidance of Professors Keith Whittington, Philip Pettit, and Jan-Werner Müller.
Building Bridges Between Law and Politics
Dr. Sigalet’s intellectual curiosity soon led him to Stanford Law School as a postdoctoral fellow, where he deepened his expertise in constitutional law under the mentorship of Professor Michael McConnell, a former circuit court judge. “I probably learned more about law from our late-night conversations than from any classroom,” he says.
That experience—paired with further research fellowships at Queen’s University and McGill University—cemented his interest in how courts exercise power, interpret rights, and shape public life. “Law is fascinating because it sits at the crossroads of so many disciplines,” he explains. “It’s full of deep, empirical, and moral questions about how institutions work and what justice requires.”
When the opportunity to join UBC Okanagan’s Department of Economics, Philosophy and Political Science presented itself, Dr. Sigalet saw an opportunity to bring his interdisciplinary approach to a growing campus. “I was hired to help build UBCO’s capacity in public law and political science—and to bring more law to the Okanagan,” he says.
That mission led him to establish the UBC Research Group on Constitutional Law, which connects faculty and students across both UBC campuses. Under his leadership, the group has hosted annual UBC Constitutional Lectures, featuring justices of the Supreme Court of Canada and leading scholars from around the world. “For students, itis an incredible chance to engage directly with the people shaping Canadian law,” he says.
Teaching Through Dialogue
Inside the classroom, Dr. Sigalet is known for his dynamic, dialogue-driven teaching style—what he calls a “light Socratic method.” Whether teaching Introduction to Law and Politics or advanced seminars on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, his goal is the same: engagement through conversation.
“I want students to come prepared, think critically, and be part of the discussion,” he says. “Even in a large lecture, I’ll ask, ‘What do you think about that?’—because dialogue is how we learn.”
He believes this approach builds confidence and readiness for the real world. “Whether students go on to become lawyers, policymakers, or researchers, they need to think on their feet, defend their ideas, and engage respectfully with others. University should be training for that.”
Dr. Sigalet’s courses on Canadian federalism, the Charter, and constitutional structures are among the most popular in the program. He takes pride in showing students that Canadian politics is anything but dull. “Once you dig into the history, the court cases, and the political struggles that shaped our country, it’s full of fascinating debates,” he says. “I love watching students’ eyes light up when they realize how alive and relevant these issues are.”
Research and Impact
At the core of Dr. Sigalet’s research is one central question: How does judicial power work? His scholarship explores the nature of constitutional dialogue between courts and legislatures, the legal and political role of the Charter’s notwithstanding clause, and the evolution of Canadian federalism.
“I am interested in why courts hold the power they do, and whether they should,” he explains. “Understanding that helps us think critically about democracy and the rule of law.”
His work has gained national attention, with provincial attorneys general citing his research in legal arguments before the courts. “Seeing my scholarship influence real legal debates was one of my proudest professional moments,” he says.
For Dr. Sigalet, these moments demonstrate the importance of connecting academic inquiry with public life. “The goal is always to illuminate—not just for scholars, but for judges, policymakers, students, and citizens who care about how our democracy functions.”
Mentorship, Community, and the Next Generation
Beyond his teaching and research, Dr. Sigalet is deeply invested in student mentorship. He serves as faculty sponsor for the undergraduate Runnymede Society, a student-led organization dedicated to discussion of constitutionalism, freedom, and the rule of law. Through the group, students attend national conferences, meet Supreme Court justices, and engage in high-level legal debate.
“It is incredibly rewarding to watch students grow into confident thinkers and leaders,” he says. “Some come from small towns in the interior, and suddenly they’re having dinner with a Supreme Court judge. Those are transformative experiences.”
He’s also helped launch the PPE Conversations Series, bringing prominent scholars and judges to campus for public talks that bridge philosophy, politics, and economics—further enriching the intellectual community at UBCO.
Beyond the Classroom: Family, Skiing, and the Good Old Days
When he is not teaching or researching, Dr. Sigalet can often be found outdoors. A passionate skier, he enjoys downhill, cross-country, and backcountry skiing, and even competed in biathlon as a teen. “It’s like a Norwegian drive-by,” he jokes, quoting Robin Williams. In the warmer months, he’s an avid fly fisher.
Life in the Okanagan feels full circle for Dr. Sigalet, whose family roots run deep in the region—his great-grandfather established one of the area’s first sawmills near Lumby. Now, he and his wife are raising their young family here. “Starting our family in the Okanagan has been a joy,” he says. “It feels like coming home.”
Words to Students
Asked what advice he would give to aspiring students of politics and law, Dr. Sigalet’s answer reflects the dialogue-driven spirit that defines his work.
“Come prepared, stay curious, and engage with courage,” he says. “University is your chance to test ideas, challenge assumptions, and learn through conversation. That is where real understanding—and real growth—happens.” He then suggests that students “should try to read books, especially old books, cover to cover” to cultivate the life of the mind in a world of artificial intelligence and short attention spans.