My Life at the Bar and Beyond

Alex Paterson grew up in Montreal during the Duplessis era and watched the Quiet Revolution transform Quebec from a deeply religious and almost agrarian society into a modern and secular state. From the 1980 referendum to the Oka crisis, he played a critical role in the defining events of Quebec’s recent history. My Life at the Bar and Beyond offers a candid look at his remarkable life and career. rnrnA litigation lawyer for fifty years, Paterson describes some of his earlier cases, including those involving alleged brainwashing experiments at the Allan Memorial Institute funded by the CIA. He offers behind-the-scenes views of the fight against Bill 101, campaigning for the No Committee in the 1980 Quebec referendum, and the stand-off at Oka between Mohawks and the provincial police. Paterson also charts his involvement in establishing the McGill University Health Centre and the plans for a new major teaching hospital as well as directing the development and expansion of Bishop’s University during his time as president and chancellor.rnrnPaterson is a polished raconteur and his revealing memoir includes tantalizing anecdotes.