Chief Justice Richard Wagner
Chief justice says rule of law, judicial independence defend Canada from autocracy
Court Painter & Supreme Court of Canada
OTTAWA — Chief Justice Richard Wagner says that while Canada is not a superpower in the traditional sense of the word, it is certainly a democratic superpower.
Wagner told dignitaries at the Supreme Court of Canada today that the country’s legal community is united in a deep conviction that the rule of law and judicial independence are not abstract concepts.
He said these tenets are the best defence against tyranny and autocracy.
Wagner addressed today’s ceremonial opening of the top court’s judicial year — the first such event since September 1986.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser, lawyers, academics and students joined former members of the court and its staff for the occasion.
As the Supreme Court marks its 150th anniversary, Wagner called on participants to affirm the principles of the rule of law, judicial independence and equal access to justice.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2025.
Supreme Court of Canada Justices Malcolm Row, left to right, Michelle O’Bonsawin, Andromache Karakatsanis, Nicholas Kasirer, Richard Wagner, Mahmud Jamal, Suzanne Cote, Mary T. Moreau, and Sheilah L. Martin wear their new robes as they take part in the Official Bench Photo in the Judges’ Conference Room at the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Court Painter & Chief Justice Richard Wagner