In 2025, the Supreme Court of
Canada is recognizing its 150th anniversary under the theme 150 years of upholding the
rule of law, building public trust, and serving our
community.
Established
in
1875, the Supreme Court is Canada’s final court of appeal, and the only bilingual and bijural
apex
court in the world. For a century and a half, it has served Canadians by deciding legal issues
of
public importance. As guardian of our constitution and protector of our rights and freedoms, its
decisions have provided the legal foundation for the strong and democratic country we
know.
The Supreme Court of Canada stands today as a shining beacon for democracy,
recognized around the world as a champion for the fundamental principles of openness,
transparency
and judicial independence and its service to Canadians.
Join us as we reflect on our history and legacy in honour of this special
anniversary.
Watch a video message about the 150th anniversary from the Right Honourable
Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada.
In 2025, the Supreme Court of Canada is commemorating its 150th anniversary. The legal landscape in Canada has evolved over the years. So too has the Court. In deciding legal issues of public importance, the Supreme Court has had a significant impact on the rule of law and the evolution of our country.
From the very beginning, judges and staff at the Court have worked to support and strengthen our democracy. Today, we proudly carry forward this tradition as a modern institution that reflects the diversity and values of our country. I take a great deal of pride in the work of the Court, and I hope as Canadians, you do too.
We have a lot planned for 2025. There will be something for everyone as we mark 150 years of upholding the rule of law, building public trust and serving our community. I hope you can join us in commemorating the role of the Court in Canadian society and charting our path for future generations.
The Supreme Court has planned many
activities to commemorate 150 years of history and judicial independence. We invite you to join us
in
reflecting on our legacy.
Building on the success of the
Court’s
visits to Winnipeg
in 2019 and Quebec City
in 2022, judges will visit 5 communities across Canada throughout 2025. These visits will
provide opportunities for members of the public, students (high school and university), journalists,
and
the legal and judicial communities to engage with members of the Court.
The visits are intended to promote
a
better understanding of the Court’s role and function and reflect on how its decisions have shaped
the
country’s legal landscape. Stay tuned for more details on each visit.
A special exhibit is on display in the Supreme Court’s grand entrance hall, until October 9, 2025. Explore the Court’s early history through original documents, including original copies of the proclamation of the Constitution Act, 1982 and the Supreme and Exchequer Court Act. This exhibit is presented in collaboration with Library and Archives Canada and the Senate of Canada.
If you can’t visit us in person, you can visit the exhibit virtually!
An outdoor photographic exhibit tracing the Supreme Court’s history is on display on the Plaza Bridge over the Rideau Canal, east of the National War Memorial. Learn more about the Court through the years and follow the commemorative banners west along Wellington Street to continue your experience with a visit of the Supreme Court building. This exhibit is presented in collaboration with Canadian Heritage.
On April 8, the Royal Canadian Mint issued a $1 circulation coin commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada.
The reverse of this coin, designed by Ontario artist Silvia Pecota, features the façade of the Supreme Court of Canada, whose front steps are overlaid with the Court’s 150th anniversary logo. On the coloured coin, the logo appears as a blue circle bearing the inscription “150” in white in the centre, framed by a white laurel branch at the bottom left it and the dates “1875–2025” at the top right. The inscriptions “SUPREME COURT OF CANADA” and “COUR SUPRÊME DU CANADA” appear on either side of this image. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, designed by Steven Rosati.
“We are
gratified
to know that as these beautiful $1 coins circulate across the country, Canadians
may develop a deeper appreciation of the Supreme Court’s role as guardian of our
Constitution
and
the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”
— The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C.
Chief Justice of Canada
“The Royal
Canadian Mint cherishes its unique ability to circulate coins that celebrate the values that
are most dear to Canada and Canadians, and that includes honouring the institutions that
protect our rights as Canadian citizens.”
— Marie Lemay
President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint
This year, visitors will have the chance to collect a copy of “Owl about the Court”, a book for children aged 6 to 12, featuring Mr. Simon’s Grade 6 class. Follow along as they visit the Court for the first time and learn more about this important Canadian institution commemorating its 150th anniversary. Visit the Court to pick up a copy of “Owl about the Court”, or download a copy of the book!
On April 10-11, 2025, the Supreme Court of Canada hosted a bilingual symposium, gathering justices of the Supreme Court, representatives from Canadian and international courts and other partners from the legal community. The symposium examined and explored the role that the Court plays in today’s justice system, as well as how that role can and should evolve.
Engaged speakers and moderators fostered a rich and constructive dialogue, driven by curiosity and humility. This symposium would not have been possible without the collaboration of the National Judicial Institute and the staff of the Supreme Court of Canada.
Read the remarks by the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C.
The Supreme Court held
essay and art contests for students from across the country.
Law students were invited
to
submit an essay about a landmark Supreme Court decision and its impact on Canadian society.
Congratulations
to Anne Lin Arghirescu from McGill University Faculty of Law and Sandrine Couture from the Faculty
of Law
at Université de Montréal, and thank you to all who participated!
Young people between 5 and 17 years of age were invited to display their creativity by producing a
graphic
artwork to mark the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada. Congratulations to Caylan
Situ, Hanna Lemus and Zoey Verhovsek, winners of the art contest, and thank you to everyone who has
submitted their artwork!
A reunion of the former law clerks
of
the Supreme Court of Canada will take place in Ottawa from June 13 to 15, 2025. Former law clerks
can
access more information about this event on a dedicated
webpage. If you have not received the login information, email protocol-protocole@scc-csc.ca.
In honour of its 150th
anniversary,
the Supreme Court of Canada will host a ceremonial opening of the judicial year on October 6, 2025.
Ceremonies to mark the start of a new session are held in some Canadian provinces and in many
jurisdictions around the world. They provide an opportunity for the legal community to get together
and
reflect on current issues facing the justice system. This will mark the first ceremonial opening of
the
judicial year at the Supreme Court since the mid-1980s. More information to come.
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As part of its 150th anniversary, the Supreme Court of Canada has unveiled a commemorative logo. Discover how the logo’s symbolism highlights both the history and the future of the Court.
Discover the symbolism behind the Supreme Court of Canada's 150th anniversary logo.
The laurels signify growth, with new leaves symbolizing the Court’s continuous development and expansion into future generations.
The shapes of the numbers reflect both the Court’s crest its heraldic traditions.
Interwoven numbers symbolize the bijuralism and bilingualism of Canada’s justice system.
The nine laurel leaves represent the nine judges of the Supreme Court of Canada.
The University of Ottawa Faculty of Law is working on creating a multimedia learning experience for the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada in 2025. The project aims to produce an ecosystem of interactive media that will showcase the history and workings of the Court, allowing Canadians to learn more about the role of this important institution in Canadian society. Learn more about the project Supreme Court of Canada: an institution to celebrate.
• History – Learn more about the Supreme Court’s
history.