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Ceremonial opening of the judicial year – Remarks from the Chief Justice of Canada

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Opening remarks

Please be seated.

Good morning, and welcome to this ceremony marking the opening of the Supreme Court of Canada’s judicial year.

Last year, we gathered for the first time in nearly 40 years to revive this tradition as part of our 150th anniversary commemorations. The response was remarkable. It reminded us of the value of coming together, as a community, to recognize the institutions that underpin our democracy. I am therefore pleased that this event is no longer an exception, but once again a tradition.

But I am getting ahead of myself! I want to start by welcoming the former judges who are with us this morning:

I would also like to recognize our guest speakers:

I am delighted to welcome everyone gathered here today, as well as the many others joining us online.

You probably have noticed how things are slightly different since we gathered a year ago!

First, there is a new judge with us today. Justice Joyal was sworn in during the summer. Soon, he will hear his first appeal as a member of the Supreme Court of Canada.

There is much that could be said about Justice Joyal, all of it positive of course! But in the interest of due process, we will reserve judgment until his welcome ceremony in late November. For now, let me simply say how pleased we are to welcome him to the Court.

With Justice Joyal’s arrival, the Court begins this new judicial year with a renewed sense of cohesion and collegiality, as well as a refreshing enthusiasm.

Second, and at the risk of stating the obvious, we find ourselves in a very different setting this year. Many of you are visiting our temporary home for the first time. Welcome!

The move to the West Memorial Building was a significant undertaking. It required years of planning and preparation. But thanks to our dedicated staff, the Court remained open and fully operational throughout the transition.

This morning, the Court’s flag was raised in front of this building for the very first time, officially marking the beginning of this new chapter. It will fly at the corner of Lyon and Wellington whenever the Court hears appeals. It will remain a symbol of the Court’s presence at this location.

As you entered through the grand hall, you may have noticed the skylight that allows daylight to pour in. You may also have noticed the chandelier, which is inspired by the Aurora Borealis. Together, they create a space that reflects both openness and Canada’s northern identity.

Like the grand hall, this courtroom was built within one of the building’s atriums. It is framed by nine oak arches, representing the nine judges of the Court. Between each of them, glass panels also allow natural light to fill the room.

Behind me, you will see the Supreme Court of Canada’s heraldic emblem. Although it is familiar to many, it is the first time that it is displayed in our courtroom, here or across the street. The heraldic emblem is unique to our institution and distinguishes us from the other branches of government. It is a symbol of the Court’s independence.

While this building introduces many new elements, it also reflects our history. The red carpet from our former courtroom has found a place here. We wanted to make sure counsel appearing before us felt at home. The chairs on which my colleagues and I sit are the same ones we have always used. Also, in our conference room, we continue to gather around the same round table where countless cases have been decided over the years.

Originally built as a memorial to those who served during the Second World War, the West Memorial Building has long been dedicated to public service. Today, it continues that tradition while meeting the needs of a modern court. Most importantly, it allows us to continue our work while maintaining the dignity and accessibility Canadians expect from their highest court.

I want to take a moment to thank Public Services and Procurement Canada for leading the restoration of this remarkable heritage building. The result truly reflects the historic and symbolic importance of this place. It makes me all the more eager to see the Supreme Court of Canada building once its own rehabilitation is complete.

Minister Fraser, perhaps I could entrust you to pass along a message to your colleagues: we are enjoying our temporary accommodations, but we look forward to returning home!

Until that day, we are fortunate to sit in this beautiful space. To mark the occasion, we felt it was important to do something meaningful. Later in the ceremony, we will sign a commemorative scroll to officially inaugurate this courtroom. I hope that the scroll will serve as a lasting reminder of this unique chapter in the Court’s history and of the people who helped make it possible.

While our building has changed, our purpose has not.

The Court remains fully focused on its work. This fall promises to be particularly busy! By the end of this session, the Court will have heard over 60 appeals this year, a level not seen since the pandemic. But our work does not stop with the cases we hear.

At the ceremony last year, I spoke about the importance of remaining steadfast in our commitment to the principles that have guided this Court since its creation: the rule of law, judicial independence, and equal access to justice.

In the effort to protect that which we hold dear, I know I am not alone.

Across the country, I have seen many of you speak publicly about the importance of the rule of law and an independent judiciary. You have launched awareness campaigns. You have written articles and opinion pieces. You have organized public discussions and town halls. All of these efforts help Canadians better understand our democratic institutions and why they matter. Perhaps more importantly, however, they create a unified chorus that is much louder than any one person could achieve.

Together, I believe we are making a difference. But we cannot stop there. We need to keep the momentum going. We need to find new ways to protect our democratic institutions.

Because the pressures facing our institutions are unrelenting.

The world feels increasingly uncertain. Polarization is deepening. Events unfold at a relentless pace. Artificial intelligence is transforming our lives and our legal world faster than many of us could have imagined.

When the seas grow rough, an anchor keeps us from drifting. Our democratic institutions do the same.

The strength of an anchor is not measured in calm waters. It is measured in a storm. The same is true for the rule of law.

The rule of law allows us to navigate change with confidence. It provides a stable framework for resolving disagreements peacefully. It ensures that decisions are made fairly and impartially. It reminds us that some principles endure, even and especially, in troubled times.

We cannot shy away from these realities. We must acknowledge them and respond thoughtfully. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, we must not lose sight of the principles that make our justice system worth protecting.

Nor should we lose sight of the reasons for confidence. We have strong institutions. We have people who believe in them. And we have the capacity to meet the challenges ahead. In fact, we need only look beyond our borders to see how Canada is viewed by others.

Not long ago, I was invited to address the Network of the Presidents of the Supreme Judicial Courts of the European Union, in Cyprus, where the 27 Chief Justices were gathered. I was the only participant from outside Europe. Among the most pressing subjects on the agenda was the rule of law and the challenges facing our democratic institutions.

What struck me most was how often the conversation turned to Canada. At a time when many countries are facing uncertainty, Canada is widely seen as a country whose democratic institutions remain strong. In a world that often feels unsettled, our country is viewed by many as an example. That should give us confidence. But it should also remind us of our responsibility to protect and strengthen the institutions that have earned that trust.

That responsibility is not borne by courts alone. It belongs to all of us. I was reminded of that recently when I read a letter published in La Presse on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy. The letter followed the Quebec Summit on the Rule of Law, organized by the Barreau du Québec this past September. More than 700 people from all walks of life came together to reflect on how we can protect the rule of law. The letter that followed likewise brought together voices from across society. It ends with these words, and I quote: “Each and every one of us has the power to influence the course of events. It is up to us to choose to write, together, the next chapter of our democracy.” End quote.

I can think of no better call to action as we begin this new judicial year. The next chapter of our democracy, and of our Court, has yet to be written. Let us write it together!

Guest speakers

It is now my pleasure to introduce our distinguished guest speakers, who together with their colleagues, help advance and protect our shared values.

To begin, I am pleased to welcome Justice Minister and Attorney General, the Honourable Sean Fraser. Minister, the floor is yours.

…

Thank you, Minister.

Our next speaker is Dean Kristen Boon, President of the Council of Canadian Law Deans.

…

Thank you very much, Dean Boon.

We will now hear from the past President of the Canadian Bar Association, Ms. Bianca Kratt.

…

Thank you, Ms. Kratt.

And now, Mr. Justin Robichaud, Vice President of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada.

…

Thank you very much, Mr. Robichaud.

I now call upon our final guest speaker, the President of The Advocates’ Society, Mr. Craig Ferris.

…

Thank you, Mr. Ferris.

After guest speakers, explain the scroll

My colleagues and I would like to express our sincere thanks to our guest speakers and to all those gathered here today. We are grateful for your commitment to strengthening the administration of justice in Canada. To those joining us online, thank you for being with us this morning.

Before we conclude this ceremony, I would invite my colleagues to join me at the signing table, each in turn, followed by our Registrar and our guest speakers. We will sign a commemorative scroll formally inaugurating this temporary courtroom. I would ask that everyone remain seated during the signing ceremony.

The scroll reflects both the significance of this occasion and serves as a reminder of the importance of the Court’s role in Canadian democracy.

Madam Registrar, before we begin, would you please read the text inscribed on the scroll, in both official languages?

Sign scroll

…

Concluding remarks

That concludes today’s ceremony.

We now invite you to join us in the grand hall for a group photograph marking the occasion. We would be grateful if you could proceed downstairs promptly.

My colleagues and I will meet you there.

Just a few brief instructions for the photograph: My colleagues and I will stand in front and we invite everyone to gather informally behind us. The photograph will be taken from the top of the circular staircase. It will serve as a lasting memento of the occasion and of your participation in it. It will be shared online later today for you to keep.

The Court is adjourned. Thank you very much, and see you shortly!

Remarks by the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C.
Chief Justice of Canada
On the occasion of the Ceremonial Opening of the Judicial Year
Supreme Court of Canada Courtroom
Ottawa, Ontario
October 5, 2026

Archived video of the ceremony

Date modified: 2026-10-05