National

Chief justice says rule of law, judicial independence defend Canada from autocracy

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 06 Oct, 2025 08:41 AM

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.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. boosts tax credit for developers of video games, virtual reality simulators

Premier David Eby said the interactive visual media tax credit will go from 17.5 per cent to 25 per cent starting Sept. 1, which is also when the credit will become permanent to give industry additional certainty.

B.C. boosts tax credit for developers of video games, virtual reality simulators

Is Canada ready for 'new reality' of flash floods?

But he's also worried Canada isn't doing enough to prevent such disasters here, saying the country needs to invest in flood mapping, infrastructure and early warning systems.

Is Canada ready for 'new reality' of flash floods?

Few Canadians are familiar with possible NDP leadership contenders: poll

A majority of respondents to the Research Co. poll said they "don't know who the person is" when asked about possible candidates like current NDP MPs Leah Gazan, Gord Johns, Jenny Kwan and Heather McPherson.

Few Canadians are familiar with possible NDP leadership contenders: poll

IIO seeks witnesses to arrest and death of Burnaby, B.C., man

It says in a news release that Burnaby RCMP officers reported they were called to the 7000 block of Hillview Street shortly after 4:30 p.m. last Friday.

IIO seeks witnesses to arrest and death of Burnaby, B.C., man

Percentage of Canadians who see the U.S. as a top threat triples: poll

While this year's survey by the Pew Research Center suggests that 55 per cent of Canadians still say the U.S. remains this country's most important ally, it also says that 59 per cent now see the U.S. as a threat — up from 20 per cent in the 2019 poll.

Percentage of Canadians who see the U.S. as a top threat triples: poll

Splat!: Prime Minister Carney struggles to flip perfect pancake at Calgary Stampede

Carney attended a pancake breakfast Saturday hosted by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, which attracted a crowd of about 200 people.