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

Inflation volatility, tariff uncertainty keep Bank of Canada sidelined

The unpredictability of the United States' trade war and signs of creeping inflation kept the Bank of Canada's interest rate on hold for a second consecutive decision on Wednesday — even as the central bank braces for an economic hit.

Inflation volatility, tariff uncertainty keep Bank of Canada sidelined

Environment Canada says Canadian wildfire smoke now floating in parts of U.S.

Swaths of smoke from wildfires torching buildings and forcing thousands of people from their homes in Western Canada have travelled as far as Newfoundland and Labrador in the east and Texas in the south.

Environment Canada says Canadian wildfire smoke now floating in parts of U.S.

Steel industry, labour leaders call for government action as U.S. tariffs spike

Canada's steel industry needs the federal government to take swift action as it faces an existential threat from steeply increased U.S. tariff, said Catherine Cobden, head of the Canadian Steel Producers Association.

Steel industry, labour leaders call for government action as U.S. tariffs spike

Carney names former UN ambassador Blanchard as chief of staff

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his permanent chief of staff on Sunday, appointing Marc-André Blanchard, Canada's former ambassador to the United Nations, to one of the most powerful posts in Canadian politics.

Carney names former UN ambassador Blanchard as chief of staff

Sombre start to Filipino Heritage Month in B.C. as festival attack's shadow lingers

British Columbia is marking the start of this year's Filipino Heritage Month with a sombre tribute to the victims of April's deadly attack at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Festival.

Sombre start to Filipino Heritage Month in B.C. as festival attack's shadow lingers

Eby heads to Asia on trade mission as Indigenous leader pulls out due to Bills 14, 15

British Columbia Premier David Eby said Saturday that he is confident that recent Indigenous opposition to certain fast-tracking laws will not affect the province's ability to attract investment from Asian trade partners.