Chief Justice Wagner Urges Protection of Democratic Institutions

Chief Justice Richard Wagner called for the protection of Canada's democratic institutions during a ceremony marking the opening of the Supreme Court of Canada's judicial year on October 5, 2026. Speaking from the court's temporary location at the West Memorial Building in Ottawa, Wagner stated that deepening polarization, the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence, and a fast pace of global events have increased world uncertainty.

Wagner compared democratic institutions to an anchor that prevents a vessel from drifting during a storm. Justice Minister Sean Fraser added that the truth-seeking function of the courts is increasingly vital as artificial intelligence makes it harder to distinguish truth from fiction.

The ceremony took place while the Supreme Court's permanent building undergoes renovations expected to last at least 10 years.