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

Chief Justice Richard Wagner opened the Supreme Court's judicial year, urging participants to affirm the rule of law, judicial independence, and equal access to justice during the court's 150th anniversary.
Framing the ceremony, Richard Wagner, Chief Justice, said the rule of law and judicial independence are not abstract and `They are the best defence against tyranny and autocracy`.
At the event in Ottawa, Fraser warned that democracy's survival is never certain, saying `I fear that we will succumb one day to the erosion of our rights, bit by bit, until they are gone, until we reach a moment where there is no one left to defend our rights.`
Supreme Court justices debuted new ceremonial black robes that replace the scarlet robes with white fur trim, which Wagner said reflect openness and accessibility.
With the court marking 150 years, Richard Wagner, Chief Justice, urged elected officials, judges and all Canadians to take ownership of democracy, noting it has strengthened institutions and public confidence.

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