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Chief justice stresses need to protect democratic institutions as pressures grow
Wagner said democratic institutions need protection as polarization, rapid events and artificial intelligence increase uncertainty, while the court opens its year in a temporary building.
- On Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, Chief Justice Richard Wagner opened the Supreme Court of Canada's new judicial year in Ottawa, warning that democratic institutions require protection against unrelenting pressures like polarization and artificial intelligence.
- Ceremonies occurred at the West Memorial Building, the court's temporary home while its permanent site near Parliament Hill undergoes renovations expected to take at least 10 years.
- Wagner likened democratic institutions to an anchor, stating, "The strength of an anchor is not measured in calm waters. The same is true for the rule of law."
- Justice Minister Sean Fraser told dignitaries that courts play a vital role in truth-seeking, stating, "If we expect to preserve national unity, we must constantly improve the public's belief that the systems that we enjoy serve their interests over time."
- Next month, the court will formally welcome its newest member, Glenn Joyal, as the institution navigates an era of global uncertainty and rapid technological change.
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26 Articles
26 Articles
Supreme Court's top judge starts judicial year by stressing need to protect democratic institutions
Canada's democratic institutions need protection in the face of unrelenting pressures, Chief Justice Richard Wagner said on Monday as the Supreme Court of Canada opened a new judicial year.
·Ottawa, Canada
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Supreme Court opens with chief justice's call to protect democracy as polarization deepens
‘We need to find new ways to protect our democratic institutions because the pressures facing our institutions are unrelenting,’ says Canada’s Chief Justice Richard Wagner at a ceremony marking the opening of the judicial year.
The Supreme Court of Canada is opening a new judicial year, amid growing polarization around the world.
·Montreal, Canada
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Canadians are questioning the role of the Supreme Court.
·Montreal, Canada
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Total News Sources26
Leaning Left20Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution80% Left
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources lean Left
80% Left
L 80%
C 20%
Factuality
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