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Chief justice stresses need to protect democratic institutions as pressures grow
- 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 from polarization and artificial intelligence.
- Ceremonies occurred at the West Memorial Building, the court's temporary home while its permanent site near Parliament Hill undergoes extensive renovations expected to take at least 10 years.
- "The strength of an anchor is not measured in calm waters. The same is true for the rule of law," Wagner said, likening democratic institutions to anchors that prevent society from drifting.
- Justice Minister Sean Fraser told dignitaries that courts play a vital truth-seeking role, 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 continues navigating global uncertainty and rapid technological change.
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17 Articles
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 Sources17
Leaning Left12Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Left
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Left
75% Left
L 75%
C 25%
Factuality
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