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Chief justice stresses need to protect democratic institutions as pressures grow

  • Jim Bronskill

  • Canadian Press

  • October 5, 2026

Chief Justice Richard Wagner speaks during a ceremony marking the opening of the judicial year of the Supreme Court of Canada, temporarily located in the West Memorial Building, in Ottawa, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA -- Chief Justice Richard Wagner says Canada's democratic institutions need protection in the face of unrelenting pressures.

Wagner said in a speech today the world feels increasingly uncertain due to deepening polarization, the non-stop pace of events and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence.

He said when seas grow rough an anchor keeps a vessel from drifting, and democratic institutions play the same role in society.

Wagner made the comments as the Supreme Court of Canada marked the opening of the judicial year with a ceremony in its temporary new building.

The top court is settling in at the West Memorial Building, not far from Parliament Hill, while the court's permanent home across the street undergoes extensive renovations.

Refurbishing the stately Supreme Court building is expected to take at least 10 years.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 5, 2026.