Supreme Court of Canada Marks 150 Years with Ceremony

The Supreme Court of Canada celebrated its 150th anniversary on Monday with a ceremony that highlighted the court's traditions and democratic values. However, the event also sparked discussions about the court's evolving identity and its departure from historical practices.

Chief Justice Richard Wagner announced a significant change during the ceremony: the justices would no longer wear their traditional scarlet robes, which have been a symbol of the court since its establishment in 1875. Instead, the justices donned new black robes with a modern design. Wagner explained, "Many of you will have noticed that my colleagues and I are not wearing our usual red robes. Instead, we are wearing new robes, which preserve the dignity and authority of the judicial role. They have a modern and simple design that echoes our commitment to openness and accessibility in a way that is distinctly Canadian."

The new robes have drawn comparisons to American judicial attire, which is predominantly black. Critics argue that this shift reflects a departure from the court's historical roots and traditions. The traditional robes, made from Canadian mink and matching the national flag, were seen as iconic representations of Canadian identity.

In addition to the robe redesign, Wagner announced the creation of a new Supreme Court historical society. This organization aims to promote the court's influence on contemporary society. Critics suggest that this initiative may serve to elevate the profiles of certain legal professionals, particularly those aligned with left-liberal ideologies.

The court's historical decisions have also come under scrutiny. In recent years, the Supreme Court has removed many of its pre-1970 decisions from its website, citing a lack of interest in these historical rulings. Wagner previously stated, "The legal interest in these historical decisions is very minimal," and he formed a committee to select a few cases for translation into Canada’s other official language.

Justice Minister Sean Fraser addressed the audience, expressing concerns about the future of democracy in Canada. He stated, "When I look at the future of our country, I have a lot of anxiety. The reason is simple. Our democracy is not certain. If we want democracy for the next generation, it’s essential, today, to work harder to defend our country, to defend the independence of institutions."

Fraser's remarks hinted at challenges to democracy, particularly from provincial legislatures. He emphasized that the solutions to these challenges may not come from the federal government but rather from laws rooted in the values Canadians hold dear.

As the Supreme Court embarks on its next century, the changes in its traditions and practices raise questions about its role in Canadian society and the preservation of its historical legacy.