Title: Supreme Court of Canada Marks 150 Years with New Robes

The Supreme Court of Canada celebrated its 150th anniversary on Monday with a ceremony that highlighted significant changes in its culture and traditions. Chief Justice Richard Wagner announced the replacement of the court's ceremonial white-trimmed scarlet robes, which have been worn since the court's inception in 1875. The iconic robes, made from Canadian mink and symbolizing the nation, were deemed not to reflect modern Canada.

"Many of you will have noticed that my colleagues and I are not wearing our usual red robes," Wagner stated during the ceremony, dressed in new black silk 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, as they abandon the colorful tradition that has characterized Canadian judges. Critics argue that this shift reflects a departure from the court's historical roots. Wagner's remarks about the robes suggest a desire to align with contemporary values, but some see this as a rejection of the court's heritage.

In addition to the robe announcement, Wagner introduced a new Supreme Court historical society aimed at promoting the court's influence on modern society. This initiative has raised concerns that it may serve to elevate the profiles of certain legal professionals rather than genuinely reflect the court's historical significance.

The court's history has also come under scrutiny. While it previously made its entire library of decisions available online, many pre-1970 cases have been removed. Wagner explained that the legal interest in these historical decisions is minimal, leading to a limited effort to translate them into Canada’s other official language.

Justice Minister Sean Fraser addressed the audience, expressing concerns about the future of democracy in Canada. "When I look at the future of our country, I have a lot of anxiety," he said in French. He emphasized the need to defend the independence of institutions to ensure democracy for future generations.

Kristen Boon, dean of the University of Ottawa law school, spoke about the increasing politicization of legal education, highlighting mandatory Indigenous courses and programming focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion. However, she did not address concerns about freedom of thought within legal education.

Teresa Donnelly, head of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, discussed the challenges facing the legal profession, including technological changes and the need for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. She echoed concerns about the erosion of public confidence in the justice system and the independence of the judiciary.

The ceremony underscored a broader cultural shift within the Supreme Court, as it grapples with its identity and role in contemporary society. Critics argue that the court's recent decisions and changes reflect a departure from tradition, raising questions about its commitment to historical values and the implications for Canadian democracy.