Canadian Judicial Council Introduces new “Why Judicial Independence Matters” Publication

Ottawa, July 15, 2026 – The Canadian Judicial Council (Council) has published a new public education resource entitled “Why Judicial Independence Matters”, designed to help Canadians better understand one of the foundational principles of the justice system.

Judicial independence ensures that when a person appears before a court – whether as a victim, an accused, a litigant, a parent, an employee, a citizen challenging state action, or otherwise – the decision affecting them will rest on the law and evidence alone, with no outside influence. It ensures everyone is treated equally under the law. In doing so, it protects individual dignity, preserves public confidence in the administration of justice, and upholds the integrity of our Constitution and democracy.

Written for a general audience, the publication provides information on topics such as Canada's democratic system, the role of courts, qualities and duties of judges, judicial accountability, and the safeguards that exist to protect the independence of the courts.

The resource is available on the Council's website. 

This initiative is part of Council’s efforts to provide accurate information concerning the justice system in Canada.

About the Canadian Judicial Council

The Council was created in 1971 by Parliament to maintain and improve the quality of judicial services in Canada's superior courts. It has the power and duty to investigate complaints into the conduct of federally appointed judges. The Council is also responsible for the continuing education of judges, as well as for developing other tools and programs to maintain public confidence in the judicial system.

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Contact :
Krista Ferraro
Director of Communications and Strategic Issues Management 
Canadian Judicial Council 
info@cjc-ccm.ca