Canadian Judicial Council Publishes Report on the Health and Well-Being of Judges

Ottawa, July 9, 2026 – Today, the Canadian Judicial Council (Council) published a Research Report and Executive Summary related to an independent study it commissioned from the Université de Sherbrooke on the health and wellbeing of judges. 

The Council initiated this study – a first of its kind for federally appointed judges in Canada – to better understand health and well-being issues among judges. A total of 794 judges participated in the study by way of a questionnaire.

An important step toward strengthening the judiciary is to shine a light on the realities facing judges – which is what this study was intended to do. The findings and recommendations provide the foundation for considering potential reforms that may help to ensure judges, and the justice system, can continue to serve the public as effectively as possible, both now and in the future.

The overwhelming majority of judges who participated in the study indicated high satisfaction with the position they hold. Most judges also reported they find strong meaning in their work, and exhibit altruism and judicial collegiality. The study also revealed that the health and well-being of judges is generally good and better compared with Canadian lawyers. There are nonetheless inherent challenges that come with the judicial role, which influence health and well-being, including work overload, the lack of administrative resources, the challenges associated with an aging workforce, and the growing number of self-represented litigants.

The report proposes a number of avenues for consideration to address the factors influencing the overall health and well-being of judges.

Many of the structural pressures these proposed measures seek to address cannot be undertaken by the judiciary alone. Indeed, a number of the levers influencing judicial workload and conditions of judicial work, including ensuring the judiciary is well resourced both in the number of judges and in administrative personnel, fall under the responsibilities of provincial, territorial, and federal governments. And while many of the recommendations fall outside the mandate of chief justices, the Council is committed to ensuring judges are supported in the exercise of their functions.

The Council is considering next steps in light of the findings and recommendations arising from the study, including increased collaboration with all levels of government to ensure our judicial system is well resourced.

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