Canadian Judicial Council reports on its annual spring meeting
Ottawa, May 1, 2026 – The Canadian Judicial Council met this week in Ottawa, Ontario, to discuss a wide range of issues relating to the administration of justice across Canada.
“The Council plays a leading role in protecting judicial independence and the rule of law. These principles lie at the very heart of Canada’s democratic system. Our meetings provide a forum for meaningful discussions on how best to carry out this mandate and to ensure that we maintain public confidence in the administration of justice,” said Chief Justice of Canada and Council Chairperson, the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C.
As part of the meeting, Council members were pleased to hear from the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
A special panel discussion was also held, bringing together representatives from Canadian legal organizations, to speak to the importance of judicial independence, the rule of law, and maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice, as well as measures to promote these principles.
Other highlights of the Council meeting included:
- An update on a study commissioned by the Council and conducted by the Université de Sherbrooke, on the health and well-being of federally appointed judges.
- An overview of a youth outreach campaign, focusing on the role of judges, courts, the justice system, and the rule of law.
- An update on resources available to Canadians regarding judicial independence.
- Discussions on the administration of the judicial conduct regime.
- Approval of judicial education seminars and courses.
Council’s next meeting will take place in September 2026.
Did you know?
The Council’s mandate under the Judges Act – to promote efficiency and uniformity, and to improve the quality of judicial service, in superior courts – contributes directly to maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.
The Council’s mandate also supports the protection of judicial independence,which similarly underpins public confidence by ensuring that judges can decide cases impartially, free from external influence. Judicial independence thus benefits everyone in a democratic society.
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Contact:
Krista Ferraro
Director of Communications and Strategic Issues Management
Canadian Judicial Council
info@cjc-ccm.ca