Rule of law depends on boosting public’s understanding & confidence, SCC hears as new session opens
The Supreme Court of Canada’s nine justices, seen in their ceremonial black robes with red piping, pose for a photo Oct. 5 in the top court’s Grand Hall, along with court staff and legal dignitaries, after the judges sat on the bench for the first time in their new courtroom in the West Memorial Building on Wellington Street in Ottawa.
Monday, October 05, 2026 @ 5:27 PM
Last Updated: Monday, October 05, 2026 @ 7:37 PM
Canada needs to find new ways to sustain and strengthen its democratic institutions, especially to drive home to Canadians how much their independent justice system benefits them in their daily lives, top jurists say. At the Oct. 5 ceremonial opening of the Supreme Court of Canada’s judicial year in Ottawa, Chief Justice of Canada Richard Wagner told the audience of lawyers and judges he appreciated that “across the country, I’ve seen many of you speak out publicly to reiterate the importance of the rule of law and of an independent judiciary.” ... [read more]
Alberta lawyer says law society violating its duties through ‘ideological’ training programs
Tuesday, October 06, 2026 @ 4:56 PM
An Alberta lawyer is calling a number of mandatory training and professional requirements from the provincial law society ideologically driven as part of an appeal of a decision that dismissed his constitutional challenge against the regulator last year. ... [read more]
Manitoba proposing elimination of limitation periods for claiming coercive control
Tuesday, October 06, 2026 @ 4:49 PM
Manitoba is looking to remove limitation periods for civil claims stemming from intimate partner violence involving “coercive control.” According to an Oct. 5 news release, the province has introduced legislative amendments to its Limitations Act that “would allow survivors to pursue civil action regardless of when the abuse occurred.” ... [read more]
Judge wrong to caution jury on possible complainant fabrication: Appeal Court
Tuesday, October 06, 2026 @ 4:36 PM
Criminal court judges must remember that instructing a jury about evidence of fabrication is to be done only for the accused — not a complainant, says the lawyer of a man who maintains his ex-wife trumped up assault claims against him to gain an edge in their divorce. ... [read more]
Feds bring legislation to turn Defence Investment Agency into Crown corporation
Tuesday, October 06, 2026 @ 4:31 PM
The federal government has introduced Bill C-40, Strengthening Canada’s Defence Sector, to establish the Defence Investment Agency (DIA) as a Crown corporation for more independence. Also today, the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) estimated that additional core defence spending would increase the budgetary deficit in the billions. ... [read more]