Next week, the Supreme Court of Canada will travel to Quebec City to hear two significant cases. This will be the second time in the Court’s history that it has heard cases outside Ottawa, after journeying to Winnipeg in 2019. The Canadian Bar Association wholeheartedly supports the Supreme Court’s plans to conduct hearings in Quebec City and we have written to the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada, to express that support.
We believe that bringing Supreme Court of Canada proceedings to different parts of Canada can only strengthen the bond between the Court and the public. The pandemic has heightened the need for societal connection and a better understanding of our democratic institutions. Though technological innovations have gone a long way to give the public access to our Courts, in-person attendance can bring additional dimensions of understanding of the work of the Supreme Court of Canada.
The Canadian Bar Association appreciates the Supreme Court of Canada’s commitment to enhancing public appreciation of Canada’s law and democratic institutions. We are committed to an impartial and independent judiciary, without which there is no rule of law, and we look forward to any assistance our Association may offer the Supreme Court of Canada to advance this common goal.