Ottawa, is, August 6, 2025 / CNW/ – Chief judge Richard Wagner and judges Nicholas Kasirer et Michelle O’Bonsawin will visit the city of Yellowknifein the Northwest Territories, September 14 and 15, 2025 as part of the commemoration of 150e anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada. This visit continues the commitment of the Court to exchange directly with Canadians, and to promote a better understanding of its role in our democracy.
During this two -day visit, judges will participate in activities with students, as well as members of the public, the media and the legal community.
“Our visit to Yellowknife is an important opportunity to learn from peoples, cultures and traditions of the North, ”said the very honorable Richard Wagnerchief judge of Canada. “While we commemorate the 150e Anniversary of the Court, my colleagues and I are keen to meet and listen to people, to forge links and to ensure that justice reflects the diversity of all the communities that we serve. »»
This visit was organized thanks to the support of a local organizing committee, made up of representatives of the magistracy, the bar and the university environment, under the direction of the Honorable Shannon Smallwoodchief judge of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories.
“It is an honor for us to welcome judges the Supreme Court of Canada has Yellowknife And in the Northwest Territories, ”said chief judge Smallwood. “This visit will allow people to Northern meet judges from the highest court of Canadaand will contribute to an increased understanding of the justice system, as well as varied peoples, cultures and traditions which represent the North. »»
The Supreme Court is also grateful to the Honorable Ritu khullarchief judge of the Northwest Territories Court of Appeal, of the help it has given to the visit of the visit.
“The presence of judges of the Supreme Court of Canada In the Northwest Territories constitutes a historical and significant event in the rich history of the territories, “said chief judge Khullar. “This visit testifies to the deep respect of the Supreme Court towards the courts, the bar and the communities of the North, and its supported commitment to dialogue with them. We all share a common goal: to ensure the entire Canadian population a just and equitable justice system. »»
This visit would not be possible without the collaboration of many people and organizations, notably the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories, the Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories, the Association of the Canadian Bar, section of the Northwest Territories, and the Northwest Territories Bar.
It will be the third of a series of five visits made by judges of the Supreme Court of Canada in different Canadian communities in 2025. The first visits to Victoria (C.-B.) in February and Moncton (N.-B.) In March were very productive. After Yellowknifejudges will go to Sherbrooke (QC) on October 21, 22 and 23, then Thunder Bay (Have.) On November 17 and 18. The Court provides several other activities throughout 2025 to commemorate its 150e birthday. Please see the Supreme Court web page of Canada For more information on it.
Route preview
Please note that the route could change. Events open to the public and the media are indicated as such. For more information, please see the Supreme Court web page Canada.
First day (Sunday, September 14, 2025)
- At 8 a.m. (Har), the judges of the Supreme Court of Canada will participate in a press briefing at the Explorer hotel. Prior registration is compulsory; Journalists can contact [email protected] To register.
- At 10 a.m. (Har), the judges will take part in a special public forum entitled Beyond the bench: a dialogue with judges of the Supreme Court of Canada. This is a free event, similar to a public assembly, during which judges will answer public questions on a wide range of subjects. Book your place and send your questions by email to the following address: [email protected].
- The judges will meet elders at the indigenous Arctic Wellness Foundation Camp.
- The judges will participate in an event with members of the local legal community.
Second day (Monday September 15, 2025)
- The judges will meet the staff of specialized courts.
- The judges will interact with high school students and answer their questions about the justice system.
- The judges will meet students and members of the Circle of debates at the local courthouse.
- The judges will distinguish themselves with lawyers and lawyers recently admitted to the bar.
For more information about the visit and the planned activities, please visit the following web page: https://www.scc-csc.ca/150/yellowknife_fra.html.
About the Supreme Court of Canada
Created in 1875, the Supreme Court is the last resort of appeal of the Canada. As the highest court in the country, it has jurisdiction in the last instance on disputes in all areas of law. Since its inception, the Court has played a crucial role by shaping the Canadian legal landscape and launching the foundations of a solid and safe democratic country based on the primacy of law. The nine judges educate and decide causes in French and English on matters of law which are important to the public and contribute to the evolution of Canadian law. The Court is also bijuridic, which means that it applies law according to the legal traditions of Common Law and civil law.
Supreme Source of the Canada
Person in charge of media relations: Daniel Byma, Senior Legal Advisor and Chief of Cabinet, Cabinet of the Chief Justice of Canada, 613-996-9296, [email protected]
