Judges from the Supreme Court of Canada are currently in Thunder Bay, Ontario, as part of their nationwide tour commemorating the court’s 150th anniversary. Comprising four men and five women justices, the highest court in Canada presides over cases in various legal domains. Thunder Bay marks the final stop on their journey, following visits to Victoria, Moncton, Yellowknife, and Sherbrooke earlier this year.
During their visit, Chief Justice of Canada, Richard Wagner, along with Justice Malcolm Rowe and Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin, the first Indigenous member of the Supreme Court, engage with the local legal community, judiciary, high school students, and the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law. The faculty features mandatory courses on Indigenous legal matters as a response to calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Wagner emphasized the public’s concerns about protecting constitutional and Charter rights in light of global events. While not specifying particular issues, he highlighted the importance of strong institutions and education in safeguarding these rights. O’Bonsawin, focusing on the intersection of mental health and justice, stressed the need for improved access to mental health services within the Canadian criminal justice system. She also encouraged aspiring legal professionals, especially Indigenous students, to pursue their goals despite obstacles.
