On July 22, 2025, Chief Justice Wagner served as keynote speaker for the Young Lawyer Division’s Annual Gala. Chief Justice Wagner has served on the Supreme Court since 2012, and is the 18th Chief Justice of Canada. He leads the Canadian Judicial Council, the National Judicial Institute, and the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada.
Chief Justice Wagner began his legal career in commercial litigation, class action, and professional liability. During his speech, Chief Justice Wagner noted that he went into law with an open mind. His father served as a lawyer and was the first Minister of Justice of Quebec, and this deeply impacted him. At a young age, Chief Justice Wagner was exposed to courthouse procedure and decorum.
Chief Justice Wagner practiced law for 24 years, and embraced every opportunity provided. As a young articling student, he had the chance to argue his first provincial court, superior court, and appellate level cases. He argued before the Supreme Court in his third year of legal practice. Justice Wagner expressed gratitude for the opportunities and privileges that he had, and encouraged the audience to engage and carve out their own opportunities.
During his remarks at the Gala, Chief Justice Wagner advised young lawyers to always remain curious, have an open mind, and to trust themselves. He noted that young lawyers today don’t trust themselves enough, and that we should have confidence in our own abilities. His Honour underscored that we are the future, and that he has faith in the future of Canada.
Chief Justice Wagner noted that he has met with judiciaries of different countries and exchanged information. The United Nations expressed that young Canadian lawyers are well regarded; we have quality in our bar and bench, and have two official languages and distinct legal systems.
Chief Justice Wagner also noted that in many countries, the rule of law is under challenge and democracy is crumbling. While we have strong institutions and a history of respect for public law, we should not take these institutions for granted. We should actively work to support the rule of law and judicial independence and guard against misinformation.
Chief Justice Wagner also stressed the importance of diversity on the bench for transparency and credibility. He recognized progress over the last two years, and the rich history of the Supreme Court of Canada as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. The Supreme Court of Canada is recognized internationally and has been cited in the jurisprudence of South Africa, Kenya, India, Australia, and New Zealand among other countries.
Overall, the Gala was a success and the Chief Justice's faith in the next generation of young lawyers served as inspiration and encouragement to live openly and strive fearlessly toward strengthening the rule of law and promoting diversity and transparency in the legal profession.
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