On June 22, 2025, Chief Justice Wagner served as keynote speaker for the Young Lawyers 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.