In 2025, the Supreme Court of
Canada will recognize its 150th anniversary under the theme 150 years of upholding the rule
of law, building public trust, and serving our community.
Established in
1875, the Supreme Court is Canada’s final court of appeal, and the only bilingual and bijural apex
court in the world. For a century and a half, it has served Canadians by deciding legal issues of
public importance. As guardian of our constitution and protector of our rights and freedoms, its
decisions have provided the legal foundation for the strong and democratic country we
know.
The Supreme Court of Canada stands today as a shining beacon for democracy,
recognized around the world as a champion for the fundamental principles of openness, transparency
and judicial independence and its service to Canadians.
Join us in 2025, as we reflect on our history and legacy in honour of this special
anniversary.
Watch a video message about the 150th anniversary from the Right Honourable
Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada.
The Supreme Court has planned many
activities to commemorate 150 years of history and judicial independence. We invite you to join us in
reflecting on our legacy.
Building on the success of the Court’s
visits to Winnipeg
in 2019 and Quebec City
in 2022, judges will visit 5 communities across Canada throughout 2025. These visits will
provide opportunities for members of the public, students (high school and university), journalists, and
the legal and judicial communities to engage with members of the Court.
The visits are intended to promote a
better understanding of the Court’s role and function and reflect on how its decisions have shaped the
country’s legal landscape. Stay tuned for more details on each visit.
On April 10-11, 2025, the Supreme
Court of Canada will host a bilingual symposium, gathering justices of the Supreme Court,
representatives from Canadian and international courts and other partners from the legal community. The
symposium will examine and explore the role that the Court plays in today’s justice system, as well as
how that role can and should evolve.
Invited speakers and participants will have the chance
to discuss various topics, such as:
The Supreme Court will be holding
essay and art contests for students from across the country.
Law students are invited to
submit an essay about a landmark Supreme Court decision and its impact on Canadian society. Read the essay competition terms and conditions for more information.
Young
people between 5 and 17 years of age are invited to display their creativity by producing a graphic
artwork to mark the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada. Read the contest rules to find more information on how to
participate.
A reunion of the former law clerks of
the Supreme Court of Canada will take place in Ottawa from June 13 to 15, 2025. Former law clerks can
access more information about this event on a dedicated
webpage. If you have not received the login information, email protocol-protocole@scc-csc.ca.
In honour of its 150th anniversary,
the Supreme Court of Canada will host a ceremonial opening of the judicial year on October 6, 2025.
Ceremonies to mark the start of a new session are held in some Canadian provinces and in many
jurisdictions around the world. They provide an opportunity for the legal community to get together and
reflect on current issues facing the justice system. This will mark the first ceremonial opening of the
judicial year at the Supreme Court since the mid-1980s. More information to come.
Supreme Court of Canada will commemorate its 150th anniversary in 2025
As part of its 150th anniversary, the Supreme Court of Canada has unveiled a commemorative logo. Discover how the logo’s symbolism highlights both the history and the future of the Court.
The University of Ottawa Faculty of Law is working on creating a multimedia learning experience for the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada in 2025. The project aims to produce an ecosystem of interactive media that will showcase the history and workings of the Court, allowing Canadians to learn more about the role of this important institution in Canadian society. Learn more about the project Supreme Court of Canada: an institution to celebrate.
• Creation and Beginnings of the
Court – Learn more about the Supreme Court’s history.