Asked about the U.S., Canada’s chief justice says rule of law is ‘under attack’ worldwide

In a recent press conference on Parliament Hill, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Richard Wagner, expressed concerns about the state of the rule of law and judicial independence worldwide. Wagner highlighted the attacks on the judiciary, media, lawyers, and universities by the current U.S. administration led by President Donald Trump, warning that such actions are characteristic of dictatorial and autocratic governments.

Wagner emphasized the importance of preserving Canada’s strong legal system and institutions, urging Canadians to be vigilant and not take anything for granted. He reassured that in Canada, the separation of powers and judicial independence are respected by all stakeholders, ensuring that the rule of law prevails.

Despite the challenges faced by the U.S. court system under President Trump’s administration, Wagner noted that Canada remains a democratic superpower where the rule of law is non-negotiable. He emphasized the need to defend and uphold the integrity of the Canadian legal system in the face of global threats to judicial independence.

President Trump’s contentious relationship with the judiciary has been marked by clashes over his ambitious but constitutionally questionable agenda. Trump has criticized judges on social media and threatened them with impeachment or removal from office when rulings have gone against his policies.

Many of Trump’s initiatives, such as closing federal agencies, pursuing mass layoffs of federal workers, and imposing tariffs on foreign countries, have been challenged and delayed by the U.S. court system. Despite some legal victories at the U.S. Supreme Court, Trump’s administration has faced setbacks in implementing certain policies, such as revoking the temporary legal status of migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua.

In response to judicial rulings against his policies, Trump and his advisers have criticized the judiciary, accusing them of overstepping their constitutional authority. The tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary in the U.S. have raised concerns about the erosion of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

As Canada’s Chief Justice, Wagner remains committed to upholding the rule of law and judicial independence in Canada, emphasizing the importance of defending democratic values and institutions. In a time of global uncertainty, Wagner’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the principles that underpin the Canadian legal system.