“You Are the Future”: Chief Justice Urges Young Lawyers to Stay Curious, Defend Democracy

In a candid and wide-ranging conversation at the OBA’s annual Young Lawyers Gala in Toronto in May, Chief Justice Richard Wagner offered both a personal and institutional perspective on Canada’s legal system, the global recognition of its jurisprudence, and the vital role young lawyers play in defending the rule of law.

Presented as a Fireside Chat, the evening reflected Wagner’s desire to “provide the right information” and bring the judiciary closer to Canadians, especially the newest members of the legal profession.

“One reason why I’m very happy to be here tonight is that you are the future,” Wagner said. “I trust the future of young lawyers in Canada. Compared with other countries, I think that we have good law schools, very good law teachers, and I think we have a very good judiciary, as well. Of course, I’m biased, but I really believe it.”

A Legal Journey Born in Curiosity and Privilege

Chief Justice Wagner opened by reflecting on his own path to the bench, shaped by family influence and courtroom exposure from an early age. His father, a lawyer who later became a judge and minister of justice in Quebec during that province’s Quiet Revolution, left a lasting impression.

Wagner recounted early privileges as a young articling student: arguing cases in multiple levels of court, and even appearing at the Supreme Court within three years of practice.

“I was so excited, and I didn’t sleep the night before,” he recalled. “But, you know, you make your own luck, as well. You have to work hard.”

His advice to young lawyers? Embrace uncertainty and maintain an inquisitive spirit.

“To be curious was very helpful for me. To keep an open mind also and to trust yourself. Unfortunately, sometimes I realize that younger lawyers don’t trust themselves enough.

“It’s easier to be comfortable than to be working out of the box,” he added. “But to have an open mind, not to close doors too quickly in your career, to keep your options open and to be curious — I think it was very helpful for me.”

International Recognition of Canadian Jurisprudence

A recurring theme throughout Wagner’s remarks was Canada’s international legal standing. Through anecdotes and personal experience, he painted a picture of Canadian lawyers and judges being well regarded on the world stage.

“I travel around the world. The Supreme Court is a member of many international associations, and Canada is up there in terms of the quality of the bar and the quality of the bench.”

In a story from an international legal forum in 2001, Wagner noted that United Nations officials expressed admiration for Canadian lawyers.

“They told me: ‘We like the Canadian young lawyers because very often they are involved in common law, but also sometimes in civil law. They are bilingual. Sometimes they learn a third language. They are used to argue cases like in the U.K.’”

He also mentioned that Canada’s unique system — civil law, common law and Charter rights — makes its jurisprudence especially influential.

“We are part of the Asia Pacific network. Every two years, we meet and exchange the best policies and jurisprudence. And they refer to our jurisprudence on a regular basis.”

“I was invited to South Africa by the Constitutional Court… They referred to our decisions in Canada 2000 times.”

Public Confidence and the Rule of Law

Wagner spoke extensively about the importance of public trust in the justice system, tying it directly to democratic resilience.

“Judicial independence is a fact, and democracy is crumbling in many countries, even in a country very close to us in real time on a daily basis,” he warned. “The worst thing that we could think is that it cannot happen here. It could.”

He stressed that judicial independence is not a privilege for judges, but a guarantee for the public.

“It’s to make sure that every citizen of this country that goes into a court of law will know that the judge will not be under the influence of politicians or any other lobbyists.”

Facing Misinformation with Transparency

Wagner acknowledged the growing challenge posed by social media misinformation.

“You read all kinds of things in social media now. That was not always the case. You could rely on the traditional media… You don’t see that anymore.”

“There are all kinds of things on social media, real and false. So, misinformation and disinformation is now a real problem, and the only way to fight that is to provide the right information.”

His solution: proactive public education and openness from the judiciary.

“People need to understand how the courts are working, who the judges are, what they do, why they do it, and how they do it.”

Diversity as a Democratic Imperative

On the subject of judicial diversity, Wagner said inclusion strengthens legitimacy.

“People should recognize themselves in the major institutions in the country,” he said. “It’s a question of allowing people to recognize themselves and having faith and trust in their institutions.”

He pointed to progress within the Supreme Court itself, as an example.

A Court That Evolves

Reflecting on the high court’s 150-year history, Wagner identified the adoption of the Charter in 1982 as one of the institution’s most transformative moments.

“The Parliament, the elected officials, have decided to give a mandate to the courts… to interpret the Charter rights, to define what it means, freedom of expression, equality. It’s major,” he said. “The role of the Court as a guardian of the Constitution changed a lot after 1982.”

Looking Ahead

Chief Justice Wagner closed with a call for collective vigilance.

“We have to be more transparent, and we have to be proud of what we’ve got… We have to tell people about that.”