The Supreme Court of Canada is opening the new judicial year with a ceremony at its temporary home in Ottawa as the country’s highest court begins a lengthy transition while its permanent building undergoes major renovations.
The ceremony is taking place at the West Memorial Building at 344 Wellington Street, where the Court’s nine justices have been temporarily relocated. The move is expected to last for at least a decade while extensive restoration work is carried out on the Court’s historic permanent building.
Chief Justice Richard Wagner is scheduled to deliver remarks during the ceremony, which brings together current and former Supreme Court justices and members of Canada’s legal community.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser and Kristen Boon, president of the Council of Canadian Law Deans, are also among the scheduled speakers at the event.
The ceremonial opening marks the beginning of a new judicial session and provides an opportunity for members of the legal community to reflect on the justice system and the issues facing Canadian courts.
The Supreme Court revived the ceremonial opening of the judicial year in 2025, marking the first return of the tradition since the mid-1980s. The Court says the ceremony is observed in several Canadian provinces and jurisdictions around the world.
The temporary location has been specially renovated to accommodate the Supreme Court’s judicial and administrative functions. The West Memorial Building includes a dedicated courtroom, judges’ conference room, library and technology designed to support hearings and court operations.
The Court’s newest member, Glenn Joyal, is also expected to receive a formal welcome later this month. Joyal’s arrival adds another notable moment to the Court’s judicial calendar as it begins its work from the temporary facility.
The relocation represents a significant chapter in the history of Canada’s highest court. While the West Memorial Building will serve as the Court’s home during the renovation period, officials expect the institution to continue its regular judicial work throughout the transition.
With restoration of the permanent Supreme Court building expected to take at least 10 years, the temporary courtroom is set to become an important part of Canada’s judicial landscape for years to come.
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