Ceremonial opening of the judicial year

The ceremonial opening of the judicial year marks the start of a new session. Similar ceremonies are held in several Canadian provinces and in many jurisdictions around the world. They provide an opportunity for the legal community to come together and reflect on current issues facing the justice system.

To mark its 150th anniversary, the Supreme Court of Canada revived this tradition in 2025 for the first time since the mid-1980s.

Past ceremony

2025 Ceremonial opening of the judicial year