Chief Justice of Canada and Minister of Justice Sign Accord to Reinforce Independence of the Supreme Court of Canada

The Rt. Hon. Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada, and the Hon. David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today signed an Accord aimed at recognizing and reinforcing the independence of the Supreme Court of Canada.

Quick facts:

• The nine Justices of the Supreme Court of Canada are supported in their duties by the Office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada (ORSCC). The ORSCC is headed by the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada and its funding is authorized by Parliament.
• While the Minister of Justice is answerable before Parliament for the ORSCC, the Registrar takes direction from the Chief Justice of Canada rather than from the Minister. The ORSCC is separate and fully independent from the Department of Justice.
• The Accord recognizes the independence of the Supreme Court of Canada by publicly describing key features of the relationship between the Chief Justice of Canada and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, as well as between ORSCC officials and officials from various government departments.