Canada’s Supreme Court Justices to Commemorate Historic 150th Anniversary with Community Visit in Thunder Bay

Supreme Court National Anniversary Program Culminates with Northwestern Ontario Engagement

Supreme Court’s Historic Anniversary Celebration

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 4, 2025 – In a powerful demonstration of its commitment to national engagement, the Supreme Court of Canada will hold the final stop of its cross-country 150th-anniversary tour in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on November 17 and 18, 2025. The visit, led by Chief Justice Richard Wagner and including Justices Malcolm Rowe and Michelle O’Bonsawin, will mark the culmination of a historic year of outreach aimed at bringing the Court closer to the people it serves.

This fifth and final stop in Northwestern Ontario follows a series of highly successful visits to Victoria, Moncton, Yellowknife, and Sherbrooke, symbolically connecting the nation from coast to coast to coast. The two-day program in Thunder Bay is designed to foster direct dialogue with a diverse cross-section of the community, including students, members of the public, Indigenous leaders, and legal professionals.

“The Court’s sesquicentennial is more than a milestone; it is a living conversation with Canadians about their justice system,” stated Chief Justice Richard Wagner. “Each visit on this national journey has deepened our understanding of the country’s unique regional perspectives and shared aspirations. Concluding this dialogue in Thunder Bay allows us to reaffirm that the principles of justice and the rule of law are pillars that unite every community across this vast land.”

The visit has been coordinated by a distinguished local organizing committee, spearheaded by the Honourable Michael Tulloch, Chief Justice of Ontario. The committee brings together a broad coalition from the judiciary, the bar, and academia, ensuring the event reflects the character and priorities of Northwestern Ontario.

“We are truly honoured to welcome the Supreme Court of Canada to Thunder Bay,” said Chief Justice Tulloch. “This visit sends a clear and important message that justice is not confined to the capital but is a vibrant, accessible force in communities everywhere. It is a unique opportunity for Northwestern Ontario to engage directly with the nation’s highest court, fostering greater trust and transparency in our judicial institutions.”

The event is supported by a consortium of Ontario’s courts and key provincial and local organizations, including the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University, the Thunder Bay Law Association, the Ontario Bar Association, and the Law Society of Ontario. This collaborative effort highlights the legal community’s shared commitment to public engagement and education.

Detailed Itinerary for the Thunder Bay Visit (Subject to Change)

Day One: Monday, November 17, 2025

• 8:00 A.M. Media Availability: The visiting Justices of the Supreme Court of Canada, alongside Chief Justice of Ontario Michael Tulloch, will hold a news conference at the Delta Hotel. This session will offer media the chance to discuss the significance of the national tour and the Court’s anniversary. Preregistration is essential; journalists are requested to contact media@scc-csc.ca to secure their participation.
• 9:30 A.M. Public Forum – “Beyond the Bench: A Dialogue with Judges of the Supreme Court of Canada”: This flagship town-hall event offers citizens an unprecedented opportunity to pose questions and engage in conversation with the justices on a wide array of topics. The forum will commence with a special welcoming ceremony conducted by Indigenous leaders, acknowledging the rich cultural heritage of the region. The event is free to attend, with both in-person and virtual participation options. Members of the public can reserve their seat and submit questions in advance by emailing ThunderBay150@scc-csc.ca.
• Student and Judicial Engagement: Throughout the afternoon, the justices will dedicate time to the next generation of citizens, interacting with secondary school students to demystify the justice system and answer their questions. The day will also include closed-door discussions with members of the local judiciary to exchange perspectives on the administration of justice.

Day Two: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

• Community Outreach: The day’s events will begin with a visit to the Kinna-aweya Legal Aid Clinic, underscoring the Court’s recognition of the critical importance of access to justice for all Canadians.
• Academic Collaboration: The delegation will then engage with future legal professionals at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University. This session will involve a meeting with faculty and an interactive discussion with law students, providing insight into the Court’s role and the path to a career in law.
• Legal Community Dialogue: The visit will conclude with a meeting with members of the Thunder Bay legal community, offering a platform for local lawyers and legal practitioners to connect with the justices.

This visit to Thunder Bay represents the final chapter in the Court’s national tour, but anniversary events will continue throughout 2025. For more information on the Supreme Court of Canada’s 150th-anniversary commemorations, the public is encouraged to visit the official Supreme Court of Canada website.

For further details on the Court’s 150th-anniversary events, stay tuned with lexolive.com and you can also visit the Supreme Court of Canada website.