To some the idea of the Supreme Court of Canada deciding to “go on the road” may not seem startling. Many state Supreme Courts hold arguments in high schools and law schools. But this is a big step for the Supreme Court of Canada.

At a public forum in Victoria hosted by the Supreme Court of Canada, to open the doors to its work, a woman in the audience asked a question about the roiling politics in the United States and the ability of Canada’s justice system to uphold human rights in perilous times.

Chief Justice Richard Wagner delivered an impassioned response – with a touch of comic timing.

“We should be optimistic for the future of Canada,” he said. “I’ll tell you why. First of all, we have a strong democracy.” He then detailed how the judicial system is impartial and independent of the churn of politics – “which might be,” he said with deliberate effect, “different from other countries.”

The chief justice paused – and the audience let out a hearty laugh.

The Supreme Court this year marks its 150th anniversary. Justices are visiting five cities across the country, starting in Victoria and concluding in November in Thunder Bay, Ont.=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/18143e98f4dcd3aa1c82d38f258fdde2aed9f760b44117a6f901fb9886d77759/ZIRQCD72VVG6BI52S2JDDTSWWI/