November 18, 2025
OTTAWA—CPAC, the Cable Public Affairs Channel, is proud to launch a new documentary series entitled Inside the Supreme Court of Canada—150 Years of the Highest Court in the Land, exploring the history, and future of one of Canada's most respected public institutions.
As the Supreme Court marks its sesquicentennial milestone, this CPAC original series traces the evolution of the court from its creation in 1875, through its independence from the Privy Council in the United Kingdom, to the adoption of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982, and beyond.
Over the course of 10 episodes, former justices, academics, and legal professionals reveal the inner workings and role of the Court, discuss key landmark decisions, judicial independence, the adoption of the Charter, and how the Court shaped Canada's legal landscape.
(The) judiciary has to be independent so it can decide the issues of validity of laws, constitutionality of laws, any other issues,said the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.And if judges are beholden to either the legislative branch or the executive branch or seem to be in the pocket of the legislative or executive, people lose confidence in the courts.
Judicial independence is crucial to a democracy,said the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, former Justice of the Supreme Court.The judiciary doesn't have an army behind it, doesn't have a financial bank behind it, it has only its legitimacy and independence.
Funded in part by the Department of Canadian Heritage's Commemorate Canada program, the first episode of Inside the Supreme Court of Canada―150 Years of the Highest Court in the Land premiered on November 10 and the series rollout continue through December.
Broadcast schedule
- Monday, December 15, 7:00 p.m. ET — The Road to the Charter
- Tuesday, December 16, 7:00 p.m. ET — The Charter and Its Impact on the Court
- Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 p.m. ET — Diversity and the Court
- Thursday, December 18, 7:00 p.m. ET — Landmark Decisions of the Court (Parts I & II)
- Friday, December 19, 7:00 p.m. ET — The Future of the Court
The Supreme Court of Canada is one of the pillars of our democracy,said Christa Dickenson, President and CEO of CPAC.As we mark its 150th anniversary, CPAC is honoured to help Canadians better understand the Court's enduring role in shaping our society. Through this initiative, we aim to shed light on the institution's history, its decisions, and the profound ways it continues to safeguard the principles of justice and equality that define our country.
Inside the Supreme Court of Canada―150 Years of the Highest Court in the Land is part of a partnership with Canadian Geographic Education to develop a series of curriculum-linked educational tools to deepen students' understanding of the Court's role, history, and influence in shaping Canadian society.
All episodes are accessible on CPAC, www.cpac.ca/scc150 and, via CPAC's social media channels.
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About CPAC:
CPAC is an independent, not-for-profit, commercial-free, bilingual media organization that connects Canadians to their democracy. On its broadcast television channel, website, and social media platforms, CPAC delivers the most comprehensive coverage of the people and events that shape Canadian public policy. Its core programming includes the complete televised proceedings of Canada's Parliament and in-depth coverage of key political events and public policy debates.
Unique to CPAC is its digital offering, which includes up to 14 simultaneous live streams and a video archive boasting over 60,000 hours of parliamentary and public affairs content.
Media contact
For media inquiries, please contact Fateema Sayani, CPAC Director of Development and Public Affairs, (613)712-7527 or fsayani@cpac.ca.
