01/20/2026
The rule of law is the principle that laws govern Canada, not the specific interests of individuals or governments. It means no one is above the law. Laws must be clear, fair, and applied equally. Courts must be independent in applying them. And the rights and freedoms of Canadians must be protected under those laws.
The Ours to Protect campaign was initiated by a coalition of nine Canadian law societies. As organizations that regulate lawyers and protect the public interest, law societies have a unique responsibility to defend the principles that make our democracy work.
Canada’s rule of law isn’t just a legal concept — it’s what protects our rights, ensures everyone gets fair treatment, and keeps power in check. Right now, Canada’s rule of law is under pressure. Fewer than half of Canadians trust our justice system works as intended, and confidence in our democratic institutions is declining.
With Ours to Protect, the goal is to spread awareness of what’s at stake and what we can all do to keep Canada’s democracy strong. The time to act is now, before we lose what took generations to build.
The rule of law is under pressure — around the world and here in Canada. Fewer than half of Canadians trust that our justice system works as intended, and more than two-thirds worry that political interference could begin to shape our courts.
