Richard Wagner (judge) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable Richard Wagner PC
Wagner in 2012
18th Chief Justice of Canada
Incumbent
Assumed office December 18, 2017
Nominated by	Justin Trudeau
Appointed by	Julie Payette
Preceded by	Beverley McLachlin
Administrator of the Government of Canada
In office January 22, 2021 – July 26, 2021
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Prime Minister	Justin Trudeau
Preceded by	Julie Payette (as governor general)
Succeeded by	Mary Simon (as governor general)
Puisne Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada
In office October 5, 2012 – December 18, 2017
Nominated by	Stephen Harper
Appointed by	David Johnston
Preceded by	Marie Deschamps
Succeeded by	Sheilah Martin
Puisne Justice of the Quebec Court of Appeal
In office February 3, 2011 – October 5, 2012
Nominated by	Stephen Harper
Appointed by	David Johnston
Preceded by	Lise Côté
Succeeded by	Dominique Bélanger
Personal details
Born	(1957-04-02) April 2, 1957 (age 68) Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Spouse	Catherine Mandeville
Children	2
Parent	Claude Wagner (father)
Alma mater	Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf (DEC) University of Ottawa (BSocSc, LLL)

Richard Wagner (born April 2, 1957) is a very important Canadian judge. He is currently the 18th Chief Justice of Canada, a role he has held since 2017. Before this, he was a judge on the Quebec Court of Appeal and then on the Supreme Court of Canada. For a few months in 2021, he also served as the Administrator of the Government of Canada. This happened after the Governor General, Julie Payette, resigned.

Early Life and Education

Richard Wagner was born in Montreal, Quebec. His family was French Canadian and Catholic. His father, Claude Wagner, was also a well-known public figure.

Studying Law

Richard Wagner went to Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf in Montreal. After that, he studied at the University of Ottawa. In 1978, he earned a degree in political science. The next year, in 1979, he received his law degree from the same university. This degree was in Quebec Civil Law, which is a special type of law used in Quebec.

Richard Wagner's Career

Starting as a Lawyer

In 1980, Richard Wagner became a lawyer in Quebec. He started working at a law firm in Montreal called Lavery, de Billy. His work mainly focused on real estate, business disagreements, and insurance for professionals.

Becoming a Judge

Wagner became a judge for the first time on September 24, 2004. He was appointed to the Superior Court of Quebec in Montreal. Later, on February 3, 2011, he was promoted to the Court of Appeal of Quebec.

Joining the Supreme Court

On October 2, 2012, Prime Minister Stephen Harper chose Richard Wagner to join the Supreme Court of Canada. He was replacing Justice Marie Deschamps. His appointment was made official on October 5, 2012.

A special ceremony was held for his appointment on December 3, 2012. Many important people attended, including the Chief Justice at the time, Beverley McLachlin.

Becoming Chief Justice

On December 12, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Richard Wagner as the new Chief Justice of Canada. He took over from Beverley McLachlin.

Administrator of Canada

On January 23, 2021, Richard Wagner took on another important role. He became the Administrator of the Government of Canada. This happened because the Governor General, Julie Payette, resigned.

What an Administrator Does

The Chief Justice of Canada acts as the Governor General when the position is empty. This is because of special rules from 1947. Only judges from the Supreme Court can do these duties temporarily. Wagner stopped being the Administrator on July 26, 2021. This was when Mary Simon was appointed as the new Governor General. Wagner served for six months, which made him the longest-serving Administrator in Canada's history.

Personal Life

Richard Wagner is a Roman Catholic. His father, Claude Wagner, was also a judge. Richard Wagner has two children, and they are both lawyers too. His grandfather was a Jewish immigrant from Germany.

Honours and Awards

Coat of Arms

Arms of Richard Wagner

Crest An eagle lectern of two heads Gules beaked and embellished Or; Escutcheon Per pale Gules and Azure an escarbuncle of six rays Argent surmounted by a rose Or barbed Vert; Supporters Two rams Argent accorné and unguled Or, each holding a violin Compartment A field set with tulips and linden leaves proper in front of a crenellated wall Or; Motto Le passé inspire l’avenir Symbolism Red and blue represent Canada and Quebec, showing fairness and justice. The star-like shape (escarbuncle) refers to his name and his work in making laws stronger. Its points show his many legal skills. The rose honours his parents. The eagle lectern shows his speaking skills and his heritage. His motto, “The past inspires the future,” means he uses history to build a better society. Other symbols like the ram, violin, wall, tulip, and linden leaf show parts of his life and work.

Honorary Degrees

Richard Wagner has received special degrees from universities to honour his achievements.

Location	Date	School	Degree	Gave Commencement Address
Ontario	June 19, 2019	University of Ottawa	Doctorate	Yes
Ontario	June 14, 2023	Law Society of Ontario	Doctorate	No
Ontario	June 12, 2025	University of Western Ontario	Doctorate	No

Memberships and Fellowships

He is also part of several important legal groups.

Country	Date	Organization	Position
United States		American College of Trial Lawyers	Honorary Fellow
Ireland		The Honorable Society of King’s Inns	Honorary Bencher
England		The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple	Honorary Bencher
Canada		Friends of the McGill Library	Honorary Friend
Canada		Action Committee on Access to Justice in Civil and Family Matters	Honorary President

See also

In Spanish: Richard Wagner (juez) para niños

• Reasons of the Supreme Court of Canada by Chief Justice Wagner