Richard Wagner (judge) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Wagner
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Wagner in 2012
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| 18th Chief Justice of Canada | |
| Assumed office December 18, 2017 |
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| Nominated by | Justin Trudeau |
| Appointed by | Julie Payette |
| Preceded by | Beverley McLachlin |
| Puisne Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada | |
| In office October 5, 2012 – December 18, 2017 |
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| 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 |
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| Nominated by | Stephen Harper |
| Appointed by | David Johnston |
| Preceded by | Lise Côté |
| Succeeded by | Dominique Bélanger |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 2, 1957 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Spouse | Catherine Mandeville |
| Children | 2 |
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| Alma mater | Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf (DEC) University of Ottawa (BSocSc, LLL) |
Richard Wagner (born April 2, 1957) is a Canadian judge. He is currently the 18th Chief Justice of Canada, a role he has held since 2017. The Chief Justice is the highest judge in Canada.
Before this important role, he was a judge on the Quebec Court of Appeal from 2011 to 2012. He also served as a judge on the Supreme Court of Canada from 2012 to 2017. For part of 2021, Richard Wagner also acted as the Administrator of the Government of Canada. This meant he filled in for the governor general when the position was empty.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Richard Wagner was born in Montreal, Quebec, on April 2, 1957. His family was French Canadian and Catholic. His father, Claude Wagner, was also a judge and a politician.
Richard Wagner studied at the Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf in Montreal. He then went to 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.
Legal Career Journey
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 focused on areas like real estate, business disagreements, and insurance for professionals.
Becoming a Judge
On September 24, 2004, Wagner was appointed as a judge to the Superior Court of Quebec in Montreal. This was his first step into being a judge. 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. This is the highest court in Canada. He officially became a judge there on October 5, 2012. He replaced Justice Marie Deschamps.
A special ceremony was held for his appointment on December 3, 2012. Many important legal figures attended, including Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin.
On December 12, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Richard Wagner to be the new Chief Justice of Canada. He took over from Beverly McLachlin.
Acting as 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 after Governor General Julie Payette resigned.
According to Canadian law, the Chief Justice of Canada steps in when the Governor General's office is empty. This means the Chief Justice performs the duties of the Governor General temporarily. Wagner served in this role for six months. He stopped being the administrator on July 26, 2021, when Mary Simon was appointed as the new Governor General. Wagner was 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 from Bavaria, Germany.
Honours and Recognition
Coat of Arms
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University Degrees
Richard Wagner has received special honorary degrees from universities. These degrees are given to people who have achieved great things.
| Location | Date | School | Degree | Gave Commencement Address |
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 Ontario |
June 19, 2019 | University of Ottawa | Doctorate | Yes |
| Ontario |
June 14, 2023 | Law Society of Ontario | Doctorate | No |
Memberships and Fellowships
He is also part of several important legal organizations.
| 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
Images for kids
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Wagner in 2012
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Coat of Arms of Richard Wagner
