Annual Opening of Courts Speech, September 29, 2026
Opening of Courts Speech
The Honourable Sharon Nicklas
Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice
The judges and the justices of the peace of the Court preside over adult criminal, youth criminal, family law, child welfare, and provincial offences matters.
Criminal cases where charges are laid under the Criminal Code, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act and other federal statutes
Family cases, including child protection, adoption, cases involving decision-making responsibility, parenting time, contact, and support cases.
All cases laid under provincial legislation, including traffic offences, by-law offences and offences against environmental, health and safety, and employment standards legislation.
Annual Opening of Courts Speech, September 29, 2026
Opening of Courts Speech
The Honourable Sharon Nicklas
Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a day to reflect on the tragic legacy of the residential school system and the ways it continues to affect Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It is a day to mourn the children who did not return from residential school and to honour the Survivors, their families, and the resilience of their communities.
On Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, the Ontario Court of Justice will be operating as follows:
Public Statement by Ontario’s three Chief Justices, September 2, 2026
Appointment of new judges to the Ontario Court of Justice, effective August 27, 2026