Wagner was born in Montreal, Quebec, to a French Canadian Catholic family as the son of Gisèle (née Normandeau) and Claude Wagner, a former member of Parliament and senator.[3] He studied at the Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf in Montreal before receiving a bachelor of social science degree in political science from the University of Ottawa in 1978. He received his Licentiate in Law (LL.L.) – a Quebec Civil Law equivalent of the Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) – from the same institution in 1979.[3]
Career
Private practice and early judicial career
In 1980, Wagner was called to the Quebec Bar, and began practice at the Montreal law firm Lavery, de Billy (formerly Lavery, O'Brien and Lavery, Johnston, Clark, Carrière, Mason & Associés). His practice centred on real estate, commercial litigation and professional liability insurance.[3]
On December 3, 2012, a ceremony was held for Wagner's appointment in the Supreme Court of Canada courtroom. The event was attended by Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, the federal minister of justice and attorney general, Rob Nicholson, and the Quebec deputy minister of justice, Nathalie G. Drouin.[6]
On December 12, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Wagner as Beverly McLachlin's successor as chief justice of Canada.[7][8]
In 2023, Wagner was criticized for his handling of the complaint against puisne judge Russell Brown, which led to the latter's resignation. Brown's lawyer cast doubt on Wagner's assertion that Brown had agreed to step aside from the Court during the investigation.[9]
In 2024, Wagner was criticized by lawyers for having a bust of himself exhibited inside the Supreme Court building. The court refused to disclose the identity of the person who paid for the bust, which raised concerns about the court's transparency.[10] Some also said that it was improper for a sitting judge to have a bust of himself exhibited publicly.[10]
Wagner was also criticized for excessive foreign travel as chief justice, as well as overstepping the court's constitutional role.[11]
Administrator of Canada
On January 23, 2021, Wagner became Administrator of the Government of Canada following Governor General Julie Payette's resignation in response to a workplace harassment investigation. By virtue of royal letters patent issued in 1947, the chief justice of Canada is the ex officio principal deputy to the governor general, and may act as governor general when the office is vacant.[12][13] Only justices of the Supreme Court of Canada are authorized to perform federal viceregal duties on an acting basis. He ceased to hold office as administrator on July 26, 2021, following Mary Simon's appointment as governor general.[14][13] Serving for six months, Wagner was the longest-serving administrator of Canada in history.[15]
Personal life
Wagner is a Roman Catholic.[16] Wagner's father Claude was also a jurist. His grandfather was a German Jewish immigrant originally from Bavaria. Wagner has two children who are also lawyers.[1]
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, representing Canada and Quebec respectively, symbolize equity and justice for Chief Justice Wagner, with the balanced colors reflecting these ideals. The escarbuncle references his name, derived from a wheelwright, and as an ancient heraldic symbol, it highlights his work in strengthening legal protections. Its spokes represent his diverse legal specialties and affiliations, emphasizing the breadth of his career and commitment to inclusion, diversity, and access to justice. The rose honors his parents, while the lectern, combining the lawyer's stand and the eagle's keen eye, symbolizes his advocacy skills, balance, and European and Canadian heritage. The French motto, “The past inspires the future,” underscores his focus on history’s lessons to build a more inclusive society and honors his father’s public service. Additional symbols—the ram for determination, the violin for musical heritage, the wall for justice’s strength, the tulip for Ottawa’s emblem, and the linden leaf for love and relaxation—capture Chief Justice Wagner’s personal and professional legacy.
