Supreme Court of Canada justices (L–R) Malcolm Rowe, Michelle O’Bonsawin, Andromache Karakatsanis, Nicholas Kasirer, Richard Wagner, Mahmud Jamal, Suzanne Cote, Mary T. Moreau, and Sheilah L. Martin wear their new robes as they take part in the official bench photo in the Judges’ Conference Room at the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa on Oct. 6, 2025. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick
Heavy, hot, and unabashedly bright-red, the traditional robes of Canada’s Supreme Court were fondly called “Santa robes,” but the legal body’s opening ceremony last week has unveiled a new, more modern look.
The iconic red suits with white mink fur trim have been replaced by simple white collars over black robes with red piping. The new design made its debut Oct. 6 as the Supreme Court marked its 150th anniversary and the opening of a new judicial year.
“Many of you will have noticed that my colleagues and I are not wearing our usual red robes,” Chief Justice Richard Wagner said from the Supreme Court building at the ceremony. “Instead, we are wearing new robes which preserve the dignity and authority of the judicial role. They have a modern and simple design that echoes our commitment to openness and accessibility in a way that is distinctly Canadian.”
