Supreme Court of Canada - Edifice

Edifice

The Supreme Court of Canada Building is home to the Supreme Court of Canada. It also contains two court rooms used by both the Federal Court of Canada and the Federal Court of Appeal. Construction began in 1939, with the cornerstone laid by Queen Elizabeth, consort to King George VI and later Queen Mother. It was designed by Ernest Cormier. The court began hearing cases in the new building by January 1946. The building is renowned for its Art Deco details. In contrast the building's roof utilizes châteauesque styled influence. In 2000, it was named by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada as one of the top 500 buildings produced in Canada during the last millennium.

Two flagstaffs have been erected in front of the building. A flag on one is flown daily, while the other is hoisted only on those days when the court is in session. Also located on the grounds are several statues, notably:

  • Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent by Erek Imredy 1976
  • Two statues by Canadian sculptor Walter S. Allward:
    • Statue of Veritas (Truth)
    • Statue of Justitia (Justice)

Inside there are busts of several chief justices:

  • John Robert Cartwright
  • Bora Laskin
  • Brian Dickson
  • Joseph Antonio Charles Lamer

They were all sculpted by Kenneth Jarvis, Q.C.

Previous homes of Canada's top courts include:

  • Railway Committee Room in the parliament buildings 1876–1889
  • Old Supreme Court building on Bank Street 1889–1945

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