Annual report for 2025–26 spotlights rule of law commitment, research progress
The Law Commission of Canada (LCC) recently published its annual report for 2025–26, detailing progress on major research projects, and its “What We Heard” report for January to June 2026, highlighting complex power dynamics in the justice system.
In its news release announcing the annual report, the LCC described its rule of law commitment as a milestone.
“Responding to a moment of pronounced interest in democratic institutions, accountability, fairness, and responsible governance, the LCC is both proud and uniquely situated to take on a significant role in nourishing knowledge, reflection, and participation related to the meaning and practice of rule of law in Canada,” the LCC stated.
In its 2025–26 annual report, previously tabled in Parliament, the LCC discusses:
- its efforts and victories for the period from Apr. 1, 2025, to Mar. 31, 2026
- updates on programs and research projects such as “Charity and Law in Canada,” “Prison Law in Canada,” and the “Beyond Tomorrow” report series
- investments in future jurists and legal scholars via the fellowship and emerging scholars programs
- public engagement initiatives through the “Obiter” podcast and articles flowing from the LCC-CBA Journalism Fellowship
- roundtables, bilateral meetings, and conference participation and support, aimed at advancing relationships and partnerships with researchers, policymakers, subject matter experts, professional organizations, and community-based groups
- a transversal commitment to learn from and incorporate Indigenous voices and viewpoints across all its programs and projects
“The report reflects the LCC’s signature combination of scholarly research, engagement with community-based actors, and outreach to members of the Canadian public,” the LCC said in its news release.
‘What We Heard’ report
The LCC’s most recent “What We Heard” report is its sixth since the organization revived its operations in June 2023 following a 17-year hiatus.
The LCC releases its “What We Heard” reports biannually. The LCC shared that its report for January to June addresses:
- the role of institutional responsiveness in fostering public trust and accountability
- the risks and opportunities arising from technological developments
- the continuing and unresolved work relating to reconciliation
- the necessity of contextual and people-centric justice
- the possibilities and promise of university legal clinics and law students
- the potential of participatory reform
- the importance of intergenerational exchange
According to the LCC, its “What We Heard” reports share a snapshot of Canada’s legal and justice landscape, informed by the perspectives of the scholars, jurists, policymakers, community organizations, law reform agencies, and Indigenous leaders and experts with whom the LCC engages.
The LCC noted that these reports seek to synthesize insights gleaned from its participation at roundtables, workshops, multilateral discussions, bilateral meetings, and conferences.
More Law Commission of Canada news
Here are some other news stories revolving around the LCC.
On Dec. 2, 2024, the LCC and the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) shared that they were collaborating on the inaugural LCC-CBA Journalism Fellowship, seeking to help members of the public understand law, justice, and democratic governance issues in the country through deep journalistic investigation.
On Feb. 18, 2025, the LCC and the CBA announced Linda Besner – a Montreal-based and award-winning freelance writer and an alumna of the Banff Literary Journalism residency – as the recipient of the first-ever LCC-CBA Journalism Fellowship.
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