International Cooperation Overview

Since its establishment in 1996 under the directive of the Chief Justice of Canada and the Federal Minister of Justice, the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada (FJA) has been at the forefront of Canada’s international judicial cooperation. FJA’s International Program Division (IPD) draws on the expertise of over 1,200 federally appointed and of more than 800 retired judges, alongside justice system administrators, who have extensive expertise in judicial self-governance, judicial independence, ethics, accountability, system administration, and equitable access to justice. This vast expertise enables FJA to assist countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas in reforming and modernizing their judicial institutions and practices.

Canada’s bijural system, blending civil and common law traditions, and its bilingual judiciary are recognized globally for fairness, adaptability, and a strong commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of Canadian judges enhance the inclusivity and relevance of Canadian judicial practices abroad, making Canada a trusted partner in strengthening judicial systems in emerging democracies.

Guided by the Canadian Judicial Council’s (CJC) Policy on International Judicial Activities and the Judicial Advisory Committee on International Engagement (JUDACIE), FJA upholds the independence and impartiality of Canadian judges involved in international efforts, and proudly supports Canada’s global mission to promote democracy and good governance, strengthening Canada’s well-regarded reputation worldwide.

A Map of International Judicial Cooperation Initiatives