Ours to Protect: A national campaign for the rule of law

As threats to democracy dominate headlines around the world, a coalition of Canadian law societies came together in 2025 to launch Ours to Protect, a national campaign to remind Canadians why the rule of law matters, and why it is worth defending.

The campaign is built around a simple idea: the democratic values most Canadians might take for granted, such as fairness, justice, equality, aren't guaranteed and they must be protected.

What is the rule of law?

The rule of law is a system in which everyone is subject to the same laws. The laws apply to all, including government officials, corporations and private citizens, no matter how wealthy or powerful they may be.

Under the rule of law, laws should be applied fairly and equally to citizens who have a right to obtain legal advice from a lawyer whose duty is to represent their client’s best interests. Lawyers must remain independent of the state and other powers. Self-regulation of lawyers is a part of upholding lawyer independence.

Independence of the legal profession and the courts

Lawyer independence is a cornerstone of the rule of law, ensuring lawyers can provide advice and act in their clients' best interests without government interference or fear of retaliation. This independence means when your lawyer represents you in a legal matter, they answer to you and to the law, not to the government. It’s what allows a lawyer to defend someone accused of a crime by the state, to challenge a government policy in court, or to advise a client without fear of political interference or retaliation. 

Independent courts play an equally important role in upholding the rule of law. When judges can make decisions based solely on the law, free from political pressure or government interference, the public can seek a judicial review to defend legal rights and resolve concerns freely. It means a small business owner can take on a corporation, a citizen can challenge a government decision, and the outcome will be decided on the merits, not on who has more political influence.

Help spread the word

Canada is not immune to the pressures reshaping democracies elsewhere. Polarization, distrust in institutions, and the normalization of political attacks on courts and legal processes are trends worth taking seriously. The rule of law relies on citizens who understand what it is, value what it does, and are willing to speak up when it is under threat. Here’s what you can do to spread the word:

• Learn more at ourstoprotect.ca and stay tuned for more information on the next phase of the campaign.
• Engage in conversations with colleagues, friends and family about the rule of law and why it matters.
• Share information about the Ours to Protect campaign with your network via social media.