A look at rare times the Canadian justice system has allowed cameras in court

EDMONTON — A judge is allowing cameras in the courtroom for the verdict later this week in the case against Travis Vader. Vader has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in the 2010 deaths of Lyle and Marie McCann, who disappeared on a camping trip. Their bodies have never been found. 

Here is a look at some other instances where cameras have been allowed in Canadian courtrooms:  

Supreme Court of Canada — Cameras were allowed in the country’s top court in 1981 to hear arguments over the patriation of the Constitution. The high court has broadcast most proceedings since 1995.

Ontario — Court of Appeal review hearings for Steven Truscott and William Mullins-Johnson were broadcast in 2007. Both men had murder convictions overturned.  

Manitoba — That province has had a cameras-in-the-courtroom initiative since 2014. No proceeding which involves testimony is part of the project, but in April 2014 Cassandra Knott was acquitted of the second-degree murder of her husband while the cameras rolled. Cameras have also been allowed in for an appeal hearing, a docket hearing and for arguments over the legality of a provincial sales tax hike. 

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

British Columbia — In 2000, closing arguments and jury instructions were broadcast in a migrant smuggling case. Closing arguments were also broadcast in 2011 when the province asked the court for its opinion on the constitutionality of Canada’s polygamy laws.

Alberta — Cameras were allowed in for an inquiry into a matter involving the Alberta Securities Commission in 1980 and a fatality inquiry into the death of Connie Jacobs in 1999. Jacobs and her son were shot and killed by police on a reserve west of Calgary.

The Canadian Press