Canada’s top judge to speak on ensuring fair access to justice for all

Canada’s top judge is expected to focus on fair access to justice for rich, poor and marginalized citizens when she speaks at Memorial University of Newfoundland on Thursday night

Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin will deliver the second annual Francis Forbes law lecture at the St. John’s campus.

READ MORE: Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin to retire from Supreme Court

It will be one of her last public speeches as she gets set to retire in mid-December after 28 years on the Supreme Court of Canada and almost 18 years as chief justice.

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Criminal defence lawyers have repeatedly called for changes to mandatory minimum sentences imposed by the last federal Conservative government.

WATCH: Supreme Court of Canada clears the way for extradition of pair accused in so-called “honour killing”

2:02 Supreme Court of Canada clears the way for extradition of pair accused in so-called “honour killing”

They say minimum sentencing actually increases repeat offences, and have urged the governing Liberals to introduce changes expected sometime this fall.

There have also been widespread calls for action on disproportionate incarceration rates for Aboriginal citizens and visible minorities.