How well does Canada rank globally on justice and the rule of law?
A new report puts Canada ahead of most countries when it comes to upholding the rule of law.
World Justice Project (WJP) is a non-profit advocating for the advancement of the rule of law worldwide. It states that the rule of law is essential in keeping corruption in check, tackling poverty and disease, and protecting people from injustices.
Dr. Alejandro Ponce, executive director at WJP, warns that the world is “entering a period of greater uncertainty.”
“Geopolitical tensions are rising, economic pressures are reshaping societies, and the rules that have long supported international cooperation are increasingly contested,” he stated. “In this environment, the rule of law matters more, not less.”
WJP’s 2026 Rule of Law Index is based on measuring people’s perceptions and experiences of the rule of law worldwide. It ranks 143 countries and jurisdictions, scoring them based on eight factors: constraints of government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice, and criminal justice.
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Denmark came in first with an overall score of 0.90, while Venezuela ranked last, scoring just 0.26.
So, how did Canada do?
Pretty well, actually. The country placed 13th, holding on to the same spot as last year with an overall score of 0.80, up from 0.79.
That’s because Canada scored higher this year when it comes to the absence of corruption and open government. However, there is room for improvement, as the country saw its scores drop when it comes to fundamental rights, as well as civil and criminal justice.
World Justice Project (WJP)
Still, it’s not bad considering Canada’s southern neighbour dropped down three spots to number 30 with an overall score of 0.67.
And the U.S. isn’t the only country that has seen a decline. The report states that scores have been dropping in most countries over the past nine years.
“These trends are serious, but they are not irreversible,” said Ponce. “Institutions can be weakened quickly; rebuilding them takes time, sustained commitment, and public trust. But countries can change course.”
Canada also recently ranked number one as the safest country to visit, according to American tourists.