Overview
Function
The Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Commissioner in Executive Council regarding the appointment of territorial judges. Similarly, the Committee makes recommendations to the Commissioner regarding the appointment of deputy territorial judges.
Jurisdiction
Government of the Northwest Territories
Department Responsible
Department of Justice
Authority
Territorial Court Act (NWT)
Board Composition
Members include the Chief Judge and another territorial judge designated by the Chief Judge in consultation with the other territorial judges; two members appointed by the Law Society of the Northwest Territories; and four people who are neither judges nor lawyers appointed by the Commissioner in Executive Council.
Alternate Members
There are no alternate members.
The legislation does not provide for the appointment of alternate members to the Committee.
Chairperson
The Chairperson of the Advisory Committee shall be chosen in accordance with subsection 5.3.(4) of the Act.
Vice-Chairperson
There is no Vice-Chairperson.
Quorum
Quorum is five members, including at least three members who are territorial judges or members of the Law Society and two other members.
Appointment Instrument
Members are appointed by the appropriate appointing authority under section 5.3 of the Territorial Court Act (NWT).
Term Duration
A member holds office for a term not exceeding three years. The Chief Judge and another territorial judge designated by the Chief Judge hold office during good behaviour.
Time and Travel Requirements
Members may conduct meetings in person or by way of teleconference.
Remuneration
Historically, members have not received any remuneration for serving on the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee.
Other Considerations
Other than the Chief Judge and another territorial judge designated by the Chief Judge in consultation with the other territorial judges, the Law Society of the Northwest Territories and the Commissioner in Executive Council shall recognize the diversity of the population and the gender balance of the Northwest Territories when appointing members.
Current Membership
| Position | Appointee | Term Start | Term Expiry | Number of Terms | Appointed By | Nominating Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Chair | The Honourable Judge Jeannie Scott (At Pleasure) |
2022-09-06 | Ex-Officio | n/a | Ex-Officio | |
| 2. Member | The Honourable Judge Stephanie Whitecloud-Brass (At Pleasure) |
2024-04-18 | At Pleasure | n/a | The Chief Judge in consultation with the other territorial judges | |
| 3. Member (Law Society) |
(Vacant - 3 year term) | Law Society of the Northwest Territories | ||||
| 4. Member (Law Society) |
Leanne Dragon | 2024-04-01 | 2027-03-31 | 3rd term | Law Society of the Northwest Territories | |
| 5. Member | Helena Katz | 2022-07-14 | 2025-07-13 | 1st term | Commissioner in Executive Council | |
| 6. Member | Lydia Bardak | 2022-09-01 | 2025-08-31 | 1st term | Commissioner in Executive Council | |
| 7. Member | Dr. Raymond Case | 2022-07-14 | 2025-07-13 | 3rd term | Commissioner in Executive Council | |
| 8. Member | (Vacant - 3 year term) | Commissioner in Executive Council |