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 the next most senior territorial judge; 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 the Chief Judge, where he or she is a member.
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
Term Duration
A member holds office for a term not exceeding three years. The Chief Judge and the next most senior territorial 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 next most senior territorial judge, 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 Hon. Christine Gagnon (Ex-Officio) |
2015-10-01 | Ex-Officio | n/a | Ex-Officio | |
| 2. Member | Judge Robert Gorin | 2018-05-09 | Ex-Officio | n/a | Ex-Officio | |
| 3. Member (Law Society) |
Karen Lajoie | 2018-04-01 | 2021-03-31 | 1st term | Law Society of the Northwest Territories | |
| 4. Member (Law Society) |
Jill Andrews | 2018-04-01 | 2021-03-31 | 1st term | Law Society of the Northwest Territories | |
| 5. Member | (Vacant - 3 year term) | Commissioner in Executive Council | ||||
| 6. Member | (Vacant - 3 year term) | Commissioner in Executive Council | ||||
| 7. Member | (Vacant - 3 year term) | Commissioner in Executive Council | ||||
| 8. Member | (Vacant - 3 year term) | Commissioner in Executive Council |