There is a new application process for lawyers who want to be judges in Nova Scotia.
“Nova Scotia needs to have a strong pool of candidates who are of the highest integrity, exhibit professional excellence and reflect the wide diversity of this province,” said Brad Johns, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “I invite members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society who represent the best of Nova Scotia and who are interested in being judges to apply.”
The government recently revised its Provincial Judicial Appointments Guidelines, updating the process for appointing judges to the criminal court.
The guidelines include a new independent advisory committee, which will recommend candidates to the Minister.
The advisory committee is composed of three members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, one sitting provincial court judge, two members of the public and a retired justice, who chairs the committee.
The guidelines ensure that appointments to the bench continue to be based on merit and professional excellence.
Gender, racial and cultural diversity, geographical representation and commitment to public service are among the criteria for the appointment of judges.
There are currently two vacancies on the provincial court.