Yellowknife — October 8, 2021
Today, Minister of Justice, R.J. Simpson announced the judicial appointment of Jeannie Scott to the Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories. This appointment is effective October 8, 2021.
Ms. Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University, a Masters of Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University, and a Bachelor of Laws from Ottawa University. She was called to the bar in Ontario in 2009 and the Northwest Territories in 2010.
Ms. Scott has practiced law in the Northwest Territories since the beginning of her legal career and has 10 years of experience with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, where she served as a prosecutor. She has travelled extensively on court circuits throughout the Northwest Territories. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Scott was a lawyer with the Legal Division of the Department of Justice for the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Throughout her time in the Northwest Territories she has been active in volunteer work in the community through Tennis NWT, the Yellowknife Tennis Club, and the Loran Scholars Foundation. Ms. Scott has also served her professional community on the Admissions and Discipline Committees of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories.
Ms. Scott enjoys an excellent reputation amongst her peers and the bench and is proficient in French, both written and oral. She has extensive experience as a criminal lawyer and has worked collaboratively with various participants in the justice system on the unique issues facing the North.
Quote(s)
“I wish Judge Scott continued success as she takes on her new role. She brings considerable experience practicing law in our territory and I am confident she will serve the residents of the Northwest Territories well as a member of the Territorial Court.”
- R.J. Simpson, Minister of Justice
Quick facts
- This appointment fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Christine Gagnon in July 2021.
- In addition to Chief Judge Robert Gorin, the Territorial Court includes Judge Garth Malakoe and Judge Donovan Molloy.
- The Territorial Court hears both criminal and civil matters, including, but not limited to, child protection cases and civil claims of up to $35,000.
- The Territorial Court Act establishes the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee, which reviews and recommends candidates to the Commissioner in Executive Council for appointment to the Territorial Court.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Ngan Trinh
Senior Communications Advisor
Department of Justice
Government of the Northwest Territories