Appointment of New Chief Judge

The appointment of the Honourable Judge Brian A. Bruser as Chief Judge of the Territorial Court effective January 24, 2005, was announced today by Minister of Justice and Attorney General, the Honourable Charles Dent.

“I am confident that Chief Judge Bruser will ensure that the Territorial Court continues to meet the needs of residents of the Northwest Territories,” said Minister Dent.

Judge Bruser was first appointed to the Territorial Court in 1989. He replaces Chief Judge R. Michel Bourassa, whose retirement from the Court was announced in December 2004.

The Territorial Court hears both criminal and civil matters, including family law, child protection and civil claims of up to $10,000. The Chief Judge schedules court sittings and assigns judges for Territorial Court hearings. He also supervises Justices of the Peace.

The Territorial Court includes Judge Bernadette Schmaltz and one vacancy due to the retirement of Chief Judge Bourassa. As per the Territorial Court Act, Minister Dent has asked the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee to recommend candidates for appointment to the Territorial Court to fill the vacancy.

For more information, please contact:

Megan Holsapple
Communications
Department of Justice
920-3130