Mark Mossey Appointed Judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice
In a significant move for Nunavut’s justice system, Mark Mossey has been appointed as a judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice, effective February 19, 2025. The announcement was made by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
Justice Mossey brings a wealth of experience to the bench. Most recently, he served as the Executive Legal Officer in the Office of the Chief Justice of the Nunavut Court of Justice. Prior to that, he worked as a poverty lawyer with Maliiganik Tukisiiniakvik Legal Services, a legal aid clinic on Baffin Island.
Mossey has deep roots in Nunavut, having lived and worked in Iqaluit since 2010. His commitment to the territory’s legal community is well-documented. He has served as president of both the Law Society of Nunavut and the Nunavut branch of the Canadian Bar Association.
The Nunavut Court of Justice, where Justice Mossey will now serve, is unique in Canada. It is the only court in the country that combines the powers of a superior court and a territorial court. Established on April 1, 1999, it coincided with the creation of Nunavut as a separate territory.
Based in Iqaluit, the court also operates as a circuit court, with judges traveling to communities across Nunavut to conduct cases. This approach ensures access to justice for residents in remote areas, a critical function given the territory’s vast geography.
Justice Mossey’s appointment is particularly significant for Nunavut. His extensive local experience and deep understanding of the territory’s legal and social context will bring valuable insights to the bench. His background in poverty law and his long-standing commitment to the legal community underscore his readiness to serve in this important role.
Justice Mossey’s Appointment Reflects Deep Community Ties and Legal Expertise
Justice Mossey’s extensive experience in Nunavut’s legal landscape has prepared him well for his new role. Having served as the Executive Legal Officer in the Office of the Chief Justice of the Nunavut Court of Justice, he has gained a profound understanding of the court’s operations and the unique challenges it faces. This experience will undoubtedly prove invaluable as he transitions to the bench.
His earlier work as a poverty lawyer with Maliiganik Tukisiiniakvik Legal Services on Baffin Island has equipped him with a deep understanding of the social and economic realities faced by many Nunavut residents. This background is expected to inform his approach to justice, particularly in cases involving vulnerable populations.
Justice Mossey’s leadership within the legal community has been exemplary. He has served as president of both the Law Society of Nunavut and the Nunavut branch of the Canadian Bar Association, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the highest standards of the legal profession. These roles have also allowed him to advocate for improvements in the territory’s justice system.
The Nunavut Court of Justice, where Justice Mossey will now serve, is uniquely structured to address the territory’s distinct needs. As Canada’s only single-level court, it combines the jurisdiction of a superior court and a territorial court, allowing it to hear a wide range of cases. This structure ensures that residents have access to a comprehensive justice system, regardless of the complexity of the legal issues involved.
The court’s circuit court model is another key feature that ensures access to justice across Nunavut’s vast and remote geography. Judges regularly travel to communities throughout the territory to preside over cases, a practice that is essential for maintaining fairness and accessibility in such a sprawling region. Justice Mossey’s familiarity with this model, gained through his years of work in Nunavut, will enable him to navigate its challenges effectively.
Justice Mossey’s appointment is widely seen as a positive development for Nunavut’s justice system. His deep roots in the territory, combined with his legal expertise and community-focused approach, make him an ideal candidate to serve on the Nunavut Court of Justice. As he takes on this new role, he is expected to continue his dedication to upholding justice and serving the people of Nunavut with integrity and compassion.
Conclusion
Mark Mossey’s appointment as a judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice marks a significant milestone for the territory’s legal system. With his extensive experience in Nunavut’s legal landscape, including his work as a poverty lawyer and his leadership roles in the legal community, Justice Mossey brings a deep understanding of the territory’s unique challenges. The Nunavut Court of Justice, with its combined jurisdiction and circuit court model, is well-suited to address the needs of Nunavut’s diverse and remote communities. Justice Mossey’s appointment underscores his commitment to upholding justice and serving the people of Nunavut with integrity and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mark Mossey appointed as a judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice?
Mark Mossey was appointed as a judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice, effective February 19, 2025.
What was Mark Mossey’s background before his appointment?
Before his appointment, Justice Mossey served as the Executive Legal Officer in the Office of the Chief Justice of the Nunavut Court of Justice. He also worked as a poverty lawyer with Maliiganik Tukisiiniakvik Legal Services on Baffin Island and held leadership roles in the Law Society of Nunavut and the Canadian Bar Association.
What makes the Nunavut Court of Justice unique?
The Nunavut Court of Justice is unique as it is Canada’s only single-level court, combining the powers of a superior court and a territorial court. It also operates as a circuit court, with judges traveling to remote communities to ensure access to justice.
How does the Nunavut Court of Justice ensure access to justice in remote areas?
The court operates as a circuit court, with judges regularly traveling to communities across Nunavut to preside over cases. This model ensures that residents in remote areas have access to justice despite the territory’s vast geography.
Why is Mark Mossey’s appointment significant for Nunavut?
Justice Mossey’s deep roots in Nunavut, his legal expertise, and his commitment to the territory’s legal community make his appointment significant. His background in poverty law and his understanding of the social and economic realities of Nunavut will bring valuable insights to the bench.
