Justice Mark Mossey is the newest member of Nunavut’s judicial bench. (Photo courtesy of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada)
Iqaluit’s Mark Mossey named Nunavut judge
Lawyer most recently served as court’s chief legal officer
A member of Iqaluit’s legal community is Nunavut’s newest judge.
Mark Mossey has been appointed as a judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice, federal Justice Minister Arif Virani announced Tuesday.
Mossey’s appointment fills a vacancy created last year when Chief Justice Susan Cooper was promoted to Nunavut’s top judicial position, following the retirement of Neil Sharkey.
“I wish Justice Mossey every success as he takes on his new role,” Virani said in a statement.
“I am confident he will serve the people of Nunavut well as a member of the Nunavut Court of Justice.”
Mossey, who has been a member of Nunavut’s bar since 2010, declined an interview request about his appointment.
He has served Nunavut’s court as the executive legal officer in the Office of the Chief Justice. Before that, he was a poverty and civil lawyer with Maliganik Tukisiniarvik Legal Services and a law teacher in Iqaluit.
Since 2024, Mossey has represented Nunavut and served as second vice-president of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. He was also called as a member of the Ontario Bar in 2004.
Mossey is known in Iqaluit’s hockey community, and has served as a member of the Iqaluit Amateur Hockey Association board.
A date for a public swearing-in ceremony has not been announced.
Congratulations to Justice Mark Mossey on this well-deserved appointment! Back in 2010, he was our mediator for a personal family matter, and I will always remember how he listened carefully to both sides and provided thoughtful, pressing insights. His ability to approach matters with fairness, patience, and professionalism left a lasting impression on me. Nunavut is truly fortunate to have someone with his experience and dedication on the bench. Wishing him all the best in this new role!
Awesome news!
Wishing you great success in this new chapter of your career.
Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!
Still waiting for our first Inuit judge.
It is easy to blame the lack of Inuit judges on the system. However, in order to be a judge, one must first be a lawyer for at least 10 years to be considered for this appointment. There are now a few Inuit lawyers, yes, but only a very few have ten years under their belts. And those few that do have the ten years have not applied to be judges for whatever reasons. Maybe in the next decade, some of the law school grads from Nunavut will be in positions to apply and be considered.
How do you know they’ve not applied to be a judge?
…
Maybe they have and were rejected, so the point would still stand regarding the lack of inuit judges.
You’ll have to go in the front door, no one is going to give it to you.