Nunavut’s chief justice – also its first-ever lawyer – is retiring
Minister pays tribute to Chief Justice Neil Sharkey in legislative assembly Monday
Nunavut Chief Justice Neil Sharkey, left, shown with Nunavut Court of Appeals Chief Justice Ritu Khullar during her swearing-in ceremony in February, is retiring next month after a decades-long career in the territory. (File photo by Jeff Pelletier)
The top judge on the Nunavut Court of Justice — who was also the first lawyer to ever be called to the Nunavut Bar — is retiring after a decades-long career in the territory.
Chief Justice Neil Sharkey will hang up his robes on April 12, the Government of Nunavut announced Monday.
In the legislative assembly, Justice Minister David Akeeagok paid tribute to Sharkey, who was seated in the gallery.
“It is with heartfelt gratitude and respect that I rise to recognize Chief Justice Neil Sharkey to mark his upcoming retirement from the Nunavut Court of Justice,” Akeeagok said.
“Chief Justice Sharkey has been a prominent member of the legal community of Nunavut for many decades, embodying the principles of integrity, fairness and dedication throughout his career.”
Admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar in 1976, Sharkey practiced as a Crown attorney, staff lawyer with Saskatchewan Legal Aid and in private practice until 1983, Akeeagok said.
Sharkey later served as a federal Crown attorney in Yellowknife for three years before moving to Iqaluit in 1986, known then as Frobisher Bay, to become the executive director of Maliganik Tukiisiniakvik, the territory’s legal aid service.
He was named a Queen’s Counsel, a title conferred on lawyers deemed worthy to argue cases for the Crown, in 1991. Eight years later, Sharkey made history as the first lawyer to be called to the Nunavut Bar in April 1999, shortly after Nunavut gained territory status.
Sharkey then served as director of administration and education for Nunavut’s justice of the peace program and in 2005 he opened his own firm where he practiced until his appointment to the Nunavut Court of Justice in 2008.
In 2016, he was elevated to senior judge, later renamed chief justice, of the Nunavut Court of Justice.
“Throughout his term as chief justice, Justice Sharkey has demonstrated leadership and wisdom, guiding our judicial system with a steady hand,” Akeeagok said.
“His contributions to the administration of justice in Nunavut have been invaluable, leaving a lasting mark on our legal landscape.”
Only one thing to say: “Thank You, Your Honour”
It’s so good to see Chief Justice Neil Sharkey is recognized for his years of service . Thank you for your service and dedication to Nunavut your honour. Wishing you best of luck and happy retirement life.
Mr. 👋 on the wrist
All the best in the retirement world Neil. Has been a pleasure to work with you all these years. These will be very big shoes to fill.