Deputy Minister of Justice, Government of Nunavut

October 17, 2019

An accomplished legal professional with an upstanding moral compass for the administration of a system of justice will welcome this exceptional opportunity to lead by example within Nunavut’s Department of Justice.

Officially founded in 1999, Nunavut exists where tradition meets progress. Much of the Territory has inherited millennia of history and culture of Inuit. Rooted in this rich tradition, the Government of Nunavut (GN) prepares for a prosperous future by investing in high-quality education, health care, culture, environmental protection, and industry growth.

The Department of Justice promotes and protects a peaceful society through the administration of a justice system that respects the role of community members in maintaining harmony, and adheres to the principles and values of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.

The Government of Nunavut is seeking a Deputy Minister of Justice/Deputy Attorney General who, in collaboration with the Assistant Deputy Ministers of Justice, will play a pivotal role in the overall management of the Department, including providing leadership and setting program direction, monitoring goals, objectives, policies and budgets, and ensuring that priorities and directives are followed.

As Deputy Minister of Justice/Deputy Attorney General, you’ll be the official legal advisor to the Executive Council and the GN, advise Cabinet on legal matters affecting the Government and ensure that GN affairs are conducted in accordance with the law. You will be leading the various programs within the Department of Justice: Directorate, Policing, Law Enforcement; Lawyer Support Services; Registries and Court Services; Corrections; and Community Justice

A preventive leader in justice, you’ll actively attend various intergovernmental meetings and conferences to provide sound, well-reasoned legal and policy advice. Your role will be essential in the promotion of productive, self-reliant and healthy communities throughout Nunavut. Building and nurturing collaborative relationships with other departments, communities and governments to continuously improve the administration of Justice in Nunavut will be another important part of your role as DM. Strong project management skills are also key. .

The Minister will also rely on you to prepare and develop position papers and briefing materials that will aid her in making sound decisions and in guiding the Department to deliver on a number of identified priorities: continue to develop a project supporting diversions for therapeutic treatments and traditional Inuit counselling for accused persons and offenders; increase Inuit employment within the Department; work with law enforcement to identify community-based policing solutions; review the Family Abuse Intervention Act and Territorial offences legislation for necessary updates; ensure that government programs and services are more effective and relevant through Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit Societal Values within legislation and policy; and support divisions to ensure that Turaaqtavut priorities are implemented.

This is a career-defining mandate for a barrister and solicitor with an LL.B. or J.D. from an accredited university law school in a common law jurisdiction, no fewer than seven (7) years of post-qualification experience, and a distinguished record of accomplishments in executive leadership and public sector stewardship. As such a leader, you’ll have knowledge of all aspects of the Nunavut political environment at the federal, territorial and community levels, and the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, coupled with an understanding of Inuit traditional knowledge.

Knowledge of the Inuit language, communities, culture and land, and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit will be considered strong assets.

This senior position is based in Iqaluit, NU, and offers the opportunity to support the success and vitality of a vast and growing territory and the quality of life of its communities, while enjoying a very attractive compensation and benefits package.

To apply for this high-impact executive role, submit your application to Phelps, at careers@phelpsgroup.ca, specifying the job title in the subject line of your e-mail.

Application deadline: November 1, 2019.

Phelps – 401 Bay Street, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON M5H 2Y4

Phone: 416 364 6229

The Government of Nunavut is committed to creating a more representative workforce so it can better understand and serve the needs of Nunavummiut. Priority will be given to Nunavut Inuit. Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Nunavut Priority Hiring Policy. While all responses will be appreciated and handled in the strictest confidence, only those being considered for interviews will be acknowledged.