Presiding Justice Of The Peace - Province Of Nova Scotia

Presiding Justice of the Peace – Province of Nova Scotia
November 12, 2026Deadline:
December 18, 2026The Province of Nova Scotia is seeking to appoint additional Presiding Justices of the Peace.The Justices of the Peace Act establishes the role and scope of duties of Presiding Justices of the Peace in Nova Scotia. PJPs adjudicate summary offence ticket matters under the Summary Proceedings Act, hear emergency protection order applications under the Domestic Violence Intervention Act, issue search warrants and production orders under the Criminal Code and Summary Proceedings Act, hear Peace Bond applications, and preside over after-hours judicial interim release hearings through the Justice of the Peace Centre.Applications are invited from qualified lawyers across the province, with particular emphasis on candidates from the Cape Breton and Yarmouth regions who are available to work out of the Sydney and Yarmouth courthouses.To apply to be a Presiding Justice of the Peace, you must be a lawyer in good standing with the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society with at least 5 years of practice.Lawyers practicing criminal law and/or family law are eligible to apply. However, if hired as a presiding justice of the peace, they must immediately cease practicing criminal and/or family law.Candidates must be in good standing with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. Applicants must consent to have the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society release information about their status, discipline record and any outstanding complaints.Candidates will be required to submit to a criminal record check.Applicants cannot be involved in serious, unresolved professional complaints, civil actions, or outstanding financial claims, such as unpaid taxes or insolvency proceedings.Note
The Chief Judge of the Provincial Court oversees the Presiding Justice of the Peace and establishes duty rosters to ensure the JP Centre and the Provincial Court are staffed.Remuneration – part-time Presiding Justice of the Peace are paid an hourly rate of $104.11.Shift work is a requirement of these positions.Part-time Presiding Justice of the Peace do not receive medical, pension, or other benefits.Selection criteria
The selection committee will review applications for the following criteria and suitable candidates will be shortlisted and interviewed.Applicants will be considered on the basis of criteria such as integrity and fairness, professional excellence, community and social awareness, strong intellectual ability and excellent judgement, and cultural sensitivity.Diversity
We encourage applications from Indigenous people, African Nova Scotians, other racially visible people, persons with disabilities, women and other employment equity groups. Candidates are encouraged to self-identify if bilingual in French and English.
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