Appointments Process
The Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee was formed in 1988, and the Justices of the Peace Appointments Advisory Committee, in 2007. These committees operate independently of the Ontario Court of Justice. As a convenience, information about their procedures and their work are included here.
Three Judicial Vacancies – Fort Frances, Kenora, Thunder Bay
The Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee advises the Attorney General of Ontario on the appointment of Judges to the Ontario Court of Justice, and invites applications for judicial positions in the following locations:
FORT FRANCES / KENORA (1) – 75% criminal/25% family
KENORA (1) – 75% criminal/25% family
THUNDER BAY (1) – 75% criminal/25% family
These appointments also involve travel within the regional boundaries and elsewhere in the province of Ontario, as assigned by the Regional Senior Justice and/or the Chief Justice.
The minimum requirement to apply to be a Judge in the Ontario Court of Justice is ten years completed membership as a barrister and solicitor at the Bar of one of the Provinces or Territories of Canada.
Candidates who identify bilingual ability as indicated on the application form are required to undergo standardized French language testing to assess their proficiency. For further details, please see the Frequently Asked Questions at: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/jaac/frequently-asked-questions/.
All candidates must apply by submitting an electronic copy of the current (February 2024) completed Judicial Candidate Information Form. Acknowledgement and other communication will be sent by email. Please ensure that a suitable email address is provided on your application.
If you wish to apply and need a current Judicial Candidate Information Form, or if you would like further information, please contact:
Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee
JAAC@ontario.ca
NEW ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS: All applications must be sent by email, as a PDF attachment, to JAAC.Application@ontario.ca. Please refer to the submission instructions. In the email subject line, please indicate the LOCATION of the judicial vacancy. If applying for more than one vacancy location, please indicate ALL vacancy locations in the subject line.
Applications must be on the current prescribed form and RECEIVED BY 11:59 p.m. on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024. Applications received after this date WILL NOT be considered.
The Judiciary of the Ontario Court of Justice should reflect the diversity of the population it serves. Applications from members of equality-seeking groups are encouraged.