Today, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Yukon Tracy-Anne McPhee announced the appointment of Elaine Barbara Cairns as a Judge of the Territorial Court of Yukon. Judge Cairns will fill a vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Karen Ruddy.
The appointment of Judge Cairns was recommended by the Yukon’s Judicial Council pursuant to the Territorial Court Act. The Judicial Council is responsible for receiving and assessing applications for the position of Judge of the Territorial Court of Yukon and is required to make recommendations to the Minister of Justice respecting appointments of judges.
Judge Cairns graduated from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia (2000). She holds a Master of Arts from York University (1994) and Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science from the University of British Columbia (1992). She specializes in public law, with a focus on natural resources, environmental law and regulatory compliance, as well as Aboriginal law and administrative law.
Throughout her career, Judge Cairns has worked extensively with Indigenous communities, legal aid clients, residential school Survivors and in rural and remote communities. Prior to entering the legal field, Judge Cairns worked as a support worker for women experiencing intimate partner violence, sexual abuse and assault. Her work with clients from all walks of life emphasized respect and compassion while ensuring legal advice and information were delivered in an accessible manner.
Outside the courtroom, Judge Cairns is active in the community, working closely with arts and social justice organizations.
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Elaine Cairns as Judge of the Territorial Court of Yukon. Judge Cairns brings to the bench a wealth of legal experience, compassion and a commitment to justice, which I know will serve Yukoners well. She has an appreciation and understanding of the complexities within the legal system and her broad experience and contributions to the pursuit and implementation of Indigenous rights and to reconciliation recommend her well for this new challenge.
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The Territorial Court deals with most adult criminal prosecutions under the Criminal Code and other federal statutes. It deals with first appearances, bail hearings, receiving pleas of guilty and not guilty, trials and sentencings, in both summary conviction and indictable matters and conducts preliminary inquiries.
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The Territorial Court has exclusive jurisdiction over child protection matters under the Child and Family Services Act. The Territorial Court also hears all young offender matters and prosecutions under territorial laws. The Court does not deal with divorce, custody or adoption.
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The Territorial Court consists of three full-time judges and approximately 27 deputy judges who are full-time or retired judges from other jurisdictions. While the Court sits permanently in Whitehorse, it also provides services to 14 other communities on a regular basis.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca