Update to Court Operations at Devonshire Courthouse
Following flooding and water damage, remediation work at the Devonshire courthouse (3380 Devonshire Ave., Halifax) continues. Effective August 7, 2026, in-person matters will recommence.

During ongoing remediation work, the Court Administration Office is continuing to accept filings; however, the documents counter is temporarily relocated to the main floor of the courthouse. Similarly, the front counter for the Family Law Information Program (FLIP) is temporarily relocated on the main floor. Other family law programming, including conciliation and alternative dispute resolution, may proceed in-person or by telephone, as scheduled. Further updates will be provided.

Justice J. Edward Scanlan Retires from the Court of Appeal

A portrait of the Honourable J. Edward Scanlan, a Justice of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal

The Honourable John Edward (Ted) Scanlan, a Justice of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, is retiring after a 46-year career, including 33 years on the Bench.

“Justice Scanlan is one of the longest serving judges in Nova Scotia, sitting for more than 30 years on the Nova Scotia Supreme Court and Court of Appeal,” said the Honourable Michael J. Wood, Chief Justice of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal. “During his judicial career he focused on criminal law and procedure, including with the Court Martial Appeal Court and Nunavut Court of Justice. I acknowledge Justice Scanlan's significant service to our Court and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Born in Pictou, Justice Scanlan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Francis Xavier University in 1977 and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of New Brunswick in 1980. He was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1980 and appointed Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) in 1992.

As a lawyer, Justice Scanlan worked in private practice in the Pictou County area, also acting as an adjudicator in Small Claim Court and the Tax Assessment Appeal Court. He also served as a per diem federal prosecutor for offences under the Narcotics Control Act and the Food and Drug Act.

As a founding member of the Pictou Waterfront Development Corporation, he was instrumental in the revitalization of the Pictou waterfront, construction of the replica of the tall ship Hector, and placement of a monument commemorating the Pictou-based Black Construction Battalion.

Justice Scanlan was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in May 1993, presiding in Truro and Amherst. In October 2013, Justice Scanlan was appointed to the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal; he elected supernumerary status in September 2016.

Justice Scanlan was also appointed a Deputy Judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice in June 2002 and a judge of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada in June 2015. Deputy Judges serve on a volunteer basis and must find time outside their regular court assignments in their home provinces to hear matters in Canada’s northern region. He will continue to serve in those roles.

Justice Scanlan’s retirement is effective August 30, 2026. As a supernumerary judge, his departure does not create a vacancy on the Court of Appeal.