The Yukon’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General Tracy-Anne McPhee is pleased to announce the appointment of David James Christie as a Judge of the Territorial Court of Yukon. Judge Christie fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael Cozens.
Judge Christie’s appointment follows a recommendation by the Yukon Judicial Council, in accordance with the Territorial Court Act. The Judicial Council is responsible for reviewing applications and making independent recommendations to the Minister of Justice regarding judicial appointments.
Judge Christie brings more than 25 years of legal experience to the bench, including extensive work in criminal, family, child protection and mental health law. He has dedicated much of his career to improving access to justice in both British Columbia and the Yukon, with over two decades of service with Legal Aid programs in both jurisdictions.
He began his legal career in 2000 in British Columbia, before moving to the Yukon, where he practiced law with the Yukon Legal Services Society and rose to the position of Executive Director. In 2020, he joined the Government of Yukon Department of Justice as Managing Counsel, Litigation Group, and became Assistant Deputy Minister of the Legal Services Branch in 2023.
In addition to his legal practice, Judge Christie has contributed to public legal education, including as a long-time facilitator of the “For the Sake of the Children” workshops and as a criminology instructor at Yukon College (now Yukon University).
He volunteered with the Law Society of Yukon and the Canadian Bar Association, where he was extensively involved with professional development for lawyers, truth and reconciliation efforts and access to justice initiatives. He also volunteered for many years as a Director at Opportunities Yukon (formerly Challenge Disability Resource Group) and the Strive Living Society (formally Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society). Both of these important non-profit agencies provide meaningful employment, housing and inclusive programs for people with diverse needs and abilities.
I am pleased to announce the appointment of David Christie as Judge of the Territorial Court of Yukon. Judge Christie’s appointment reflects a deep commitment to justice, fairness and public service. His broad legal experience, strong leadership and work with vulnerable people make him exceptionally well-suited to serve Yukoners from the bench. I look forward to the thoughtful and balanced approach he will bring to the Territorial Court.
David Christie grew up in Burnaby, British Columbia, in a loving family. They had fun travelling across Canada and the U.S. in their VW Van. Education was always strongly supported, as was hard work.
David moved to the Yukon in 2002. He met his wife Diane shortly after in 2003 when they enjoyed their first Sourdough Rendezvous festival together. Their family grew to two wonderful children, who are now teenagers, as well as two dogs and three cats.
He is described as thoughtful, collaborative, a person who considers both sides in decision making and as having a high emotional intelligence. Mr. Christie recognizes that judges have a significant amount of power over individuals that appear before them and therefore he will have a great responsibility to be accommodating with litigants, accused and witnesses who are disadvantaged due to trauma, as well as social and economic factors.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]