Northwest Territories Review Board
Chairperson
Northwest Territories Review Board
c/o Court Services
Box 1320
Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Telephone: (867) 445-8840
Fax: (867) 873-0307
Overview
Function
The Northwest Territories Review Board is established to make or review dispositions concerning any accused persons who have been found by a court to be unfit to stand trial or not be criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder. The Board decides whether the persons will be detained in custody in a medical facility.
Jurisdiction
Government of the Northwest Territories
Department Responsible
Department of Justice
Authority
Criminal Code (Canada)
Board Composition
The Board consists of not fewer than five members, including the Chairperson who is either a judge, a retired judge or a person who is qualified to be a judge; at least one member who is entitled to practice psychiatry; and at least one member with training and expertise in mental health and who is entitled to practice medicine or psychology in the Northwest Territories.
Alternate Members
There are no alternate members.
The legislation does not provide for the appointment of alternate members to the Board.
Chairperson
The Chairperson shall be a judge, a retired judge or person who is qualified to be a judge of a superior or territorial court.
Vice-Chairperson
Legislation does not provide for a Vice-Chairperson; however, in practice the Board selects a member as Vice-Chairperson.
Quorum
Quorum is set at the Chairperson, the practicing psychiatrist, and one other member.
Appointment Instrument
Members are appointed by the Commissioner in Executive Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice, under section 672.38 of the Criminal Code (Canada).
Term Duration
A member holds office for a term of five years and may be eligible for reappointment.
Time and Travel Requirements
Hearings may take place outside of the Northwest Territories at least once a year.
The Board may also hold hearings either in person, by videoconference, or by teleconference at any time.
Remuneration
Members shall receive remuneration according to Executive Council classification and Financial Management Board Secretariat directives.
Category - Regulatory/Quasi-Judicial
Chairperson - up to $1200 per day
Member - up to $1100 per day
Chair and members – 50% per half-day (i.e., 3.5 hours or less), for work on board business for each day of meetings
Other Considerations
Members may work with vulnerable population.
The Board may, subject to the approval of the Commissioner in Executive Council, make rules for the practice and procedure of its hearings.
Current Membership
| 1. Chair | Paul Parker | 2025-06-24 | 2030-04-09 | 1st term |
| 2. Member | Susan Ashton | 2025-06-24 | 2030-03-05 | 5th term |
| 3. Member (Psychiatrist) | Dr. Gordon Mowat | 2022-10-19 | 2027-10-18 | 5th term |
| 4. Member (Psychologist) | David Bruce Smith | 2022-01-13 | 2027-01-12 | 3rd term |
| 5. Member | Cayley Thomas | 2025-06-24 | 2030-03-05 | 3rd term |
| 6. Member | Anne Pleydon | 2022-05-05 | 2027-05-04 | 1st term |
| 7. Member (Psychiatrist) | (Vacant) |
(Board details as of Jul 04, 2025)