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 Joel E. Fichaud Retires from the Court of Appeal

A portrait of the Honourable Joel E. Fichaud, a Justice of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal

The Honourable Joel E. Fichaud, a Justice of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, is retiring after almost 50 years as a lawyer and judge.

“Justice Fichaud was appointed directly from practice and served the Court for almost 23 years. During this time, he demonstrated the ability to analyze and explain complex principles of law and practice through his written decisions,” said the Honourable Michael J. Wood, Chief Justice of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal. “Justice Fichaud is a highly valued contributor to the work of the Court, and we wish him well in his well-deserved retirement.”

Born in Montreal, Justice Fichaud earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972 and a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1975, both from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Law degree from Harvard University in 1976. After articling in British Columbia, he was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1977 and appointed Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) in 1993.

As a lawyer, Justice Fichaud worked in private practice, primarily as a litigator in the areas of constitutional and administrative law. 

After his appointment in September 2003, he served as a full-time justice until September 2018, when he elected supernumerary status.

Justice Fichaud is a frequent lecturer and has authored several publications on topics related to constitutional and administrative law.

Justice Fichaud says he will miss the collegiality of his colleagues and the problem-solving challenges of complex issues presented by excellent counsel.

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