A long-serving Nova Scotia judge who played a leading role in drafting and maintaining the Nova Scotia Civil Procedure Rules, which govern procedure in the Superior Courts in this province, is retiring.

After almost 44 years in the legal profession — 24 of those as a justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia — the Honourable Justice Gerald R. P. Moir’s last day will be Wednesday, June 30, which also happens to be his birthday.

“The impact Justice Moir has had on the operations of the Supreme Court is, frankly, immeasurable,” said Chief Justice Deborah K. Smith.

“He served on many of the Court’s committees, including Rules, Bankruptcy and Insolvency, and Foreclosures, on which his colleagues would agree, he is the expert. As part of the Rules Revision Steering Committee, he was a primary drafter of the 2009 Civil Procedure Rules and has meticulously overseen the various amendments to the Rules since. But we will likely remember Gerry best for his ability to handle complex cases, his outspoken nature and his expansive vocabulary. The Supreme Court is stronger as a result of Justice Moir’s numerous contributions throughout the years. On behalf of everyone on the Bench, happy birthday Gerry, and best wishes for many joy-filled moments in your retirement.”

Justice Moir was born in Halifax, N.S. He is the husband of Mary Ruphina of Sydney. They have five children and eleven grandchildren.

When asked about his schooling, Justice Moir jokes that he “begrudgingly” attended Saint Thomas Aquinas School and Saint Patrick’s High School in Halifax. He is a graduate of Saint Francis Xavier University (Bachelor of Arts), Dalhousie University (Bachelor of Law), and the University of Ottawa (Diploma in Legislation).

On October 13, 1977, Justice Moir was called to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. He practiced law in Dartmouth until 1980, Halifax until 1984, and then Truro. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1993.

On March 17, 1997, Justice Moir was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. Based at the Law Courts in Halifax, he served in all parts of the province. He chose supernumerary status in 2017.

Justice Moir enjoys speaking to students, lawyers, legal assistants, paralegals, judges, insolvency practitioners, and other professionals. He has always been prepared to give his time freely to assist others.