The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division) welcomes a new judge with the appointment of Justice Stacey D. O’Neill.

The appointment was announced by the federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada on November 7, 2025. It is effective immediately.

“I am pleased to have Justice O’Neill join the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. She has dedicated her legal career to family law, and I know her expertise and experience will be a valuable asset to her on the Family Division,” said the Honourable Deborah K. Smith, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. “On behalf of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, I welcome Justice O’Neill to the Bench and look forward to working with her.”

The Hon. Justice Stacey D. O’Neill

Justice Stacey O’Neill graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2004 and Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law in 2009. She was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in 2010.

Justice O’Neill has worked in various areas of the family justice system, including in private practice, and as a conciliator, adjudicator and court officer with the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division). She has made many contributions to family law reform and has participated on national family law committees, international roundtables and experts’ groups.

Justice O’Neill’s appointment fills the vacancy created when Justice Theresa M. Forgeron elected supernumerary status in August 2025. As of November 10, there are four vacancies on the Supreme Court – three in the General Division and one in the Family Division.