Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson has announced the appointment of Brad Patzer as Deputy Minister of Justice for the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Patzer has more than two decades of experience in the Department of Justice, most recently serving as Assistant Deputy Minister and Attorney General since 2020, provided leadership and support for the department.
“Over more than two decades with the Department of Justice, he has worked across the territory, taken on increasingly senior leadership responsibilities and developed a strong understanding of the legal and operational realities of government,” said Premier Simpson.
Patzer previously worked in private legal practice in Manitoba before moving to Yellowknife in 2001 and joining the Department of Justice. He has appeared before all levels of court in the NWT and has gone before the Supreme Court of Canada twice.
He has also pervious served as President of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories and currently serves as the treasurer.
“I am confident he will provide strong leadership to the Department as Deputy Minister,” said Simpson.
Patzer is succeeding Charlene Doolittle, who is retired from the role after 25 years. Patzer will officially take the office on November 2, 2026.
