He brings more than two decades of experience with the Department of Justice
Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson has announced the appointment of Brad Patzer as deputy minister of justice for the Northwest Territories, effective November 2, 2026.
Patzer brings more than two decades of experience with the Northwest Territories Department of Justice. He succeeds Charlene Doolittle, who is retiring after more than 25 years of government service.
Patzer has served as assistant deputy minister and attorney general since July 2020. In that role, he led and supported the department in delivering justice services and advancing legislative initiatives.
“Brad Patzer brings a wealth of legal experience and a deep understanding of the Northwest Territories to this role,” Simpson said in a statement. “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. I am confident he will provide strong leadership to the Department as Deputy Minister.”
Patzer began his legal career in Manitoba, practising privately in Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie. He moved to Yellowknife with his family in 2001 and joined the Department of Justice's legal division.
His practice focused primarily on litigation and advisory work, including appearances in communities throughout the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Patzer has appeared before all levels of court in the Northwest Territories, including the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. He has also appeared twice before the Supreme Court of Canada.
In 2011, Patzer became director of the legal division, overseeing approximately 20 lawyers who provided in-house legal services to the Northwest Territories government.
He has also held leadership positions within the Northwest Territories legal community. He served as president of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories in 2020 and currently serves as its treasurer.
Patzer holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Manitoba. He is also a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation.
