Reference Application Form

To assist candidates with preparing for the next application process, JPAAC has posted the new application form to give candidates an opportunity to review the questions and arrange for court observations in the regions they wish to apply.

Please do not submit this application form.  It is for reference only to allow candidates additional time to prepare for the next application process.  An updated form that can be completed and submitted will be posted with the court locations once the vacancies are advertised.

Instructions for Completing Justices of the Peace Appointments Advisory Committee (JPAAC) Application Form

Failure to complete all parts of the application or follow the instructions as written, will result in your application not being reviewed.

1. Application Form
2. Instructions for Submitting Application Form
3. Important Information About Completing Your Application Form

Before you complete and submit the application form:

• Watch the 2024 and 2025 (2025 will be broadcast after the process is launched)  JPAAC Webinars.
• Read the Qualifications and Selection Criteria for a Justice of the Peace in Ontario and Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics Desired in a Justice of the Peace.
• Read the Role of the Justices of the Peace in Ontario.
• Read the Principles of Judicial Office.
• Observe justices of the peace presiding in court. Members of the public, including prospective justice of the peace candidates, who wish to observe court proceedings must attend in-person at the courthouse.  In-person court observations are in accordance with the Ontario Court of Justice Interim Observer Policy – Accessing a Criminal Court Proceeding, effective July 16, 2025.
• Read the Frequently Asked Questions.

1. Application Form
   • An updated form that can be completed and submitted will be posted with the court locations once the vacancies are advertised.
   • If you are using adaptive technologies, please contact the JPAAC Coordinator at JPAAC.Info@ontario.ca to request an alternative format.

2. Instructions for Submitting Application Form

1. 1. Please do not submit this application form.  These instructions are for reference only to allow candidates additional time to prepare for the next application process.  An updated form that can be completed and submitted will be posted with the court locations once the vacancies are advertised.

1. 2. Answer every question on the application form that applies to you. If a question does not apply to you, type “N/A” in the space provided.

Use Arial font, 11 point, black.

DO NOT highlight or otherwise embellish the application.

DO NOT use ALL CAPITALS.

Follow the word count restrictions, where applicable. To find out your word count, highlight the text with your cursor, and look at the status bar at the bottom left corner of your window, or highlight the text with your cursor and click on the “Review” tab in the set of tools at the top (ribbon area), then click on “Word Count”.

Do not rely on AI tools to answer any of the questions. You are encouraged to check for correct spelling and grammar. Your responses should be original and will be evaluated as part of the application process.

1. 3. Scroll to the bottom of this page or click here to review important information about completing the application form.

1. 4. Save your application as a PDF document.

Review your completed application form carefully.  Save the document as a PDF file with the following file naming convention (note use of uppercase and lowercase letters):

LASTNAME_FirstnameMiddleInitials – Region(s) applied

File naming tips:

• • Type your last name in all uppercase letters with no spaces.
  • Type hyphenated names as well as two first names or two last names as one word.
  • Do not use apostrophes.

5. Use the following e-mail subject line:

The subject line of your e-mail will be the same as the file name of your PDF application form without the “.pdf” extension.

Subject: LASTNAME_FirstnameMiddleInitials – Region(s) applied

Using the examples in #5 above, below are the corresponding e-mail subject lines:

• • Subject: DAGOSTINO_CarloAJ – East
  • Subject: DELOSREYES_RobertJ – CW
  • Subject: MACAFEE_SueEllenB – CE, CW, Toronto
  • Subject: OCONNOR_CatherineEA – CW, West

6. You are required to complete and submit only one justice of the peace appointment application form even if you are applying to more than one vacancy or more than one region.

IMPORTANT:

If you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to submit documentation to support your application:

1. Education

• • You must submit proof that you meet the education requirement. You will be asked to email a scanned copy of your highest post-secondary degree(s) or diploma(s) or certificate(s) you have earned or an official transcript (together with a certified translated copy/ies, if applicable) by a specified deadline date for submission. If you fail to submit proof that you meet the education requirement, your interview will be cancelled. Applicants are urged to compile this information as soon as possible and have it ready if and when requested. This does not apply to an applicant being granted an interview where the equivalency requirement applies as set out in subsection 2(1.3) of the Justices of the Peace Act.
  • Candidates who hold a university degree and/or college diploma from outside Canada are required to supply the JPAAC with a translated certified copy of the degree/diploma/transcript when submitted in a language other than English or French.
  • Candidates may be considered to have met the equivalency requirement if they demonstrate exceptional qualifications, including life experience, but do not have the educational requirements indicated in the list of qualifications as set out in the Justices of the Peace Act, subsection 2(1.3).

2. Designated Bilingual Vacancies

• • Vacancies that are indicated as bilingual require an assessment of a candidate’s ability to communicate at a superior level of French. French proficiency tests are valid for two years. If you have been tested as part of a previous JPAAC application process and wish to be re-tested within the two-year period, you may do so independently and at your own expense.

Contact the JPAAC Coordinator at JPAAC.Info@ontario.ca for information on how to arrange for Ontario government-approved French language testing. Details regarding your testing outcomes may be provided in the supplementary information section of this application form. You may also be asked to submit a copy of the evaluator’s report.

• • If you wish to provide further information regarding French language skills and/or testing, you may do so in Question #8D, under “Supplementary Information.”

3. Designated Indigenous Vacancies

• • For justice of the peace positions designated as Indigenous, preference will be given to applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit and who have a meaningful and demonstrated connection to an Indigenous community.
  • We recognize that Indigeneity and connecting to one’s First Nations, Métis, or Inuit identity can be complex. Due to the impacts of colonization, systemic displacement, or other historical factors, some individuals may not have had continuous connection to their communities or may face barriers to obtaining formal documentation.
  • If you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to provide documentation to support your self-identification. This documentation may include materials from one of the following categories:

1. 1. 1. Government-Recognized Documentation:
         • Certified copy of a Status Card (First Nations).
         • Certified copy of a Métis citizenship card from one of the five Métis Provincial Affiliates or recognized Territorial organizations–Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation of Ontario, Manitoba Métis Federation, Métis Nation Saskatchewan, Métis Nation British Columbia, Northwest-Territory Métis Nation. Additionally, the applicant may present a membership card from the Métis Settlements General Council showing membership in a Métis Settlement of Alberta.
         • Certified copy of an Inuit Beneficiary Card or documentation under an Inuit land claim agreement.
         • A certified letter from one of the above organizations confirming active membership if a card is unavailable.
      2. Alternative Documentation of Kinship or Community Connection:
         • A statement identifying your First Nation, Inuit community, or Métis settlement of origin, with signed consent for JPAAC to contact the community to verify.
         • Documentation or letters confirming a parent’s membership or registration in a recognized Indigenous community or organization.
         • Records related to Sixties Scoop claims, child welfare documentation, or disenfranchisement history that link a parent or guardian to Indigenous status.
      3. If no documentation is available: Applicants who are unable to provide documentation under the above categories may, in up to 400 words, describe their personal journey of reconnecting with their Indigenous identity. This statement should include, where possible, information about their Nation or community affiliation and lived experience relevant to their Indigenous identity. Applicants may also choose to share additional context such as family history, ongoing efforts to engage with cultural learning, community relationships, or other relevant factors. This information will be considered as part of a holistic assessment of your application.

4. Security and Disclosure Checks
   • Candidates for appointment as a justice of the peace who are or have been members of a professional organization or are governed by a regulatory body are required to permit disclosure by the organization to the JPAAC or to the Attorney General of any complaints, charges, insurance or compensation claims made against them to that organization.
   • Professions with organizations or associations include but are not limited to: accountant, forester, lawyer, military officer, nurse, paralegal, police officer, social worker and teacher.
   • Please note that candidates will also be required to provide permission for the JPAAC to conduct various security and disclosure checks. The JPAAC may also wish to obtain information from other sources. In making these inquiries, every effort will be made to maintain confidentiality.

3. Important Information About Completing Your Application Form

1. 1. If you wish to provide information regarding any gaps in your work experience, you may do so in Question #8D, under “Supplementary Information.”
   2. The JPAAC’s policies and processes for review and evaluation of candidates are in compliance with accessibility provisions under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001.
   3. All information will be kept in confidence by the JPAAC. The JPAAC may wish to obtain information from other sources. In making these inquiries, every effort will be made to maintain confidentiality. The JPAAC may or may not contact your referees.