Peterborough native becomes region’s eighth judge

Bruce Fitzpatrick was sworn in as Thunder Bay’s newest judge just five days shy of his 50th birthday.

The Peterborough native was sworn in Thursday afternoon at the Superior Court of Justice, bringing the total number of Northwest region judges to eight.

“I’m actually overwhelmed. I’m completely honoured to be part of this community,” he said. “I’m just happy to be here. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about Thunder Bay and everybody has been completely welcoming and opening to me.”

In his 23 year of law experience, Fitzpatrick said he’s never had a job where people have been so kind to him right from the start.

“It’s phenomenal,” he said. “I really like the feel of this place.”

After practicing civil and family law, Fitzpatrick is eager to sit on the bench. It’s something he’s aspired to for most of his career.

Being a judge will give them the chance to look at things in a different light then he did as a lawyer, he said.

“Sometimes in private practice, you spend a lot of time juggling the efficiencies of a case,’ Fitzpatrick said. “When you’re on the bench, it’s presented to you and you have a chance to think about it.”

“I love that part of the job,” he added.