Robertson competed athletically in sailing events despite injury requiring her to use a wheelchair
The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia has lamented the loss of Justice M. Heather Robertson, described as an accomplished jurist and a dear colleague, who passed away suddenly on Feb. 11 at the age of 73.
Justice Robertson, who joined the Supreme Court in 1998, performed not only her regular judicial duties but also numerous administrative tasks for the court, enthusiastically took on projects and worked for various judicial committees. Robertson took most pride in her efforts for the Courthouse Standards Committee, for the construction of new courthouses and for the renovations of courtrooms and judicial chambers, said the news release of the Nova Scotia courts.
Deborah Smith, chief justice of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, described Robertson as a person who stayed dignified and determined in the face of each challenge. “She had a marvelous sense of humour and a frankness about her that I admired greatly, as well as an innate sense of fairness that led her to treat all who appeared before her with respect,” said Justice Smith in the news release.
Admitted to the Nova Scotia bar in 1975, Robertson articled with Lloyd Caldwell, Q.C., and worked at Walker, Dunlop and at Burchell, MacDougall and Gruchy. She obtained her LLB from Dalhousie University, where she later sat as a member of the board of governors.
Robertson has served as chairperson of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, as chief of staff to former premier John Savage and as a welfare officer for the City of Halifax. She has also acted as vice chairperson of the Bluenose Preservation Trust and as a director of Canada Post, Nova Scotia Resources Limited and Halterm Acquisition Corp., among other organizations. She supported numerous charitable initiatives.
Despite a skiing injury in 1995 that thereafter required her to use a wheelchair, Robertson continued participating in athletic events for golf, swimming, kayaking and especially sailing. She competed in the 2007 Mobility Cup and chaired the 2014 International Federation of Disabled Sailors World Championships. She was a commodore of the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, president of the Nova Scotia Sailing Association, vice president of the Canadian Yachting Association and president of the Bluenose Class Association.
The news release said that the celebration of Robertson’s life would be held when it is safe for her family and friends to gather together, in light of restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
