‘A massive loss’: Halifax justice community mourns death of young lawyer, activist
The passing of Harry Critchley, a prominent advocate for prison justice in Halifax, has left a void in the hearts of his colleagues, family, friends, and the individuals he fought tirelessly for. At just 32 years old, Critchley’s sudden death due to a cardiac event while skiing in Cape Breton has sent shockwaves through the community.
Originally from Ontario, Critchley made a profound impact during his time in Nova Scotia. While studying at the University of King’s College, he was instrumental in developing a program to teach philosophy to incarcerated individuals at the Burnside jail. This experience sparked his passion for advocating for those within the corrections system.
In 2017, Critchley co-founded the East Coast Prison Justice Society, where he served as co-chair alongside Sheila Wildeman, a professor at Dalhousie University. Wildeman described Critchley as a person of action, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to creating positive change.
Critchley also served as a commissioner on the Halifax Regional Municipality’s board of police commissioners and played a significant role in crafting a report on defunding the police in 2022. After graduating from Dalhousie Law School, he worked as a criminal defense lawyer at Nova Scotia Legal Aid, where he was known for his tireless advocacy for his clients.
Emma Halpern, the executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia, worked closely with Critchley for over a decade. She recalled their first meeting after a talk she gave on prison justice, where Critchley immediately sprung into action, eager to collaborate on making a difference.
Halpern praised Critchley for his instrumental role in expanding the Elizabeth Fry Society to a Truro location and his work with Path Legal, a non-profit law firm focused on policing and prison justice. She emphasized the impact he had on the Board of Police Commissioners and the community at large.
In the wake of Critchley’s passing, Halpern expressed the need for others to step up and continue the fight for justice in his honor. A celebration of his life is planned for Sunday at the Sanctuary Arts Centre in Dartmouth, where loved ones will gather to remember him.
Critchley leaves behind his wife, a young daughter, and a legacy of advocacy and social justice work that will not be forgotten. His passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a difference will continue to inspire those who knew him.
