The Passing of Jim Aldridge, K.C.: Cherished Partner and Friend

December 10, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden loss of our partner, friend and colleague, Jim Aldridge, K.C.

Jim was an excellent lawyer who dedicated his 45-year legal career to the advancement of Aboriginal rights throughout Canada. This included significant accomplishments, such as supporting the Nisg̱a’a Nation throughout the negotiation of the Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement and successfully representing the Nisg̱a’a Nation in litigation challenging the constitutionality of that modern treaty. In all, Jim represented the Nisg̱a’a Nation for more than four decades, a fact in which he took great pride. Jim also supported the Red River Métis in litigation resulting in the Supreme Court of Canada’s historic decision in Manitoba Métis Federation Inc. v. Canada
(Attorney General), 2013 SCC 14, and in the recent Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty, the first modern treaty concluded with a Métis government. He also continued to represent other Indigenous peoples in securing the honourable implementation of their modern treaties, including Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.

Jim was incredibly proud of the life-long relationships he forged with his clients over the years, many of whom he counted as dear friends.

In his personal life, Jim was the proud husband to his wife, Guylaine, and the father of six children that he deeply loved. He cherished a good joke (none more than his own!) and loved listening to many genres of music. Jim spent the final years of his life working from France and enjoying the sunsets over Lake Geneva.

His colleagues at Aldridge + Rosling benefitted greatly from his razor-sharp intellect, insightful questions and generosity.
The simple truth is that Jim will be hugely missed by us all. Our thoughts are with Jim’s family at this very difficult time.