Harrington Fitzgerald Critchley

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Harry Critchley: devoted husband, father, son and brother; loyal friend and colleague; gifted criminal defence and prison lawyer; and tireless human rights and social justice advocate.

Born in Toronto to Barry Critchley and Dr. Leah Harrington, Harry’s exceptional mind was evident from a young age. He excelled in school throughout his early and adolescent years and as a competitive swimmer became even more highly disciplined, balancing his studies, lifeguarding, coaching and training with apparent ease. This work ethic and dedication laid the groundwork for Harry’s future success in both his academic and legal career.

In 2011, Harry entered the Foundation Year Program at King’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He studied at Oxford University in his third year and returned to King’s to graduate in 2015 with the University Medal in Contemporary Studies. In his final year at King’s, Harry introduced a community-based Humanities curriculum to Dartmouth’s Burnside Jail: the Burnside Education Project.

In 2017, Harry co-founded the East Coast Prison Justice Society [ECPJS], dedicated to advocacy for and with criminalized and incarcerated people in Nova Scotia. After completing a Master’s in Philosophy and Law at Queen’s in 2018, Harry returned to grassroots work as Vice-Chair of ECPJS from 2018-2020 and Co-Chair from 2020 until his passing. His efforts were pivotal in advancing civil oversight of jail conditions as well as strengthening police accountability through contributions to the Defunding the Police report and Mass Casualty Commission hearings.

Harry also served on the board of Elizabeth Fry Mainland NS [EFMNS]. He was instrumental in expanding services to Truro and developing programs to address gender-based violence. In the early days of COVID-19, he worked in coalition to help secure the release of nearly half the provincially incarcerated population in Nova Scotia and championed the creation of a sobering centre as an alternative to police lockup, advocating in memory of Corey Rogers, who died in custody in 2016.

Furthering his commitment to social justice, Harry graduated from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie in 2022 and was called to the bar in 2023. While in law school, Harry joined the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners, continuing his fight for police accountability. His dedication was recognized with numerous awards, including the Justice Abella Prize, honouring a law graduate most likely to advance equity and social justice. Upon graduation, Harry began his career at Dartmouth Legal Aid, which he often described as his “dream job”: a natural fit for his ongoing commitment to support impoverished and marginalized people.

While Harry cared deeply for his community and his work with ECPJS, EFMNS and Legal Aid, at his core he was a family man– exceedingly proud to be a new father and loving husband. He found such joy in life’s little moments and was most happy being home with his family.

Harry is remembered for his dazzling smile, boundless generosity, unwavering friendship and profound love for his family. His limitless accomplishments will live on in his memory. Harry is survived by his wife Erin, infant daughter Wren and Wren’s canine sister, Sophie, his parents Leah and Barry, and brothers Jack and Theodore.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday March 2, 2025, at the Sanctuary Arts Centre, 100 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth (livestream link available at: eastcoastprisonjustice.ca).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harry Critchley Prison Justice Fund, devoted to sustaining the integrated prison and policing oversight work of ECPJS, EFMNS and PATH Legal and to bridging post-secondary education with community service.

Donations can be made to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia through Canada Helps or at www.efrymns.ca. Please put “Harry Critchley” in the message line.