James Robertson was born into an “old Halifax family”, his ancestors having built a local hardware business in the mid-1800s—Wm. Robertson & Son Ship Chandlery (now the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic)—on the waterfront in downtown historic Halifax. James grew up in the south end of the city and attended Dalhousie University (BComm, 1977). During his professional career he held roles in accounting, sales, and customer service. Throughout his life he has always been active in the community through his church (Fort Massey United, Bedford United), the Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes, Scouts Canada, Special Olympics, Club Inclusion, and the Alliance of Information and Referral Services (AIRS). James is the recipient of the Provincial Volunteer of the Year Award; the Canada 125 Medal; and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. He and his wife, Kari, received the Cassidy Megan Award from the Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes in 2022, and in 2025, he received the William S. Fong Volunteer Award, presented by Fort Massey United Church. He has been married for forty-seven years to Kari, and they have three children and six grandchildren.
