Commissioner of Nunavut
The Commissioner of Nunavut (Inuktitut: ᑲᒥᓯᓇ ᓄᓇᕗᒧᑦ; Inuinnaqtun: Kamisinauyuq Nunavunmut; French: Commissaire du Nunavut) is the Government of Canada's representative in the territory of Nunavut. The current acting commissioner since June 22, 2020 is Rebekah Williams.[1]
Commissioner of Nunavut
ᑲᒥᓯᓇ ᓄᓇᕗᒧᑦ Kamisinauyuq Nunavunmut Commissaire du Nunavut | |
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Badge of the Commissioner of Nunavut | |
Flag of the Commissioner of Nunavut | |
Style | The Honourable |
Appointer | Queen-in-Council |
Formation | April 1, 1999 |
First holder | Helen Maksagak |
Website | commissioner |
The commissioner is appointed to represent the Canadian federal government and performs many of the same duties of lieutenant governors in Canadian provinces, such as swearing in members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut and approving territorial legislation. However, unlike a lieutenant governor or the Governor General of Canada, the commissioner is not a viceroy and does not represent the Canadian monarch.
History
The position was created in 1999 with the creation of the new Nunavut territory. Like other territorial commissioners, he or she is appointed by the Government of Canada and represents the Canadian cabinet in the territory.
# | Name | Term | Premiers |
1 | Helen Maksagak | 1999–2000 | Paul Okalik |
2 | Peter Irniq | 2000–2005 | Paul Okalik |
3 | Ann Meekitjuk Hanson | 2005–2010 | Paul Okalik |
Eva Aariak | |||
–[2] | Nellie Kusugak (acting) | 2010 | Eva Aariak |
4 | Edna Elias | 2010–2015[3] | Eva Aariak |
Peter Taptuna | |||
5 | Nellie Kusugak | 2015–2020[4][5] | Peter Taptuna |
Paul Quassa | |||
Joe Savikataaq | |||
– | Rebekah Williams (acting)[5] | 2020–present | Joe Savikataaq |
Note. Prior to April 1, 1999, Nunavut was part of the Northwest Territories. See Commissioners of Northwest Territories.
Deputy Commissioner
The role of Deputy Commissioner was added in 2005 by amending the Public Officer Act and Seals Act to be inline with the Yukon and Northwest Territories.[6]
Name | Term |
Helen Maksagak | 2005-2009 |
Nellie Kusugak | 2010-2015[7][4] |
Rebekah Williams | 2019 to Present |
Living former Commissioners
- Peter Irniq
- Ann Meekitjuk Hanson
- Nellie Kusugak
- Edna Elias
Duties
The duties of the Commissioner is similar to that of the lieutenant governors of the provinces, but, they represent the Government of Canada not the monarch therefore, they are not viceroys.
References
- "Speak Inuktitut, protect the vulnerable, says Nunavut commissioner on end of five-year term". CBC News. 23 June 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- Elias named Nunavut commissioner
- Committee appointed to find the next Nunavut commissioner
- PM announces Nellie Taptaqut Kusugak as Commissioner of Nunavut Archived 2015-06-26 at the Wayback Machine
- "Speak Inuktitut, protect the vulnerable, says Nunavut commissioner on end of five-year term". CBC News. 23 June 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- Regulations Amending the Formal Documents Regulations Archived 2011-07-06 at the Wayback Machine
- Minister Valcourt Announces Re-Appointment of Nellie T. Kusugak as Deputy Commissioner of Nunavut Archived 2015-05-18 at the Wayback Machine