Commissioner of Yukon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Commissioner of Yukon
Flag of the Commissioner of Yukon
Badge of the Commissioner of Yukon
Incumbent Adeline Webber since 31 May 2023
Style	The Honourable
Inaugural holder	James Morrow Walsh
Formation	August 17, 1897

The Commissioner of Yukon is a special person who represents the Government of Canada in Yukon. Yukon is one of Canada's three northern territories. The Canadian government chooses who will be the Commissioner. Unlike the governor general of Canada or the lieutenant governors in Canada's provinces, the Commissioner of Yukon does not directly represent the King or Queen of Canada. Instead, they represent the federal government.

What Does the Commissioner of Yukon Do?

The Commissioner of Yukon acts as a link between the federal (national) government and the Yukon territory. Their job is to make sure that federal laws and policies are followed in Yukon. They also play an important role in the territory's government.

How the Commissioner's Role Has Changed

The role of the Commissioner has changed a lot over time. It started in 1897, during the exciting days of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Early Leaders of Yukon

Before Yukon officially became a territory in 1898, there were different leaders. These included people like the "Dominion agent" or "gold commissioner." They were in charge of things like gold mining.

From 1897 to 1918, the main leader was called the Commissioner. After 1918, the title changed to "Gold Commissioner." This person reported to a federal minister in charge of mining. Later, in 1932, the title changed again to "Comptroller" or "Controller." This person was the chief executive, meaning they were the main leader of the territory.

The Modern Commissioner's Role

In 1948, the title went back to "Commissioner." Over the years, the Commissioner's role became more like that of a premier or a provincial lieutenant-governor.

By the 1960s, the Commissioner started working with an "executive committee." This committee included elected members from the Territorial Council (Yukon's local government). This was like having a cabinet, where different people are in charge of different parts of the government.

In 1978, Yukon started having a "party government." This means that the political party with the most votes formed the government, just like in Canada's provinces. The leader of this party was called the "Government Leader."

A big change happened in 1979. A federal minister named Jake Epp wrote a letter. This letter said that the Commissioner should act more like a provincial Lieutenant-Governor. This meant the Commissioner would step back from day-to-day government decisions. Instead, the elected leader of the legislative assembly (the "Government Leader") would take charge. This leader was then allowed to use the title "Premier."

Since then, more and more power has been given from the federal government to the Yukon government. This has made Yukon's government more like a provincial government, with more control over its own affairs.

Who Are the Commissioners of Yukon?

Many people have served as the Commissioner of Yukon since 1948. Here is a list of some of the people who have held this important position:

Images for kids

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  James Morrow Walsh, an early Commissioner

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  William Ogilvie, Commissioner from 1898 to 1901

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  James Hamilton Ross

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  Henry William Newlands

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  Zachary Taylor Wood

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  Frederick Tennyson Congdon

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  William Wallace Burns McInnes

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  Alexander Henderson

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  George Black