Commissioner of the Northwest Territories facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Commissioner of the Northwest Territories |
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Flag of the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories
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Badge of the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories
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| Style | Honourable |
| Appointer | Governor-in-Council |
| Formation | 24 August 1905 |
| First holder | Frederick D. White |
The Commissioner of the Northwest Territories is like the Canadian government's main representative in the Northwest Territories. Think of them as a special helper for the federal government in this part of Canada. They have important jobs, similar to a lieutenant governor in a province.
For example, the Commissioner helps make new laws official by giving them Royal Assent. They also officially welcome members to the legislative assembly and the executive council. They also sign important government papers.
In the past, many Commissioners were high-ranking officials, often called 'deputy ministers,' who worked in different government departments.
The Commissioner is chosen by the Government of Canada. This means they represent the federal government, not the territory itself. They follow instructions from the Cabinet or the federal minister in charge of northern affairs.
Since 1980, the Northwest Territories has had more control over its own government. The local legislature now chooses a government leader, also known as the premier. People in the Northwest Territories also elect members to the Parliament of Canada.
Who Are the Commissioners of the NWT?
This table shows the people who have served as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories since the role began.
| From | To | Name |
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| 24 August 1905 | 27 September 1918 | Frederick D. White |
| 27 September 1918 | 31 March 1931 | William Wallace Cory |
| 31 March 1931 | 1 May 1934 | Hugh H. Rowatt |
| 1 May 1934 | 3 December 1936 | vacant (Roy A. Gibson acting) |
| 3 December 1936 | 14 January 1947 | Charles Camsell |
| 14 January 1947 | 14 November 1950 | Hugh Llewellyn Keenleyside |
| 14 November 1950 | 15 November 1953 | Hugh Andrew Young |
| 15 November 1953 | 12 July 1963 | Robert Gordon Robertson |
| 12 July 1963 | 2 March 1967 | Bent Gestur Sivertz |
| 2 March 1967 | 15 April 1979 | Stuart Milton Hodgson |
| 15 April 1979 | 2 October 1989 | John Havelock Parker |
| 2 October 1989 | 16 January 1995 | Daniel L. Norris |
| 16 January 1995 | 26 March 1999 | Helen Maksagak |
| 26 March 1999 | 31 March 2000 | Daniel Joseph Marion |
| 31 March 2000 | 7 April 2005 | Glenna Hansen |
| 29 April 2005 | 28 May 2010 | Tony Whitford |
| 28 May 2010 | 10 May 2016 | George Tuccaro |
| 10 May 2016 | 18 September 2017 | vacant (Gerald W. Kisoun acting) |
| 18 September 2017 | present | Margaret M. Thom |
What is a Deputy Commissioner?
A Deputy Commissioner helps the main Commissioner. They can step in and do the Commissioner's job if the Commissioner is away or unable to work.
For example, Gerald W. Kisoun was appointed Deputy Commissioner on October 24, 2011. His term was extended, and he served until December 10, 2017. You can find a full list of Deputy Commissioners here:
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See Also
- Lieutenant-Governors of Northwest Territories (1869-1905)
