List of lieutenant governors of the North-West Territories facts for kids
The North-West Territories is a large part of Canada. For a long time, it had special leaders called Lieutenant Governors. These leaders were like the King's or Queen's representatives. They helped manage the vast lands of what was then called Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory. This important job lasted from 1869 until 1905.
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What is a Lieutenant Governor?
A Lieutenant Governor is a very important person in Canada. They are the King's or Queen's representative in a province or territory. Their job is to make sure the government works properly. They also perform many ceremonial duties. These include welcoming important visitors and giving out awards. They are a link between the people and the King.
History of the Role
The role of Lieutenant Governor for the North-West Territories began in 1869. This was when Canada gained control of a huge area of land. This land was known as Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory. The first Lieutenant Governor was appointed to help manage this new territory.
At first, the Lieutenant Governor of the North-West Territories also served as the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. This was because Manitoba was a new province. It was created from part of the North-West Territories. This shared role lasted for a few years. Later, the North-West Territories got its own dedicated Lieutenant Governor.
The People Who Served
Many important people served as Lieutenant Governors. They helped shape the early history of the North-West Territories. These leaders oversaw the growth and development of the region. They worked to establish laws and order. They also helped prepare the land for more people to move in.
Here is a list of the people who held this important position:
| Name | From | To | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hon. Sir William McDougall | September 28, 1869 | May 10, 1870 | Lieutenant Governor of Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory |
| The Hon. Sir Adams G. Archibald | May 10, 1870 | December 2, 1872 | Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba and the North-West Territories |
| The Hon. Sir Francis Godschall Johnson | April 9, 1872 | December 2, 1872 | |
| The Hon. Alexander Morris | December 2, 1872 | October 7, 1876 | |
| The Hon. David Laird | October 7, 1876 | December 3, 1881 | Lieutenant Governor of the North-West Territories |
| The Hon. Edgar Dewdney | December 3, 1881 | July 1, 1888 | |
| The Hon. Joseph Royal | July 1, 1888 | October 31, 1893 | |
| The Hon. Charles Herbert Mackintosh | October 31, 1893 | May 30, 1898 | |
| The Hon. Malcolm Colin Cameron | May 30, 1898 | September 26, 1898 | |
| The Hon. Amédée E. Forget | October 4, 1898 | September 1, 1905 |
Changes Over Time
The role of Lieutenant Governor for the North-West Territories ended in 1905. This was because two new provinces were created. These were Alberta and Saskatchewan. They were formed from the most populated parts of the North-West Territories.
After 1905, the remaining North-West Territories no longer had a Lieutenant Governor. Instead, a Commissioner was appointed. The Commissioner represents the federal government. They act as the main leader for the territory. They are like the King's representative in practice.
Also, Yukon became its own separate territory in 1898. It was "carved out" of the North-West Territories. Since then, Yukon has had its own Commissioners to lead it.
See also
- Commissioners of Northwest Territories
- List of Northwest Territories premiers
- List of Northwest Territories general elections
