Tony Whitford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Whitford
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Whitford in 2006
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| Commissioner of the Northwest Territories | |
| In office April 29, 2005 – May 28, 2010 |
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| Prime Minister | Paul Martin Stephen Harper |
| Premier | Joe Handley Floyd Roland |
| Preceded by | Glenna Hansen |
| Succeeded by | George Tuccaro |
| MLA for Yellowknife South | |
| In office October 31, 1988 – October 16, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Ted Richard |
| Succeeded by | Seamus Henry |
| MLA for Kam Lake | |
| In office December 6, 1999 – November 24, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | first member |
| Succeeded by | Dave Ramsay |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Anthony Wilfred James Whitford
June 11, 1941 Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada |
| Died | September 16, 2024 (aged 83) Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian citizenship |
| Spouse |
Mary Elaine Sweet
(m. 1966) |
| Children | Warren, Blair, and Ian |
| Alma mater | University of Calgary |
Anthony Wilfred James Whitford (June 11, 1941 – September 16, 2024) was a Canadian politician. He served as the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories from 2005 to 2010.
Mr. Whitford began his political career in 1988. He worked in public service for 22 years before retiring in 2010. In June 2010, he was named an Honorary Naval Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Early Life and Work
Tony Whitford was born on June 11, 1941. He grew up in Fort Smith, a small town in the Northwest Territories. At that time, Fort Smith was the capital of the NWT.
When he was young, he worked on boats for the Northern Transportation Company. These boats sailed along the Mackenzie River. He also worked for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation in Fort Smith and at Taltson River.
In 1973, Mr. Whitford and his family moved to Calgary. There, he studied at the University of Calgary. He later moved to Yellowknife in 1977. He then started working for the territorial and federal governments.
Political Career Highlights
Tony Whitford was first chosen to be a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories in 1988. He took the place of Ted Richard. In the 1991 election, he was re-elected to represent Yellowknife South.
He was not elected in 1995. However, in the 1999 election, he won by a large amount. He was elected to represent the Kam Lake area. On January 19, 2000, he became the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. The Speaker is like the leader who runs the meetings in the Assembly. He held this job until December 11, 2003.
In October 2004, he became the Deputy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. Then, on April 29, 2005, he was appointed the Commissioner. The Commissioner is the King's representative in the territory, similar to a governor.
Mr. Whitford finished his term as Commissioner in April 2010. He continued to be an Honorary Naval Captain. He traveled often to communities across the Northwest Territories. He also had duties in other parts of Canada and overseas. In 2016, he became a member of the Order of the Northwest Territories. This is a special award for people who have done great things for the territory.
Personal Life and Passing
Tony Whitford married Mary Elaine Sweet on November 9, 1966. They had three sons: Warren, Blair, and Ian. Elaine passed away on February 23, 2003. Mr. Whitford earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Calgary in 1977.
He lived in Yellowknife and often visited the local Tim Hortons. He enjoyed drinking coffee and talking about politics with people there. One of his hobbies was woodworking, and he made birdhouses.
Tony Whitford passed away in a hospital in Yellowknife on September 16, 2024. He was 83 years old.
