Commissioner of Nunavut


The Commissioner of Nunavut is the Government of Canada's representative in the territory of Nunavut. The current commissioner since June 23, 2015 is Nellie Kusugak, the fifth since the establishment of Nunavut in 1999.
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.
#NameTerm
1Helen Maksagak1999-2000
2Peter Irniq2000-2005
3Ann Meekitjuk Hanson2005-2010
–Nellie Kusugak 2010
4Edna Elias2010-2015
5Nellie Kusugak2015-present

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.
NameTerm
Helen Maksagak2005-2009
Nellie Kusugak2010-2015
Rebekah Williams2019 to Present

Living former Commissioners

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.