Commissioner of Nunavut

The commissioner of Nunavut (Inuktitut: ᑲᒥᓯᓇ ᓄᓇᕗᒧᑦ; Inuinnaqtun: Kamisinauyuq Nunavunmut; French: Commissaire du Nunavut) is the Government of Canada's representative in the territory of Nunavut. The current commissioner since January 14, 2021 is Eva Aariak.

Commissioner of Nunavut
ᑲᒥᓯᓇ ᓄᓇᕗᒧᑦ
Kamisinauyuq Nunavunmut
Commissaire du Nunavut
Badge of the Commissioner of Nunavut
Flag of the Commissioner of Nunavut
Incumbent
Eva Aariak
since January 14, 2021
StyleThe Honourable
AppointerGovernor-in-Council
FormationApril 1, 1999
First holderHelen Maksagak
Websitecommissioner.gov.nu.ca

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, the commissioner is appointed by the Government of Canada and represents the Canadian cabinet in the territory.

# Name Term Premiers
1 Helen Maksagak1999–2000 Paul Okalik
2 Peter Irniq2000–2005 Paul Okalik
3 Ann Meekitjuk Hanson2005–2010 Paul Okalik
Eva Aariak
–[1] Nellie Kusugak (acting)2010 Eva Aariak
4 Edna Elias2010–2015[2] Eva Aariak
Peter Taptuna
5 Nellie Kusugak2015–2020[3][4] Peter Taptuna
Paul Quassa
Joe Savikataaq
– Rebekah Williams (acting)[4]2020–2021 Joe Savikataaq
6 Eva Aariak2021–present[5][6] Joe Savikataaq
P.J. Akeeagok

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.[7]

Name Term
Helen Maksagak2005–2009
Nellie Kusugak2010–2015[8][3]
Rebekah Williams2019–present

Duties

The duties of the commissioner are similar to that of the lieutenant governors of the provinces. However, since commissioners represent the Government of Canada rather than the Crown, they are not viceroys.

References
  1. Elias named Nunavut commissioner
  2. Committee appointed to find the next Nunavut commissioner
  3. PM announces Nellie Taptaqut Kusugak as Commissioner of Nunavut Archived 2015-06-26 at the Wayback Machine
  4. "Speak Inuktitut, protect the vulnerable, says Nunavut commissioner on end of five-year term". CBC News. 23 June 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  5. Prime Minister announces new Commissioner of Nunavut Archived 2021-01-12 at the Wayback Machine
  6. PC 2021-0006 Appointment of EVA QAMANIQ AARIAK of Iqaluit, Nunavut, to be Commissioner of Nunavut for a term of five years, effective January 14, 2021
  7. Regulations Amending the Formal Documents Regulations Archived 2011-07-06 at the Wayback Machine
  8. Minister Valcourt Announces Re-Appointment of Nellie T. Kusugak as Deputy Commissioner of Nunavut Archived 2015-05-18 at the Wayback Machine
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