Commissioner of Nunavut


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The commissioner of Nunavut (Inuktitut: ᑲᒥᓯᓇ ᓄᓇᕗᒧᑦ, romanizedKamisin Nunavumut; 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 who served as Premier from 2008 to 2013.

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
ResidenceCommissioner's Residence (2554 Paurngaq Crescent)[1]
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.

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 Maksagak 1999–2000 Paul Okalik
2 Peter Irniq 2000–2005 Paul Okalik
3 Ann Meekitjuk Hanson 2005–2010 Paul Okalik
Eva Aariak
[2] Nellie Kusugak (acting) 2010 Eva Aariak
4 Edna Elias 2010–2015[3] Eva Aariak
Peter Taptuna
5 Nellie Kusugak 2015–2020[4][5] Peter Taptuna
Paul Quassa
Joe Savikataaq
Rebekah Williams (acting)[5] 2020–2021 Joe Savikataaq
6 Eva Aariak 2021–present[6][7] Joe Savikataaq
P.J. Akeeagok

Note. Prior to April 1, 1999, Nunavut was part of the Northwest Territories. See Commissioners of Northwest Territories.

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.[8]

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.