The commissioner of Nunavut (; Inuinnaqtun: Kamisinauyuq Nunavunmut; ) is the Government of Canada's representative in the territory of Nunavut. The commissioner's position has been vacant since 2026.
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; instead, they represent the federal government.
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.
#NameTermPremiers1Helen Maksagak 1999–2000Paul Okalik2Peter Irniq 2000–2005Paul Okalik3Ann Meekitjuk Hanson 2005–2010Paul OkalikEva Aariak–Elias named Nunavut commissionerNellie Kusugak (acting) 2010Eva Aariak4Edna Elias 2010–2015Committee appointed to find the next Nunavut commissionerEva AariakPeter Taptuna5Nellie Kusugak2015–2020PM announces Nellie Taptaqut Kusugak as Commissioner of Nunavut Peter TaptunaPaul QuassaJoe Savikataaq–Rebekah Williams (acting) 2020–2021Joe Savikataaq6Eva Aariak2021–2026Prime Minister announces new Commissioner of Nunavut 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, 2021Joe SavikataaqP.J. AkeeagokJohn Main–Lew Philip (acting) 2026John Main
Note. Prior to April 1, 1999, Nunavut was part of the Northwest Territories. See Commissioners of Northwest Territories.
Deputy commissioner The position of deputy commissioner was created when Nunavut was created in 1999,Nunavut Act, s. 8. but it has not always been filled.
NameTermHelen Maksagak 2005–2009Nellie Kusugak 2010–2015Minister Valcourt Announces Re-Appointment of Nellie T. Kusugak as Deputy Commissioner of Nunavut Rebekah Williams 2019–2022 Lew Philip 2024–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
External links
Official Handbook for Commissioners of the Territories (Canada) Coat of Arms of Nunavut