Minister Valcourt Announces Reappointment of the Commissioners of Yukon and of the Northwest Territories

OTTAWA, Feb. 24, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced the reappointment of the Honourable Douglas George Phillips as Commissioner for Yukon and of the Honourable George Tuccaro as Commissioner for the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Phillips, who held several Cabinet portfolios in the Legislative Assembly of Yukon until his retirement in 2000, has been re-appointed for a term of two years and two months from November 29, 2015, to January 31, 2018. This will be his second term.

Mr. Tuccaro, who served in a variety of prominent roles in public broadcasting and as an advocate for First Nation communities in Canada's North, has been re-appointed as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories for a term of one year, from May 11, 2015, to May 10, 2016. This will be his second term.

Quick Facts

• Territorial Commissioners are  General in Council appointments.
• Territorial Commissioners fulfill many of the same duties as the Lieutenant Governor of a province. They are responsible for swearing in Members of the Legislative Assembly and Members of the Executive Council, opening the Legislative Assembly, and providing assent for legislation passed by the Assembly.

Quote

"I would like to congratulate Mr. Phillips and Mr. Tuccaro on their reappointment, as Commissioners of the Yukon and Northwest Territories respectively. Both Commissioners have very successfully carried out their duties since their initial appointment. Canada, Yukon and the Northwest Territories will benefit from the experience and stability each Commissioner will continue to bring to these important positions."
Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

Associated Links

Biographical Note – Mr. Douglas George Phillips – Commissioner of Yukon
Biographical Note – Mr. George Tuccaro – Commissioner of Northwest Territories

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SOURCE Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Emily Hillstrom, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160