News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PM welcomes Douglas George Phillips as Yukon's next Commissioner

November 30, 2010
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Douglas George Phillips will serve as the new Commissioner of Yukon. He will assume his new duties after taking the Oath of Office in December. The Prime Minister met with the Commissioner-designate immediately after his appointment.

"Mr. Phillips brings a wealth of experience to this new position, having contributed to public and community service in Yukon for more than 30 years," said Prime Minister Harper.

Mr. Phillips was first elected to the Yukon Legislative Assembly in 1985, and has served in a number of portfolios in Cabinet, including Tourism, Education, Justice and as the Minister Responsible for the Women's Directorate and the Public Service Commission. He also served as Government House Leader from November 1992 to February 1996, and as Official Opposition House Leader from December 1996 to April 2000.

Mr. Phillips has also been actively involved in community service in Yukon for many years engaging in wildlife conservation, and, most recently, serving as director of the Yukon Hospital Foundation which he helped found. He has also served as Yukon Administrator since 2007.

Territorial Commissioners are appointed by His Excellency the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and 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.

The Prime Minister also thanked outgoing commissioner of Yukon, Geraldine Van Bibber, for her tireless devotion in serving and representing the people of the Territory and helping build a stronger Yukon.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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