Nellie Kusugak named as new Nunavut commissioner

Nellie Kusugak has been appointed commissioner of Nunavut, the prime minister's office announced Tuesday.

Kusugak, who is from Rankin Inlet, has been deputy commissioner since 2010 and has been acting commissioner since Edna Elias's term ended May 12.

She is a retired instructor and teacher of traditional and cultural education in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

"Nellie Taptaqut Kusugak's deep knowledge ofgovernment and the Inuit language and culture make her an ideal choice as Commissioner of Nunavut and I am certain she will excel in this role," said Prime Minister Stephen Harper in a news release.

Kusugak is Nunavut's fifth commissioner,followingEdna Elias (2010-2015), AnnMeekitjukHanson (2005-2010),PeterIrniq(2000-2005), andHelen Maksagak (1999-2000).

Acommissioner is the symbolic head of state of a territory, similar to the role of a lieutenantgovernor in a province.Bills passed by the Legislative Assembly do not become law until they receive the commissioner's assent.

Kusugak is the first Nunavut commissioner to be selected by the non-partisan committee process announced in 2012 that now selects territorial commissioners, provincial lieutenant governors and Canada's governors general.

The advisory committee that helpedselectNunavut's new commissioner was made up of the committee'sthree permanent members,KevinMacLeod, Robert Watt and JacquesMonet; and two temporary members from Nunavut,Charlie Evalik and Mike Shouldice.

The committee comes up with ashortlist of candidates that is given to the prime minister.