Russell Mirasty sworn in as Sask.'s 23rd lieutenant-governor

Russell Mirasty was sworn in as Saskatchewan's 23rdlieutenant-governor on Thursday morning.

Mirasty, aformer commander of RCMP's F Division (Saskatchewan), was named this week as the replacement for W. Thomas Molloy, who died from pancreatic cancer earlier this month.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at Government House in Regina.

Mirasty, a Cree man from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, is the first Indigenous lieutenant-governor in Saskatchewan history.

"That is important to me, personally, but I think as well to the province," Mirasty saidafter being sworn in.

"It'll be pretty meaningful as to how I conduct my duties going forward."

Indigenous leaders lauded the appointment of Mirasty as a step towardreconciliation. Mirastysaid heagreed with their sentiments.

"My work previously has been about relationships and relationships [are] a first step to reconciliation and I think they go well together," Mirasty said.

A resident of La Ronge, Mirasty said he'll be splitting time between central Saskatchewan and Regina while he serves as lieutenant-governor.

Under Canada's constitutional monarchy, the lieutenant-governor serves as The Queen's representative in Saskatchewan and the job's duties include summoning and dissolving the legislative assembly, swearing in the premier and cabinet ministers and giving royal assent to legislation passed by the legislative assembly.

The lieutenant-governor is appointed by the Governor General of Canada, on the recommendation of the prime minister.

Having previous experience in working with the lieutenant-governor's offices is something Mirasty brings to the table. He said he looks forward to meeting new people in his new job.

A 'historic' day for province: premier

Premier Scott Moe said Mirasty's swearing in marked a historic day for Canada and the province of Saskatchewan.

"Having someone with not only Mr. Mirasty's resume to come into this position, but with being Aboriginal, I think is very significant of where we are as a nation, where we are as a province," Moe said.

The premier said he looks forward to working with Mirasty not only in his official role, but also leaning on his experiences in unofficial conversations between the two.

Moe noted both he and Mirasty hail from north of Saskatoon, something that's quite rare for the province, according to the premier.

"Maybe we'll have the opportunity to do some fishing together in some of Saskatchewan's great northern lakes," Moe said.