Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Ann Meekitjuk Hanson on her appointment as commissioner of Nunavut. I know her previous experience as deputy commissioner in the Northwest Territories will be a great foundation for her new role.
Under the Nunavut Act the commissioner of Nunavut is the chief executive officer of the territory. The responsibilities and duties of a commissioner mirror those of a provincial lieutenant governor.
I would also like to extend my warmest thanks and appreciation to Peter Irniq who served Nunavut as commissioner for almost five years as an effective and thoughtful spokesman. I wish him all the best and thank him for his hard work on behalf of Nunavummiut.
I am confident Ann Hanson will be an effective ambassador for the north in promoting our issues and achievements.