Definition: The commissioner of a territory in Canada is the federal government of Canada's senior representative in the territory. The role of commissioner has gradually changed, and is now largely ceremonial, much like that of a lieutenant governor in Canadian provinces.
The commissioner used to be the chief executive officer of a territory, responsible for administering a territory under instructions from the federal government minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Canadian territories now all have elected legislative assemblies and their own premiers and cabinet, who have taken over most of the role and duties previously held by a commissioner.
The commissioner used to be the chief executive officer of a territory, responsible for administering a territory under instructions from the federal government minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Canadian territories now all have elected legislative assemblies and their own premiers and cabinet, who have taken over most of the role and duties previously held by a commissioner.
