Yellowknife (Apr 15/05) - Lifelong Northerner Tony Whitford was named the new commissioner of the NWT yesterday by Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Andy Scott.

Calling him one of the most experienced people in NWT public life, Scott said it was a privilege to welcome him to his new job.

Commissioner Whitford

"He has built a thorough understanding of the people and communities of the territory after four decades of public service," said Scott in a prepared statement.

Whitford will replace Glenna Hansen for a three-year term. He was named deputy commissioner last year.

The 64-year-old was born in Fort Smith on June 11, 1941, and attended schools in Fort Resolution and Fort Smith before graduating high school in Yellowknife where he now resides.

His early jobs included working as a deckhand, truck driver, mechanic and welder. He has also worked as a marriage counsellor and justice of the peace, and has been a fixture as MC at many charity auctions.

Whitford holds a degree in social work from the University of Calgary.

After working with the territorial government for 11 years, Whitford ran for MLA and won a seat in 1988, which he held until 1995.

In 1999, he made another run for MLA in Kam Lake and was re-elected with nearly 80 per cent of the vote. Shortly after, he was named speaker of the legislative assembly by his fellow MLAs, which he served until his retirement in 2003.

His wife of 37 years, Elaine, died of cancer the same year.

Whitford couldn't be reached for comment at press time.

The popular Northerner's appointment will likely be viewed very differently from Scott's appointment earlier this year of Todd Burlingame to chair the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board.

"He's the best man for the job," said Range Lake MLA Sandy Lee of Whitford, who served with him in the 14th legislative assembly.

"He's well-loved by people from all walks of life."

Yellowknife Centre Robert Hawkins said Whitford is "truly a man of the people."