Yellowknife (May 06/05) - More than 150 family, friends and guests of Anthony Wilfred James "Tony" Whitford crowded into the Great Hall of the Legislature to attend his swearing-in ceremony as the 15th commissioner of the Northwest Territories last week.

Whitford thanked the crowd, saying he gains his strength from the people around him.

After 40 years of public service as a social worker, MLA, cabinet minister, Speaker of the Legislature, and deputy commissioner, Whitford begins a new chapter.

"I hope to visit each and every community in the NWT and meet as many people as possible," Whitford said about his plans for the three-year appointment.

Premier Joe Handley described Whitford as a personal friend and a friend of the North.

"He will travel to schools and communities to bring the government to the people, as well as personify the interests of the people of the NWT," Handley said.

Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew sent a message through Senator Nick Sibbeston. She called Whitford an inspiration, a role-model and an icon.

Senator Sibbeston, bringing greetings from the federal government and Indian Affairs Minister Andy Scott, said the role of commissioner has evolved over the years.

"The commissioner could become lieutenant-governor without Ottawa even knowing," he joked.