Yellowknife (May 09/05) - Sitting in his new office writing a speech for Aurora College graduation ceremonies, Tony Whitford is the picture of relaxation in blue jeans and sneakers, with a CD of classical music playing in the background.

"I keep a suit and dress shoes in my office closet to change into when I have to meet officials," he said.

History of NWT Commissioners Lt. Col. Frederick D. White 1905-1919 William W. Cory 1919-1931 Hugh H. Rowatt 1931-1934 Dr. Charles Camsell 1936-1946 Dr. Hugh L. Keenleyside 1947-1950 Maj. Gen. Hugh A. Young 1950-1953 R. Gordon Robertson 1953-1963 Brent G. Sivertz 1963-1967 Stuart Milton Hodgson 1967-1979 John Havelock Parker 1979-1989 Daniel L. Norris 1989-1994 Helen Maksagak 1995-1999 Daniel Joseph Marion 1999-2000 Glenna Hansen 2000-2005 Anthony Whitford 2005- The job of Commissioner now alternates between women and men and different geographic regions.

After just three official days in office, Tony Whitford already had four invitations to speak at college convocations and his schedule is starting to fill up for the rest of the summer. He is already thinking about where he will be on Remembrance Day in November.

Once he has an executive assistant, that person will take notes and write speeches for him. Until then, he enjoys knowing what each word of the speech is going to be.

"I tell students to stay in school or go back if they have left," he said. "Students who are graduating now are part of the blossoming North. As much as they look up to elders, elders look up to them also."

Whitford grew up in Fort Smith with his mother and five siblings. He spent a lot of time with his grandparents, who lived on the same piece of land. After attending residential school in Fort Resolution, Whitford left school in Grade 9, for social and cultural challenges, he said.

"I was working as a labourer and wanted to work as a mechanic on the tugboats like my uncle," he said.

Looking at the family photos around his office, Whitford said his wife Elaine was the one who pushed him to go back to school to become a social worker.

"I went back to finish high school and we packed up the family and moved to Calgary so I could go to university," he said.

During his swearing-in ceremony, Whitford said he couldn't look at his three sons in the audience for fear of becoming too emotional.

"I felt my wife and mother there with me, also," Whitford said.

When Elaine passed away in 1999 from cancer, they had been married 37 years. Whitford's mother passed away in January.

Through the years of public service and government life, Whitford said his wife supported him in everything and fully participated in his work.

"She was called Mrs. Speaker," he said. "I have a photo of her speaking with the Queen while I am standing off to the side."

The job of Commissioner is a full-time one, and for that Whitford is thankful.

"I don't like too much time off," he said. "They say I have to take all of my vacation time. I don't think I have ever taken that much time off."

The role of Commissioner has changed over the years from one based in Ottawa and removed from the happenings of the territory, to one that is very involved.

Whitford will open and close each session of the Legislature and swear-in any new members. He is the first one to meet the Queen or Governor General when they visit the NWT. As much as his schedule allows, Whitford said he will visit each community every year and participate in as many feasts and celebrations as possible.

"The only community I have never visited is Trout Lake," he said. "If they invite me to an event, I will be there."

Auctioneering will no longer be Whitford's specialty but he can still MC events. He is launching the NWT Literacy Council's book drive and meeting with HMCS Yellowknife crew while they are in town this week.

Unlike in the past, the Commissioner's role is no longer to give out things like fire trucks to communities, Whitford said.

"If a community comes to me and says they need something, I will send the request to the appropriate government department," he said. "But I would be happy to cut the ribbon on the new fire truck."

As for a New Year's Levee, Whitford is thinking of continuing a tradition he started as an MLA.

"I might take over the till at Tim Horton's for the evening and invite people to join me for coffee and donuts," he said. "I don't think I will have a black-tie gala."

One thing Whitford will be working on during his three-year term is having the term Commissioner changed to Lieutenant-Governor like the provinces. He said people often confuse the job of Commissioner with that of a commissionaire.

"Especially people from other countries, they ask if I guide people around government buildings," he said.

He will also work to revive the Commissioner's award program, that recognizes people for acts of bravery and public service.

If he ever needs help with what to say or do, Whitford has a long list of people to call upon.

He can ask elders about different ceremonies in each community, seek advice from colleagues in other territories and provinces and check with the Conflict of Interest Commissioner to make sure he isn't doing anything that is, or could be perceived as, a conflict of interest.

For example, Whitford must remove himself from any involvement in the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline issue.

His family, who is excited about Whitford's new role, is also very helpful, he said.

"My sister-in-law and her friends are wonderful handlers," he said. "I really appreciate their hints such as 'You really don't look good in green' and 'Are you letting your hair grow long for a reason?'."

As much as his job is a seven-days-a-week one, Whitford takes time to walk at least 10km each day and 20km once a week, listening to classical music or radio talkshows on his Walkman.