Saskatchewan has a new lieutenant-governor.
On Wednesday morning, the Prime Minister’s office announced Russell Mirasty will become the 23rd lieutenant-governor in Saskatchewan as he replaces W. Thomas Molloy who passed away earlier this month
Mirasty joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1976, and was one of only two Indigenous cadets in his troop at Depot Division. He served in various roles across the country, including as Director General of National Aboriginal Policing Services and as Commanding Officer of “F” Division (Saskatchewan).
Over his 36-year career, Mirasty, whose first language is Cree, was posted to seven provinces, performed duties in every other province and territory, and participated in an exchange with the Northern Territory Police Service in Australia. While posted in Saskatchewan, he volunteered his time as an Aide de Camp to the province’s Lieutenant Governor. He retired from the RCMP as Assistant Commissioner in 2013.
Following his retirement, Mirasty, who is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, continued to devote himself to the residents of Saskatchewan by helping lead a province-wide engagement process on how to improve the education system. He co-facilitated meaningful dialogue and navigated difficult subjects with students, parents, and educators. The valuable perspectives shared during this dialogue informed the development of a province-wide education strategy.
He has also served as a member of the League of Educational Administrators, Directors and Superintendents, and as a board member on the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance. He was also appointed to Saskatchewan’s Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction. He was recently appointed to the board of the McDowell Foundation, which supports research, inquiry, and sharing of information for the K-12 education system.
In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2017.
The Governor General of Canada appoints the Lieutenant-Governor on the recommendation of the prime minister. That person then serves as a representative of the Queen and gives Royal Assent to new legislation.
