Russell Mirasty

Russell Mirasty SOM MSM (born 1956 or 1957) is the 23rd and current lieutenant governor of Saskatchewan. He was appointed by Governor General Julie Payette, on the constitutional advice of the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, on July 17, 2019. Mirasty was sworn in on July 18,[2] filling the vacancy in the position left when W. Thomas Molloy died in office on July 2.[3]

His Honour the Honourable
Russell Mirasty
SOM MSM
23rd Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan
Assumed office
July 18, 2019
MonarchElizabeth II
Governor GeneralJulie Payette
Mary Simon
PremierScott Moe
Preceded byW. Thomas Molloy
Personal details
Born1956 or 1957 (age 64–65)[1]
La Ronge, Saskatchewan, Canada
Alma materRCMP Academy, Depot Division
ProfessionPolice officer (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)

As lieutenant governor, Mirasty is the viceregal representative of Queen Elizabeth II of Canada in Saskatchewan. He was the first Indigenous person appointed to this office.[4]

Personal life

Mirasty is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. His first language is Cree.[5][2][4] His appointment was strongly welcomed by Indigenous leaders in Saskatchewan.[6]

He and his wife Donna have two children. At the time of his appointment, he and his wife lived in La Ronge.[5]

RCMP career

Mirasty served as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for thirty-six years, from 1976 to 2013. He was one of only two Indigenous cadets in his troop at RCMP Academy, Depot Division. Following graduation, he served in seven of Canada's ten provinces. He also did a work exchange with the Northern Territory Police in Australia. Mirasty served as a volunteer aide-de-camp to previous lieutenant governors of Saskatchewan. He was appointed assistant commissioner and officer commanding, "F" Division in 2010, the first Indigenous RCMP officer to command a division.[5][2][4]

Following retirement from the RCMP, he has volunteered with a number of community service organizations.[5]

References
  1. The Canadian Press (19 July 2019). "Former head of RCMP in Saskatchewan named province's lieutenant-governor". La Ronge Now. Retrieved 27 July 2019.
  2. "Premier Scott Moe Announces Swearing In Date For New Lieutenant Governor", Government of Saskatchewan News Release, July 17, 2019.
  3. "Lieutenant Governor Molloy dies following battle with cancer", CTV, July 2, 2019.
  4. Former top Sask. cop Russell Mirasty named province's new Lt.-Gov., CBC, July 17, 2019.
  5. Prime Minister News Release: Russell Mirasty
  6. " 'This is historic': Indigenous leaders applaud choice of Russell Mirasty as new Sask. Lt.-Gov.", CBC, July 17, 2019.
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