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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the appointment of Russell Mirasty as Saskatchewan’s new lieutenant-governor.
The 36-year veteran of the RCMP succeeds Thomas Molloy, who died July 2 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mirasty, a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, is to be sworn in at a ceremony Thursday at Government House. He becomes the first Indigenous person to be the Queen’s representative in Saskatchewan.
Mirasty says he was surprised and honoured by the appointment and he wants to be judged by what he achieves in the role.
“I think I should be judged on my work versus who I am or in terms of my background,” he said Wednesday.
“My post-RCMP career’s work was in different areas. It certainly helped me gain a better understanding of these areas and my willingness to continue and contribute in different roles.”
The prime minister noted Mirasty’s work with the RCMP and after he retired from the force as well.
“Known as a relationship-builder, Mr. Mirasty is an outstanding leader who paved the way for Indigenous peoples in the national police force,” Trudeau said in a media release.
“As lieutenant-governor of Saskatchewan, I know he will continue to make a difference for the people of his province and all Canadians, and inspire others to create change in their communities.”
“I look forward to working with Mr. Mirasty as he assumes the role of Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor,” Premier Scott Moe added in a media release.
“With a deep connection to Saskatchewan’s Indigenous communities and a background of service with the RCMP, Mr. Mirasty will bring a valuable perspective to a role that has a rich history of service to the people of Saskatchewan.”
Brian Hardlotte, the Grand Chief of the Prince Albert Grand Council, said in a statement that he was pleased with Mirasty’s appointment.
“He is a nation builder,” Hardlotte said. “In the hard times with the RCMP and our communities, he was the bridge that helped connect our two worlds and he did it with honour and respect. He will continue that positive building process and serve the people of this province, all Canadians, Indian people and organizations.”
Mirasty joined the RCMP in 1976 as one of only two Indigenous cadets in his troop at Depot Division. After graduating from Depot, he had postings in seven provinces and eventually handled duties in every province and territory.
He also served in other roles across the country, including as director general of National Aboriginal Policing Services and as the commanding officer at “F” Division in Regina.
In Saskatchewan, he also volunteered to be an Aide de Camp to the lieutenant-governor. Mirasty retired from the RCMP as assistant commissioner in 2013.
Following his retirement, he tried to improve Saskatchewan’s education system.
“He co-facilitated meaningful dialogue and navigated difficult subjects with students, parents, and educators,” read a media release. “The valuable perspectives shared during this dialogue informed the development of a province-wide education strategy.”
Mirasty served on Saskatchewan’s Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction and recently was appointed to the board of the McDowell Foundation, which seeks to improve the K-12 education system.
While his duties will take him to Regina, Mirasty said he and his wife will continue to live in La Ronge, where he was born and raised. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.
His appointment fills a legislative hole in the province which could have caused problems for the government.
— With files from The Canadian Press
