Russell Mirasty will be Sask's new Lieutenant-Governor

July 18, 2019, 5:01 am

Russell Mirasty will be 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.

“Known as a relationship-builder, Mr. Mirasty is an outstanding leader who paved the way for Indigenous peoples in the national police force,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a media release announcing the appointment.

“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.”

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.

Mirasty, whose first language is Cree, lives in La Ronge.

To allow for an immediate commencement of duties, the new Lieutenant Governor will assume office during a swearing in ceremony, with a formal installation ceremony to occur at a later date at the Legislative Building.

“I look forward to working with Mr. Mirasty as he assumes the role of Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor,” Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said.

“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.”

Mirasty will replace the Honourable W. Thomas Molloy, who passed away on July 2, 2019, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Under the Canadian constitution, Mirasty will serve as the representative of Queen Elizabeth II to the Province of Saskatchewan for at least five years following his appointment to the role by Julie Payette, the Governor General of Canada, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of Canada.