Margaret Thom is a long-time teacher and school counsellor.
She also served as a Deputy Commissioner and will now be taking on the duties equivalent to the provincial Lieutenant Governor.
Thom has played a major role in the territory for years. Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus said that her experience will go a long way for her:
“We believe that she will do a great job due to her previous role as Deputy Commissioner. Our people are honoured to have a Dene woman in this position of leadership. She is a good role model for others.”
Being married for over 35 years, with 4 children and 9 grandchildren, Thom has raised and moulded minds for decades. She’s a NWT Education Hall of Fame inductee and a recipient of the ‘Wise Woman’ award.
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PM Trudeau echoed Erasmus’ words in a statement:
“She brings experience and a solid understanding of the role.”
Thom will replace Deputy Commissioner, Gerald Kisoun, who was serving as Interim Commissioner, and will be the first official Commissioner of the Northwest Territories since George Tuccaro retired on May 10th, 2016.