Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the appointment Saskatoon’s Tom Molloy as the 22nd lieutenant-governor of Saskatchewan.
Molloy is known for being a well-respected lawyer and negotiator, who’s helped reach numerous agreements and treaty settlements with Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Molloy was responsible for leading the team that negotiated the first modern-day treaty in the history of British Columbia, the Nisga’a Final Agreement.
He was also the chief negotiator for the federal government during the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement, which eventually resulted in the creation of the Territory of Nunavut in 1999.
Between 2001 to 2007, he also served as chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan.
“Mr. Molloy is an outstanding negotiator who has played a central role in numerous agreements and treaty settlements with Indigenous peoples. His contributions are felt from coast to coast to coast, and have helped reshape this country,” Trudeau said in a news release on Monday.
“He is an excellent choice as Saskatchewan’s next lieutenant-governor, and I know that he will represent the people of this province well.”
Canada’s Gov. Gen. Julie Payette appointed Molloy as lieutenant-governor with the recommendation of Prime Minister Trudeau.
Molloy replaces outgoing Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield, who served the province since 2012.
Lieutenant-governors represent Queen Elizabeth II in their provinces. They perform the Queen’s duties, such as granting royal assent to provincial laws and visiting communities. Their terms last a minimum of five years.