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]
Russell Mirasty | |
|---|---|
| 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan | |
| Assumed office July 18, 2019 | |
| Monarchs | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Governors General | Julie Payette Mary Simon |
| Premier | Scott Moe |
| Preceded by | W. Thomas Molloy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1956 or 1957 (age 67–68)[1] La Ronge, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Alma mater | RCMP Academy, Depot Division |
| Profession | Police officer (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) |
As lieutenant governor, Mirasty is the viceregal representative of Charles III of Canada in Saskatchewan. He was the first Indigenous person appointed to this office.[4]
Personal life
editMirasty 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
editMirasty was 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 was a volunteer aide-de-camp to previous lieutenant governors of Saskatchewan. He was appointed assistant commissioner and commanding officer, "F" Division in 2010, the first Indigenous RCMP officer to command a division.[5][2][4]
After retiring from the RCMP, Mirasty volunteered with a number of community service organizations. He particularly focused on working with Saskatchewan's education system. In 2017, Mirasty was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.[5]
Honours
editRussell Mirasty's full medal entitlement is as follows.
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| Ribbon | Description | Notes |
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Order of St John (K.StJ) |
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Saskatchewan Order of Merit (SOM) |
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Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) |
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Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal |
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Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal |
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Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal |
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Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal |
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King Charles III Coronation Medal |
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References
edit- ^ The Canadian Press (19 July 2019). "Former head of RCMP in Saskatchewan named province's lieutenant-governor". La Ronge Now. Retrieved 27 July 2019.
- ^ a b c "Premier Scott Moe Announces Swearing In Date For New Lieutenant Governor", Government of Saskatchewan News Release, July 17, 2019.
- ^ "Lieutenant Governor Molloy dies following battle with cancer", CTV, July 2, 2019.
- ^ a b c Former top Sask. cop Russell Mirasty named province's new Lt.-Gov., CBC, July 17, 2019.
- ^ a b c d Prime Minister News Release: Russell Mirasty
- ^ " 'This is historic': Indigenous leaders applaud choice of Russell Mirasty as new Sask. Lt.-Gov.", CBC, July 17, 2019.
- ^ "MOST VENERABLE ORDER OF THE HOSPITAL OF ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM 25 July 2020". The Canada Gazette. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
- ^ "Recipients of The Saskatchewan Order of Merit" (PDF). Government of Saskatchewan. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
- ^ "Assistant Commissioner Russell B. Mirasty's Meritorious Service Medal Citation". The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
- ^ "Inspector Russ B. Mirasty's Golden Jubilee Medal Citation". The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
- ^ "Assistant Commissioner Russell Mirasty's Diamond Jubilee Medal Citation". The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
- ^ "Platinum Jubilee Medal Investiture Ceremony". Lieutenant Governor Saskatchewan. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
- ^ "Governor General hosts inaugural presentation of King Charles III Coronation Medal". Governor General of Canada. 6 May 2024.