Commissioner of Yukon

The Commissioner is appointed by the Government of Canada. They are an important figure in the legislature and the Government of Yukon.

The Commissioner is responsible for:

• ensuring that the Yukon has a Premier in the case of resignation or death or if the government resigns following a defeat in the legislature or in an election;
• ensuring continuity of government and maintaining democratic freedoms;
• swearing-in Members of the Yukon Legislative Assembly;
• delivering the Speech from the Throne at the opening of each legislative session;
• summoning, proroguing and dissolving the legislature;
• providing assent to bills passed by the Yukon Legislative Assembly, enabling them to become law;
• signing Orders-in-Council, Commissioner’s warrants, statutory appointments and dispositions of Commissioner’s lands on the advice of Cabinet; and
• representing the interests of the Yukon’s people by attending official functions, community and social events and handing out honours and awards.

The Commissioner of Yukon is unable to authenticate legal documents.   If you need a document authenticated you will need to go to Global Affairs Canada.

In June 2021, a Little Free Library was installed on the grounds of Taylor House. This library, made to look like Taylor House, is a place where people can take a book and leave a book for free.

Statement from Premier Pillai on Commissioner Bernard’s years of service and welcome to incoming Commissioner Adeline Webber

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Commissioner Angélique Bernard for her years of dedicated service to the people of the Yukon.

“Angélique Bernard was sworn in as Yukon's 36th Commissioner on March 12, 2018 and served the territory for one term. She was also the first Francophone Commissioner to the Yukon.

Read the May 31, 2023, statement from Premier Pillai.

On the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

On behalf of all Yukoners, the Commissioner of Yukon offers her deepest sympathy on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Sign the Government of Canada's online book of condolences.

You can also sign Yukon's condolence book in person in Whitehorse. Visit Office of the Commissioner of Yukon at the Taylor House, 412 Main Street, during the office hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Read the September 8, 2022, statement from the Commissioner of Yukon.

Featured news releases

June 27, 2022 – Daisy Mason Wellness Fund recipient announced

On Friday, June 24, the Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard, on behalf of the Daisy Mason Wellness Fund Advisory Committee, presented this year’s award to Nyla Klugie-Migwans. A member of the Selkirk First Nation, Nyla is planning to organize an event on the land where women can come together for a cleansing ceremony and learn about traditional medicine and teachings. Nyla received $750 to help cover the cost of gas, food and supplies for the event.

Read the complete news release.

Annual Report for 2022/23

Read the Commissioner of Yukon Annual Report: April 2022 to March 2023

April 2022 to March 2023 annual report

Commissioner of Yukon Annual Report: April 2022 to March 2023

2021 Year in Review 

Look at the Commissioner's 2021 Year in Review.

2020–21 Annual Report

Read the Commissioner of Yukon Annual Report: April 2020 to March 2021.

Contact the Commissioner for any of these popular requests:

• Request an honorary patronage.
• Request a proclamation.
• Request a congratulatory message, or birthday or an anniversary greeting.
• Invite the Commissioner to an event.