The position of Commissioner was created in 1999 with the creation of the new territory. Like other territorial Commissioners, he or she is appointed by the Government of Canada and represents the Canadian cabinet in the territory.
The role of Deputy Commissioner was added in 2005 by amending the Public Officer Act and Seals Act to be inline with the Yukon and Northwest Territories.[4]
The duties of the Commissioner is similar to that of the lieutenant governors of the provinces, but, they represent the Government of Canada not the monarch therefore, they are not viceroys.