Anthony Wilfred James Whitford, BSW
Commissioner of the Northwest Territories

Mr. Whitford was born and raised in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. In 1966, he married the late Mary Elaine Sweet and together they raised three sons, Warren, Blair and Ian.

Over the years, Mr. Whitford, who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, has worked as a mechanic, power plant operator, social worker, marriage counselor, public servant, Marriage Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories and Sergeant-at-Arms during the 13th Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Whitford was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 1988 and has served as Minister of Health and Social Services, Safety and Public Services and Transportation. In 1999, he was elected by his fellow Members to serve as the Speaker of the 14th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.

Through his various roles, Mr. Whitford has gained extensive experience representing the Government of the Northwest Territories and Canada on the national scene in every province and territory, as well as internationally in Europe, Australia, the Cook Islands, Africa, Gibraltar and Barbados. Mr. Whitford has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal and the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.

Mr. Whitford is an active community fundraiser and volunteer and served as Deputy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories from October 2004 to April 2005.