Premier Caroline Cochrane issued the following statement on the passing of former Commissioner John Havelock Parker:

I am sad to learn of the passing of John Parker this past Monday, March 9. Mr. Parker moved north in 1954 to work in mining, eventually becoming manager of Rayrock Mine, and then President of Precambrian Mining Services Ltd. In 1959, he was elected as a Councillor for the Town of Yellowknife, serving for five years, before successfully running as Mayor of Yellowknife in 1964.

In 1967, Mr. Parker was appointed to the Northwest Territories Council, and sat as Deputy Commissioner. With Commissioner Stuart Hodgson, he helped to bring the seat of the Government of the Northwest Territories from Ottawa to the new capital of Yellowknife, to be closer to the people it serves.

In those days, the Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner held cabinet portfolios with their colleagues on the Executive Council. When appointed as Commissioner in 1979, Mr. Parker led the transition of the role of Commissioner from actively sitting in the Legislative Assembly and chairing Cabinet meetings, to its current role as the representative of the Crown and appointed by Canada, functioning similar to a lieutenant governor.

In 1986, Mr. Parker was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for his significant contributions to the evolution and development of the territorial government and the municipal government of Yellowknife.

Under Mr. Parker’s leadership, our system of government grew more responsible and representative of its people, for which we are exceedingly grateful. On behalf of all residents of the Northwest Territories, I offer my condolences to Mr. Parker’s family and friends in this difficult time.