Russell Mirasty Explained

Honorific-Prefix:His Honour the Honourable
Russell Mirasty
Order:23rd
Office:Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan
Term Start:July 18, 2019
Governor General:Julie Payette
Mary Simon
Premier:Scott Moe
Predecessor:W. Thomas Molloy
Birth Date:[1]
Birth Place:La Ronge, Saskatchewan, Canada
Alma Mater:RCMP Academy, Depot Division
Profession:Police officer (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)

Russell Mirasty (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]

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

Mirasty is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. His first language is Cree.[2] [4] His appointment was strongly welcomed by Indigenous leaders in Saskatchewan.[5]

He and his wife Donna have two children. At the time of his appointment, he and his wife lived in La Ronge.

RCMP career

Mirasty 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.[6] [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.[6]

Honours

Russell Mirasty's full medal entitlement is as follows.



Ribbon Description Notes
Order of St John (K.StJ)
  • 25 July 2020.
  • Knight of Justice.
  • Vice Prior of the Order in the Province of Saskatchewan.
  • [7]
Saskatchewan Order of Merit (SOM)
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)
  • 9 November 2017.
  • Civil Division.
  • [9]
  • 2002.
  • Canadian Version of this Medal.
  • [10]
  • 2012.
  • Canadian Version of this Medal.
  • [11]
  • With 35 year Bar
  • 2022.
  • Saskatchewan Version of this Medal.
  • [12]
  • 2024.
  • Canadian Version of this Medal.
  • [13]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Former head of RCMP in Saskatchewan named province's lieutenant-governor. July 19, 2019. La Ronge Now. The Canadian Press. July 27, 2019.
  2. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2019/july/17/swearing-in-date-for-lieutenant-governor "Premier Scott Moe Announces Swearing In Date For New Lieutenant Governor", Government of Saskatchewan News Release, July 17, 2019.
  3. https://regina.ctvnews.ca/lieutenant-governor-molloy-dies-following-battle-with-cancer-1.4490622 "Lieutenant Governor Molloy dies following battle with cancer", CTV, July 2, 2019.
  4. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/russell-mirasty-new-lieutenant-governor-1.5214813 Former top Sask. cop Russell Mirasty named province's new Lt.-Gov., CBC, July 17, 2019.
  5. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/russell-mirasty-new-lieutenant-governor-1.5214813 " 'This is historic': Indigenous leaders applaud choice of Russell Mirasty as new Sask. Lt.-Gov.", CBC, July 17, 2019.
  6. https://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2019/07/17/russell-mirasty Prime Minister News Release: Russell Mirasty
  7. Web site: MOST VENERABLE ORDER OF THE HOSPITAL OF ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM 25 July 2020 . The Canada Gazette . 7 September 2022 . en.
  8. Web site: Recipients of The Saskatchewan Order of Merit . Government of Saskatchewan . 28 July 2022 . en.
  9. Web site: Assistant Commissioner Russell B. Mirasty's Meritorious Service Medal Citation . The Governor General of Canada . 28 July 2022 . en.
  10. Web site: Inspector Russ B. Mirasty's Golden Jubilee Medal Citation . The Governor General of Canada . 28 July 2022 . en.
  11. Web site: Assistant Commissioner Russell Mirasty's Diamond Jubilee Medal Citation . The Governor General of Canada . 28 July 2022 . en.
  12. Web site: Platinum Jubilee Medal Investiture Ceremony . Lieutenant Governor Saskatchewan . 1 November 2023 . en.
  13. Web site: Governor General of Canada. 6 May 2024. Governor General hosts inaugural presentation of King Charles III Coronation Medal.