Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long public service of Deputy Commissioner Rebekah Williams.
A Member of the Legislative Assembly for Quttiktuq from 2000 until 2004, Rebekah retired from a career with the Government of Nunavut, and was sworn in as deputy commissioner in 2019.
Originally from Arctic Bay, Rebekah lives in Iqaluit with her husband Glenn, and together they have children and grandchildren.
She spent many years working on the frontlines as a Community Social Worker, and as a Community Justice Specialist.
Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago, Rebekah Williams was asked by Nunavut's Interim Commissioner's Office to help establish Nunavut's Department of Justice, and was appointed the department’s Assistant Deputy Minister upon the creation of the territory.
Before her retirement from the GN, she served as the Deputy Minister of the Departments of Family Services and Justice.
Rebekah was also a member of the Indian Residential School Survivor Committee with Truth and Reconciliation of Canada for five years, taking part in all seven national hearings with past students.
Mr. Speaker, Rebekah Williams’ term as Deputy Commissioner ended in December, and I speak for all Nunavummiut when I say thank you to Rebekah for her dedication to Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to be recognizing Rebekah for her instrumental leadership on this International Women’s Day.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.