YELLOWKNIFE (November 2, 2022) – Today, Mr. Floyd Powder was appointed as the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly’s Sergeant-at-Arms. The appointment takes effect December 5, 2022.
The Sergeant-at-Arms is a permanent Officer of the House responsible for the preservation of order, decorum, and security therein. The position plans and manages the security and safety programs for the Legislative Assembly and Capital Site, ensuring the safety of Members, staff, and visitors at all times.
Mr. Powder was appointed as the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly’s Sergeant-at-Arms today. Mr. Powder is an Indigenous northerner born and raised in Fort Smith who has over 40 years of public service experience with the Government of the Northwest Territories and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). In the CAF, Mr. Powder was employed in numerous roles, ranging from Chair of the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group North to instructor for northern youth programs and led soldiers in Canada and on international operations. As a CAF veteran, he also volunteers for the Last Post Fund, whose “mission is to ensure that no Veteran is denied a dignified funeral and burial, as well as a military gravestone, due to insufficient funds at the time of death” (Last Post Fund, 2022, Our Mission section).
The Assembly would like to extend it’s gratitude to Mr. Brian Thagard, who has been Sergeant-at-Arms since October 1, 2004. Mr. Thagard has consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication in his work while maintaining a high level of commitment to the Assembly’s values and ethics, such as respect for others, integrity, and professionalism.
“Mr. Thagard has an exemplary history in the public service,” says Frederick Blake Jr., Speaker of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. “I would like to thank him for everything he’s done while with the Assembly and wish him the best in his retirement. I also want to welcome Mr. Powder to the role. I look forward to working with him as the new Sergeant-at-Arms.”
For more information, please contact:
Public Affairs and Communications
Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly