Frequently Asked Questions

How do I invite the Commissioner to an event?

How do I request Honourary Patronage from the Commissioner?

How can I arrange for birthday or anniversary greetings from the Commissioner?

How should I address the Commissioner in formal settings?

How long is the Commissioner's term?

What is the Commissioner's Levee?

How do I invite the Commissioner to an event?

Send a written invitiation or letter to the Commissioner's Office.

Mail to:
The Honourable Geraldine Van Bibber, Commissioner of Yukon
1098 First Avenue, Whitehorse YT, Y1A 0C1

Or email: commissioner@gov.yk.ca

The invitiation should inform the Commissioner's Office about important details about your event.

This checklist of some things you should indicate when inviting the Commissioner:

• Is this a formal, informal or casual event?
• Will spouses be attending? If so, please invite The Commissioner of Yukon and guest.
• What's the dress code?
• Will the Commissioner be expected to make a speech, or presentation?
• Will there be other speakers? If so, who?
• Will others dignitaries be attending?
• Will media be attending?
• How long will your event last?
• How long will the Commissioner be expected to attend?

At most events, the Commissioner will be accompanied by her Aide-de-camp. If it is a dinner or seated affair, the Aide-de-camp must sit at the nearest table and in a position where the Commissioner can make eye contact with him or her.

How do I request Honourary Patronage from the Commissioner?

To request Honourary Patronage for your organization from the Commissioner, write to:

The Honourable Geraldine Van Bibber, Commissioner of Yukon
1098 First Avenue, Whitehorse YT, Y1A 0C1

Write a detailed letter describing the organization. The Commissioner supports organizations which have aims and objectives aligned with her own values and interests. 

How can I arrange birthday or anniversary greetings?

Birthday or anniversary greetings from the Commissioner of Yukon are for Yukon residents only.

First, see if your request is eligible for congratulatory messages from the Commissioner of Yukon.

You can make your request online, or print it out and take it to the Commissioner's Office.

The Commissioner's Office requires two weeks notice to arrange birthday greetings.

How should I address the Commissioner in formal settings?

The full title of the Comissioner is: The Honourable Geraldine Van Bibber, Commissioner of Yukon.

The Commissioner is initially addressed in the second person as "Your Honour," and thereafter as "Madam." In the third person, the Commissioner is referred to as "Her Honour" or "The Commissioner."

How long is the Commissioner's appointment?

The Commissioner's appointment is no less than five years.

Commissioner Geraldine Van Bibber was appointed to the Office of Commissioner of Yukon in December, 2005.

What is the Commissioner's Levee?

Each of Canada's Commissioners and Lieutenant Governors host a levee each New Year's Day. In Yukon, the Commissioner's Levee is held in the afternoon at  the Yukon government's Main Adminstration Building.

Citizens of all ages are welcome to attend. It's a chance to enjoy refreshments and meet the Commissioner. The Commissioner presents her annual awards for public service, excellence in academics and for bravery at the levee.