The Office of Chief Electoral Officer

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) is the head of Elections NWT, a public agency comprised of public servants, contract staff, and election officers.

The CEO is an officer of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, appointed by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories to a four-year term, and reporting to the Legislative Assembly through the Speaker.

Administering territorial elections, by-elections, and plebiscites to ensure they are fair and free of political influence, the CEO acts in accordance with the Elections and Plebiscites Act (link is external).

Stephen Dunbar was appointed CEO of Elections NWT on November 25, 2021. Born and raised in the Northwest Territories, Dunbar has a master’s degree in political science, completing his thesis on the evolution of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly and its use of consensus government.

Dunbar’s professional experience is steeped in an understanding of consensus government, and he has garnered experience and insight on both sides of parliamentary support, first as a principal political advisor for multiple Ministers over three Assemblies, then as the Legislative Assembly’s Director of Research and Committee Advisory Services, serving Regular Members and the Standing Committees of the Legislative Assembly.

For media inquiries and interview requests with the CEO, please contact the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer at Charlotte_Digness@electionsnwt.ca

Previous CEOs

Nicole Latour (2014  –  2021) 
David M. Brock (2010 – 2014)
Saundra Arberry (2007 – 2009)
Glen W. McLean (2004 – 2007)
David Hamilton (1997 – 2004)

Elections NWT Staff

General Inquiries
Info@ElectionsNWT.ca
867-767-9100

Deputy Chief Electoral Officer
Charlotte Digness Charlotte_Digness@ElectionsNWT.ca
Elections Operations Officer
Kay Sibbeston Kay_Sibbeston@ElectionsNWT.ca