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According to Jackson, the lieutenant-governor’s role is largely, but not entirely, symbolic. The lieutenant-governor signs Orders in Council, assents to legislation and can prorogue or dissolve the legislature. In virtually all cases, he’ll do so only on the advice of the premier and cabinet. But there are rare occasions where a lieutenant-governor can use so called reserve powers to make a decision against the premier’s advice — as happened in B.C. when the NDP was called on to form government.

But Jackson believes the ceremonial role can be equally important. Mirasty will be tasked with presenting awards, making speeches and presiding over ceremonies. He may also serve as a “sounding board” for the premier during their private audiences.

Moe has previously said that he valued those meetings with Molloy.

Goodale said Mirasty will no doubt leave his mark on the office.

“He will have the opportunity to shape a very significant legacy for Saskatchewan,” said Goodale. “He carries with him a heavy responsibility of high hopes, but I have every expectation that he will deliver.”

Like others, he commented on the historic first of an Indigenous lieutenant-governor.

“Having an Indigenous person in this role at this particular time is, I think, unique and special, and offers a real sense of opportunity for the future cohesion and for the growth of our province,” said Goodale.

He wouldn’t comment on the selection process, besides saying that Trudeau obviously had a long list of impressive Saskatchewan people. Mirasty, however, simply “leapt off the page.”

In an interview with the Leader-Post in 2011, Mirasty reflected on his upbringing in northern Saskatchewan, where he grew up without a father, who passed away when Mirasty was young. He noted he could have easily found trouble and ended up on the wrong side of the law.

But he veered right instead, joining the RCMP and ascending the ranks, becoming the top Mountie in Saskatchewan.

“Some of it is luck, but I guess fundamentally it’s believing that you don’t have to live a certain way … a way that’s on the other side of the law,” said Mirasty, who explained he was raised in his La Ronge home with an emphasis on good values and principles. “But it’s more than that. It’s about believing that I need to have a career. I need to be in position to support not only myself but eventually the family I’m going to have.

“It that kind of thinking that motivated me,” he said.