Geraldine Van Bibber has been appointed the 15th Commissioner of Yukon.

Larry Bagnell, the territory's Liberal MP, made the announcement late this morning. He spoke for Andy Scott, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

The appointment has been formalized by a federal cabinet order and is effective Dec. 1.

She replaces former Liberal MLA Jack Cable, whose term as Commissioner ended earlier this fall.

'Ms. Van Bibber is dedicated to Yukon's growth and development,' Scott said in a statement.

'Her significant contributions to the tourism and travel industry, her interest in social issues, and her ongoing role as an ambassador for Yukon and first nations people demonstrate this commitment. I welcome her as Commissioner.'

Van Bibber is of Gwich'in ancestry and was born and raised in Dawson City, and has roots in Fort McPherson, N.W.T.

She served as the Administrator of the Yukon Territory from March 2001 to 2005. Among other duties, the Administrator fills in for the Commissioner when the latter is unavailable to attend a given occasion.

Van Bibber has been active in eco-tourism and travel development for the region, and has served as commissioner for the Yukon Human Rights Commission and member of numerous boards. Those include the Canadian Tourism Commission, the Governmnent of Yukon's Business Development Fund and the Yukon Advisory Council on Women's Issues.

'Ms. Van Bibber has already made very important, and thoughtful contributions to Yukon's development,' said Bagnell.

'I am very excited about the opportunities this will give her to promote the Yukon even more.'

Established under the Yukon Act, the roles and responsibilities of the Commissioner have evolved to become similar to that of a provincial lieutenant-governor.

Since her beginnings as a business partner of a family tourism company, Van Bibber has played a pivotal role in the development of the Yukon travel industry.

She was integral to the formation of the Yukon First Nation Tourism Association in 1992.

The new Commissioner has long taken an interest in the social issues facing the people of Yukon.

In addition to serving on the Yukon Advisory Council on Women's Issues, she has been active in various initiatives that contribute to community well-being and health, such as the Relay for Life Cancer Fundraiser and the Gathering of Traditions Potlatch Society.

Van Bibber has acted as an ambassador for Yukon and first nations people, and was the first native-born Yukoner to welcome Prince Charles on his visit to the territory in April 2001.

Van Bibber and her husband, Pat, enjoy travelling around the Yukon, curling, and traditional pastimes such as camping, hunting and fishing.

She could not be reached for comment early this afternoon.

Her appointment is part of a procession of announcements the Liberal government has made in recent days, as its defeat on a non-confidence vote in the House of Commons this coming Monday now seems inevitable.