Doug Phillips, a former legislator, has been appointed as the new administrator of the Yukon.

'I've been in the Yukon for almost 60 years now,' Phillips said in an interview today.

'I love the territory. This is my home and I have that experience of knowing an awful lot of people. This is just another role I can play.'

The administrator position has been vacant since December 2005, when Geraldine Van Bibber was moved from the job to the role of Yukon commissioner following Jack Cable's retirement.

The administrator performs the duties of the commissioner when she is unable to do so.

It means Van Bibber will now be able to travel around the territory more or take part in meetings Outside without worrying about a timely piece of legislation left sitting on her desk waiting to be signed, said Phillips.

Commissioner is a ceremonial position which mainly involves presiding over public functions and giving royal assent to territorial legislation, much like the lieutenant-governor posts in the Canadian provinces.

Phillips, 60, has lived in the Yukon since he was about a year-and-a-half old.

He was first elected to the legislative assembly in 1985 and sat in the house until he retired in 2000. A member of the John Ostashek cabinet, he served as Justice minister.

Phillips said he was approached some time ago to consider filling the vacant job. He was interested in the position because he has seen the other side of the coin while working with legislation in the assembly.

'It's part of the whole democratic process,' he said. 'It's just another aspect.'

Holding the title of one of Yukon's longest-serving MLAs, Phillips said, he will bring a strong understanding of how the legislature works.

'I don't think there will be a huge learning curve,' he said.

Phillips was appointed to the position by Jim Prentice, the federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

'(Phillips) has a distinguished record of public service and I am confident that his extensive experience will benefit the people of Yukon,' Prentice said in a statement released last Thursday afternoon.

Phillips has also served on the Central Yukon Assessment Review Board, volunteered with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited and Yukon Fish and Game Association, operated a small tourism consulting business and served on the Yukon Hospital Foundation.

The position won't require him to hugely alter his life, he said. But he will be speaking with the ethics commissioner to determine if he is able to continue his work with the foundation and his recent appointment to the electoral district boundaries commission.

'It's not a lot of changes,' he said. 'You're just called on as needed.'

It's far from even a part-time position, he said, and he may only be called upon to perform his duties a few times a year.

'It's an interesting position,' he said. 'It's just another way to continue to be part of my community.'

Phillips' appointment became effective on April 5.

He has spent today meeting with Van Bibber regarding the position and fulfilling his new responsibilities. He expects to have more discussions with other individuals this week.