The City of Yellowknife has found its new city manager.
Stephen Van Dine is scheduled to begin as Yellowknife's top bureaucrat on Aug. 6, according to a release from the city on Thursday afternoon.
“With over 30 years of extensive experience in the North and in the public sector, Mr. Van Dine brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and strategic vision,” stated Mayor Rebecca Alty in the release. “With his commitment to reconciliation, collaboration, and transformation, we look forward to working with him.”
Van Dine, who is a graduate of Sir John Franklin High School, began his professional career with the GNWT and later joined the federal government, where he held several positions. They include assistant deputy minister at Crown Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and vice-president of strategic policy and investments at Parks Canada.
He's also served on the Arctic Council, where he negotiated two Canada/United States Joint Statements on the Arctic. He has also helped co-management legislation in Yukon, NWT and Nunavut along with working on Nutrition North Canada; helping with the establishment of Polar Knowledge Canada; and initiating the creation of Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, among others.
The release stated that Sheila Bassi-Kellett will remain in the role on an interim basis until Van Dine's start date,