Table of Precedence

What is a Table of Precedence?

A Table of Precedence identifies the order in which dignitaries are to be recognized/seated/addressed at official functions.

Why are Tables of Precedence Important?

Tables of Precedence reflect the importance of the position held by an individual. The order of precedence is determined first by rank and then by the length of service. 

What is the Table of Precedence for the Northwest Territories?

Most provinces and territories have adopted their own Tables of Precedence. Listed below is the Table of Precedence for the Northwest Territories.

  1. The Commissioner of the NWT or the Deputy Commissioner in her/his absence
  2. The Premier of the NWT
  3. Regional Aboriginal Leaders, with host region being first and other leaders’ precedence determined by date of election
  4. The Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal of the NWT and/or other members of the Court of Appeals who are not resident members of the Supreme Court
  5. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
  6. Members of the Executive Council of the Northwest Territories
  7. The Senior Justice and/or Justices of the Supreme Court in the NWT 
  8. Members of the Legislative Assembly of the NWT, with precedence governed by the date of their first election to the Legislature
  9. Federal Member of Parliament for the NWT
  10. Member of the Senate from the NWT
  11. The Chief Judge of the Territorial Court of the NWT
  12. National Chief of the Dene Nation
  13. Band Chiefs / Inuvialuit Community Corporation Presidents / Métis Presidents / Mayors, with host community being first and other chiefs/presidents/mayors’ precedence determined by date of election.
  14. RCMP Divisional Commander
  15. Armed Forces Commander

How does the Table of Precedence for the Northwest Territories apply to dignitaries from other jurisdictions?

The Table of Precedence for the NWT lists categories in their order of precedence as they apply to ceremonies and occasions of a territorial nature. At territorial functions where federal, foreign or diplomatic dignitaries are present, circumstances may dictate that the Table of Precedence of Canada or international rules of protocol be observed, thus giving these dignitaries precedence over certain territorial categories. Similarly, circumstances may also dictate that precedence be given to host officials of lesser rank than dignitaries who may be present.

What happens when there is more than one dignitary from the same category?

  • When the date of appointment or election to office is the same, precedence within each category is determined by alphabetical order.
  • Former Commissioners of the NWT take precedence immediately after the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal of the NWT. Precedence among former Commissioners is in order of seniority of taking Office.
  • Former Government Leaders or Premiers of the NWT take precedence after former Commissioners of the NWT. Precedence among former government leaders and premiers are in order of seniority in taking Office.
  • Members of the Federal Cabinet and Privy Councilors not of the Cabinet would be given precedence immediately after the Premier, when in attendance at territorial functions.
  • Deputy Judges or Justices from other jurisdictions would follow resident judges present.