The Territorial constitutions provide for the appointment of a deputy commissioner (N.W.T. and Nunavut) or administrator (Yukon) to act when the commissioner is unable to do so, or the office is vacant. In Nunavut the judge of the Supreme Court with the earliest date of appointment is empowered to act if neither the commissioner or deputy commissioner is present or able to act. The administrator or deputy commissioner can act even if the commissioner is in the territory, but only if the commissioner is "unable" to perform his or her duties.
The person appointed as administrator or deputy commissioner acts as an alternate to the commissioner, and not as an assistant or subordinate.
