The Canadian Scene
New Clerk in Saskatchewan
After almost 36 years of service as a Table Officer, Greg A. Putz retired as the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan on January 1, 2023.
With Mr. Putz’s resignation, the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan unanimously appointed Iris Lang to the position of Clerk effective January 1, 2023. Ms. Lang began her career with the Assembly in 1985. First employed as a special constable for 12 years, Ms. Lang then spent five years in Human Resources, and almost 20 years at the Table. Prior to joining the Legislative Assembly Service, Ms. Lang was a constable with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta.
Raised in Saskatchewan, she earned degrees while working full time at the Assembly – first a Bachelor of Human Justice in 1992 and then a Masters of Human Resource Management in 2005.
With Ms. Lang’s appointment, for the first time there are four women serving as Clerks in Western Canada – Kate Ryan-Lloyd, British Columbia; Shannon Dean, Alberta; Iris Lang, Saskatchewan and Patricia Chaychuk, Manitoba. In addition, for the second time in Canadian history there are five female Clerks – the four outlined above and Sandra Barnes, Newfoundland and Labrador.
New Clerk in Northwest Territories
Glen Rutland became the fourth Clerk of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly on April 1, 2023. Mr. Rutland succeeded Tim Mercer, who had served in the role since October 2003.
After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Mr. Rutland obtained a post-degree certificate in Public Relations and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
Moving to the Northwest Territories in 2002, Mr. Rutland worked for the Government of the Northwest Territories in the Department of Justice. His roles included Legal Counsel and Director of Policy and Planning.
As a lawyer in private practice from 2013 to 2019, Mr. Rutland accepted a part-time contract position acting as Deputy Law Clerk to the Assembly. In addition to his work with the Assembly, his litigation-focused practice specialized in public, employment and administrative law.
In May 2019, he joined the Assembly full-time as Deputy Clerk, House Procedure and Committees. The Assembly unanimously adopted a motion recommending Mr. Rutland be appointed Clerk.