# Robert Gordon Robertson

_Canadian academic (1917-2013)_

Canonical: https://diginpl.com/people/robert-gordon-robertson
Last updated: 2026-10-31

> (Robert) Gordon Robertson, was the commissioner of the Northwest Territories from November 15, 1953 to July 12, 1963 who, having been sworn in at the age of 36, remains the youngest person to ever hold the office. He went on to become Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet, the top position in the Canadian public service.

## Quick facts

- **Born:** 19 May 1917 ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7344870#P569))
- **Place of birth:** Davidson ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7344870#P19))
- **Died:** 15 January 2013 ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7344870#P570))
- **Place of death:** Ottawa ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7344870#P20))
- **Citizenship:** Canada ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7344870#P27))
- **Education:** Exeter College; University of Toronto; University of Saskatchewan ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7344870#P69))
- **Positions held:** Chancellor of Carleton University (1980–1990); Clerk of the Privy Council (1963–1975); Commissioner of the Northwest Territories ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7344870#P39))
- **Awards:** Companion of the Order of Canada; Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada; Rhodes Scholarship; honorary doctorate at the Laval University ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7344870#P166))

## Questions

**When was Robert Gordon Robertson born?**  
Robert Gordon Robertson was born on 19 May 1917 in Davidson.

**What positions has Robert Gordon Robertson held?**  
Positions held by Robert Gordon Robertson include: Chancellor of Carleton University (1980–1990); Clerk of the Privy Council (1963–1975); Commissioner of the Northwest Territories.

**Where did Robert Gordon Robertson study?**  
Robert Gordon Robertson was educated at Exeter College, University of Toronto, University of Saskatchewan.

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## Sources

- [Wikipedia (English): Robert Gordon Robertson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Gordon_Robertson) — [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
- [Wikidata item Q7344870](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7344870) — [CC0 1.0](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)

## Licence and attribution

Text from the Wikipedia article Robert Gordon Robertson, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page's text is shared under the same licence. Facts from Wikidata (CC0).

## Cite this page

"Robert Gordon Robertson". DigiNepal. Last updated 31 October 2026. https://diginpl.com/people/robert-gordon-robertson. Retrieved 6 November 2026.