Joseph Handley has joined Pacific & Western Bank of Canada as a special advisor in Canada’s North.

Handley recently retired as Premier of the Northwest Territories, a position he held from 2003 to 2007. He was first elected as a Member of the Northwest Territories Legislature in 1999. Prior to that, he was a Deputy Minister for the Government of the Northwest Territories in various Departments for 15 years.

Handley is also a former Official Trustee and Chief Superintendent of the Frontier School Division in Manitoba. He was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2002, and the Saskatchewan Medal for outstanding achievement in 2005. It has also been announced that Handley will be receiving the Aboriginal Achievement Award in March of 2008.

David Taylor, president & CEO. of Pacific & Western Credit Corp.’s stated that, “We are very pleased that Joe Handley has joined the Pacific & Western team as its northern advisor. His extensive experience and broad knowledge of northern affairs is a great asset to the bank as it continues to expand its presence in Canada’s North.”

Pacific & Western Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific & Western Credit Corp.