30 Facts About Thomas Lukaszuk

Thomas Lukaszuk represented the constituency of Edmonton-Castle Downs from 2001 to 2015 as a Progressive Conservative.

Thomas Lukaszuk served in the provincial cabinet from 2010 to 2014, and was the 8th Deputy Premier from 2012 to 2013.

Thomas Lukaszuk was the first Polish-born cabinet minister and deputy premier in Canada.

Thomas Lukaszuk's father defected to Canada from communist Poland, and his family later joined him in 1982.

The family lived in Sydney, where Thomas attended school and began to learn English.

Thomas Lukaszuk was raised in north Edmonton and went to St Joseph's High School.

Thomas Lukaszuk then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Alberta and became a social studies teacher with the Edmonton Catholic School District.

Thomas Lukaszuk started up Injured Workers Advocates Inc, a small business which helped injured workers with work-related injury claims.

Thomas Lukaszuk cites the reward of helping people, and his growing interest in political issues led him to get involved in policy-making.

Thomas Lukaszuk served on the Social Care Facilities Review Committee, which gathers Albertans' feedback on the quality of services being provided, and provides recommendations to the Government on how to proceed in that area.

Thomas Lukaszuk chaired the Citizens' Appeal Panel, which led to government policy changes surrounding social benefits, and he served on the Alberta Lotteries Review Committee.

Thomas Lukaszuk conducted a review of Alberta daycares, foster homes, group homes and homeless shelters for the Minister of Children's Services before being elected as an MLA.

Thomas Lukaszuk is currently the CEO and owner of Canadian Halal Financial Corporation.

In 2001, Edmonton-Castle Downs MLA Pamela Paul's retirement opened the door for Thomas Lukaszuk to stand for election.

However, Thomas Lukaszuk appealed the recount three times, to the Alberta Court of Appeals, disputing a number of rejected ballots.

On January 13,2010, Thomas Lukaszuk was appointed as Minister of Employment and Immigration in the government of Ed Stelmach.

Thomas Lukaszuk introduced a number of reforms to occupational health and safety programs.

Thomas Lukaszuk resigned from cabinet on May 22,2014 in order to stand in the Alberta Progressive Conservative Association's leadership election after Redford was forced to resign from the premiership due to a scandal concerning her expenses.

Thomas Lukaszuk was not re-appointed to the cabinet of Jim Prentice when he formed government.

Mr Thomas Lukaszuk was found to be using his government cell phone on a personal trip to Israel and Poland in 2012.

Thomas Lukaszuk has made it clear that post-secondary institutions should not make up shortfalls with tuition increases or otherwise additional fees.

Thomas Lukaszuk confirmed that the government would send in a special team of independent financial consultants to review university books and to find faster budget cuts.

Thomas Lukaszuk has since been reassigned to a different government file.

In 2011, Thomas Lukaszuk initiated a charity called the Castle Downs Recreation Society International that refurbishes, ships and installs children's playgrounds in developing countries throughout the world.

In 2023, Thomas Lukaszuk organized a humanitarian shipment of three containers filled with life-saving medical aid, baby supplies and food for the children of Gaza.

Thomas Lukaszuk has been recognized for his extensive humanitarian efforts with the following awards.

Thomas Lukaszuk enjoys travelling, reading and participating in activities with his family.

Thomas Lukaszuk coached soccer through the Edmonton Northwood Community League, has been a Scout leader and is a strong supporter of the Hope Foundation, Camp fYrefly, and ABC Headstart.

Thomas Lukaszuk is a past president of the Youth Friendship Society.

Thomas Lukaszuk has two daughters, one with his current wife, news anchor Stacey Brotzel CTV Edmonton and one with his previous wife.