Thomas A. Lukaszuk
Orders and Recognitions:
- Decorated three times by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (silver, gold and platinum Jubilee Medals) for service to Canada and the British Commonwealth.
- Decorated with the Alberta Centennial Medal for service to Alberta.
- Governor General of Canada conferred The Priory Vote of Thanks by the Priory of Canada of The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in recognition of valuable assistance rendered (life saving event 2009)
- Presented with the Life Saving Certificate – Awarded by the The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in recognition of First Aid skills to save a life. (life saving event 2015)
- Presented with the Ukraine Crisis Humanitarian Aid Award 2023 – awarded by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in recognition of initiating, organizing, and airlifting to Ukraine a $35 million humanitarian aid shipment, as well as sponsoring 67 Ukrainian refugees to Canada.
- Founded and operated the Castle Downs Recreation Society – International, an NGO that refurbishes, ships and builds full-size playgrounds for children in developing countries (Philippines, Cambodia, Nicaragua, Vietnam). To date, has constructed playgrounds worth over $3 million in value.
- 2017 – Selected by the Government of Canada, Government of Poland and the Museum of Emigration in Gdynia as one of the most notable Polish-Canadians.
- 2013 – Selected by the Alberta Venture Magazine as on of “50 Most Influential People”
- Presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award – Concordia University College of Alberta
- Decorated with the Republic of Poland Retired Air Force Pilots’ Association – XX Jubilee Medal of Recognition
- Presented with the Integrity Award by the Rotarians of Canada in recognition of humanitarian service
- In 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation banned Lukaszuk from entering the Russian Federation because of his tangible aid to Ukraine.
- Decorated with the Gold Medal of Merit from the Polish Veterans Society for his contribution and support of the Polish community in Canada.
Private Life:
- At the age of 12, during martial law in Poland, escaped with his family as a refugee and settled in Nova Scotia. Upon his arrival, had no command of the English language.
- Married with two daughters (25 and 16).
- First Polish-born cabinet minister and deputy premier in Canada.
- Resides in St. Albert, Alberta.
Professional Life:
- Taught English and Social Studies in public schools in Edmonton.
- In response to a need among injured workers for affordable representation in their contentiou disability claims, incorporated Injured Workers’ Advocates Inc., an advocacy company that settled thousands of Workers’ Compensation Board claims for disabled Canadians.
- Elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for four consecutive terms. Became the first Polish-born Cabinet Minister and Deputy Premier in Canada. Led occupational health and safety reform in the firefighting and first aid sector, which was adopted throughout Canada, Australia and the European Union. Partook in the CETA negotiations (free trade between Canada and the European Union). Spearheaded a reform of the Temporary Foreign Worker program, aimed at a humane treatment of foreign labourers in Canada.
- In response to Canada’s Muslim community’s religious barrier to obtaining conventional mortgages and becoming home-owners, developed a financing mechanism that is adherent to Islamic and Canadian regulations. Consequently, incorporated Canadian Halal Financial Corporation, a financial institution that issues mortgages to Canadian Muslims.
Community Involvement:
- (2019 – Present) Volunteer Board Member at the Alberta Safety Council – a statutory council mandated to research, develop and certify public safety procedures, including children traffic safety and occupational health and safety.
- (2016 – 2021) Volunteer Board Member at No Stone Left Alone – Canadian foundation working directly with Canadian Armed Forces, foreign armed forces and international community of educators to educate youth about the heroic acts of the Canadian military and to honour the fallen soldiers that lay in Fields of Honour across the world. Established a No Stone Left Alone chapter in Poland)
- (1997 – 2001) Chair for the Citizens’ Appeal Panel – chaired and adjudicated appeal hearings regarding Albertans’ claims for government issued social and disability benefits and supports.
- (1998 – 2001) Member – Social Care Facilities Review Committee – conducted unscheduled reviews of the quality of service at Alberta’s social care facilities, such as daycares, foster homes and retirement homes.
- (2012 – Present) Volunteer Board Member at Polish Canadian Historical Society – an organization mandated to research, collect and archive the settlement history of Poles in Canada.
- (1996 – 2001) Volunteer President of Canadian Polish Youth Friendship Society – organization mandated to maintain and operate recreational facilities for Girl and Boy Scouts at Garner Lake, Alberta.
- Habitat for Humanity – participated in several construction projects to build affordable homes.
- Canadian Blood Services (82 blood donations to date).
- (2006) Organized a Soccer tournament for Alberta’s Somali youth and the Edmonton Police. This project was aimed at addressing the prevailing crime among Somali youth. Project recognized by the Edmonton Police Services’ Neighbourhood Empowerment Team.
- (2012) Received an award from the Polish Canadian Society in recognition of outstanding contribution and support of the Polish Canadian community.
- (2023) Received the Capital Region Rotary Integrity Award for community engagement and volunteering.
- Public advocate for the LGBTQ community.
- Engaged with B’Nai Brith in an effort to combat antisemitism in Canada and abroad. Successfully collaborated in a project with B’Nai Brith to convince Canada’s Roman Catholic Church to preclude a Polish priest, Father Rydzyk, known for his antisemitic and xenophobic messaging, from preaching in Canada. Also, successfully lobbied owners of radio stations in Canada to discontinue broadcasting Father Rydzyk’s Polish Language “Radio Maryja” broadcasts, which have been determined to violate Canada’s community standards.
- (2020 – present) Member of the Executive of Democracy Poland Action Committee Canada – volunteer organization promoting human rights and the rule of law in Canada and in Poland.
- (2021 – present) Co-host, co-founder and content contributor to Nasze Radio Canada – Polish language radio program hosted by 88.5 CJSR in Edmonton.
- Scoutmaster of the ZHP – Polish Canadian Scouts. Organized and led scout camps and international scouting jamborees.
- Active volunteer in Polish-Canadian cultural organizations.
- Assists Ukrainian refugees with their settlement in Canada.
Humanitarian Aid:
- (2006) Flood in Leyete, Philippines. Organized a fundraiser, later matched by the Government of Alberta and Government of Canada, to provide humanitarian aid. Recognized for his effort and inspiration by the Filipino Society for Growth and Change.
- (2007) Fires in Greece. Organized a fundraiser , later matched by the Government of Alberta, to provide aid to victims of fire in Greece. With donations raised, 14,000 olive trees were purchased and planted in Greece. Event was recognized by the Hellenic Community of Edmonton and Region.
- (2010 – Present) Inspired and organized the Castle Downs Recreation Society International – an organization tasked with dismantling and refurbishing old Canadian playgrounds, shipping them to developing countries and re-constructing them for public use by local children. To date, playgrounds have been constructed in the Philippines, Vietnam, Nicaragua and Cambodia. Estimated $2,000,000 worth of playground equipment has been donated and installed abroad.
- (2010) Organized a project to supply the required materials, drill a potable water well, and construct a fresh water distribution system to a village in the Philippines. Project has been recognized by ANCOP International Canada.
- Awarded by the Honourary Consul General of the Philippines a Certificate of Appreciation for “leadership, generosity, and hard work in helping Filipinos living in Gerona and metro Manila through a Philippine playground and community support project”.
- (2011) Received a Certificate of Appreciation for his humanitarian action for children of the Republic of Serbia.
- (2016) Initiated and organized a “YEG for YMM” fundraiser for the victims of the Fort McMurray, Alberta, wildfire. Donated to Red Cross $150,000.
- (2022) Inspired and co-organized Canada’s largest, citizen initiated, humanitarian aid initiative for Ukraine. $35,000,000 worth of medical equipment, medications and other life-saving equipment was delivered to Ukraine. Procured a Polish Airlines LOT Boeing 787 (Dreamliner) to deliver the most urgent medical equipment and shipped the remaining goods in containers. 67 Ukrainian refugees were flown to Canada free of charge and accommodated in Alberta.
- Awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Consul General of Ukraine to Canada, for his “valuable support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in our fight against Russian aggression”.
- Awarded the Ukrainian Crisis Humanitarian Aid Award 2023 by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
- (2023) Russian Federation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Banned from entering the Russian Federation and embargoed from engaging in any business activity in the Russian Federation as a consequence of the humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
- (2024) Initiated and organized the “United for the Children of Gaza” humanitarian aid fundraiser and shipment. Three sea can containers filled with children’s food, medications, diapers and other baby supplies were delivered to Red Crescent Egypt for distribution in Gaza. Approximate value of shipment was $1,500,000.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Hon. Thomas A. Lukaszuk, ECA, B.Ed., ICD.D
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
CANADIAN HALAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2020 – Present
Founder / Managing Director / CEO
URBAN MEWS INC. 2015 – 2020
Managing Director / Partner
- Manage land acquisition and development.
- Oversee design, construction and financing of detached and high-density housing.
- Develop P-3 land development and affordable housing development with Canadian municipalities.
MLA – Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta 2001 – 2015
- Elected representative – constituency of Edmonton-Castle Downs.
- Represented local interests in legislative and policy debates in the Assembly, Cabinet and Caucus, managed and resolved constituents’ individual case files and provided information about provincial programs to constituents.
- Served on and/or chaired 23 legislative and policy government committees in the areas of accountability, access to information and ethics, support for low-income and disabled Albertans, tourism marketing, and human rights.
DEPUTY PREMIER 2012 – 2014
Chair of the Agenda and Priorities Committee
Chair of the Cabinet Operations Committee
Chair of Public Sector Resource Committee
- Coordinated setting of the comprehensive strategic direction for Government of Alberta, including its fiscal and economic agenda, social and workforce priorities, and environmental and resource development frameworks.
- Coordinated government communications and media relations.
- Assumed high profile contentious provincial, national and international files from Premier and all Cabinet Ministers.
- Coordinated setting of the comprehensive strategic direction for Government of Alberta, including its fiscal and economic agenda, social and workforce priorities, and environmental and resource development frameworks.
- Coordinated government communications and media relations.
- Hosted foreign state, diplomatic and commercial delegations to Alberta and led numerous Alberta missions abroad. Led and participated in several Federal / Provincial / Territorial meetings of Canada’s Premiers and Ministers.
- As “Chief Operating Officer” of the Government of Alberta, coordinated policy decisions of all government Ministers and for 20 provincial departments. Led discussions resulting in decisions on matters ranging from land policy and electricity pricing formulas for excise taxes and salary disclosures, social policy and finance.
- Oversaw all public sector collective bargaining with labour unions in Alberta. Assembled team of labour negotiators, labour lawyers and economists, set financial targets with the Ministry of Finance and negotiated towards a desirable outcome (Chair of the Public Sector Resources Committee).
- Government of Alberta Liaison to the Canadian Forcer – Coordinated regulatory and protocol tasks relevant to Canadian Forces operations on military bases located in Alberta.
Minister – Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour 2014
Minister – Enterprise and Advanced Education 2012 – 2014
Minister – Education 2011 – 2012
Minister – Employment and Immigration 2010 – 2011
Parliamentary Assistant – Municipal Affairs 2008 – 2010
- Provided operational leadership, developed legislative and policy solutions to a range of social and economic matters.
- Financial stewardship to ministerial departments’ annual operating budgets ranging from $200 Million – $6 Billion.
- Mastered and directed board governance, finance, policy development and implementation, intergovernmental relations (national and international), program marketing, and issuance/revocation of professional certifications.
- Program partners and stakeholders included the workers’ compensation system, school boards, professional and industry associations, unions, and post-secondary institutions.
- Participated in setting long-term strategic direction for the GOA and developed policies that created a strong economic and social framework. Worked with and advocated for multiple charitable organizations, corporations and individual constituents (Legislator).
- Accountability to the Legislature and Albertans for making decisions on legislative and regulatory matters, and defending them on the public stage (Member of the AB Cabinet).
- Coordinated all protocol events, policy development aimed at transitioning Canadian veterans into civilian life and assisting families of deployed soldiers (AB Government Liaison to Canadian Forces).
CITIZENS’ APPEAL PANEL (Government of Alberta) 1997 – 2001
Chairman
- Chaired and adjudicated appeal hearings regarding appellants’ entitlement to government issued social and disability benefits and supports.
SOCIAL CARE FACILITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE 1998 – 2001
Member
- Conducted independent inspections and reviews of licensed social care facilities, such as daycares, seniors’, and foster home.
INJURED WORKERS ADVOCATES INC. 1993 – 2001
President & CEO
- Established and managed a consulting firm that assisted injured workers with settlements of contentious workers’ compensation personal injury claims and vocational rehabilitation.
- Successfully negotiated complex personal injury insurance settlements.
- Routinely represented clients appearing before judicial panels.
NOTARY PUBLIC & COMMISSIONER OF OATHS 2001 – Present
- Drafted, reviewed and commissioned legal documents for constituents.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & DESIGNATIONS:
- The Executive Council of Alberta (ECA)
- Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D)
- Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
ALBERTA SAFETY COUNCIL 2019 – Present
Board Member
- Statutory Council, mandated to research, develop and certify public safety procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.
NO STONE LEFT ALONE 2016 – Present
Board Member – International & Intergovernmental Relations
- Canadian Foundation working directly with Canadian Armed Forces, foreign Armed Forces, and international community of Educators to educate youth about the heroic acts of Canadian military and to honour fallen soldiers that lay in Fields of Honour across the world.
CASTLE DOWNS RECREATIONAL SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL (CDRSI) 2009 – Present
Founder / Chair / Volunteer
- The CDRSI volunteer organization reconstructs refurbished Canadian children’s playgrounds in developing countries. To date, this organization has constructed $2.8 million in child-play equipment in 4 countries.
- Projects completed: Philippines (2010), Vietnam (2013), Nicaragua (2016) Cambodia (2018)
POLISH CANADIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2012 – Present
Board Member – Government Relations
- Organization mandated to research, collect, and archive the history of settlement of Poles in Alberta.
UNITED FOR UKRAINE 2022 – Present
Co-Founder / Volunteer
- Co-organized and executed a $35 million humanitarian aid shipment to Ukraine, consisting of medical equipment, search and rescue equipment, medications, food, and clothing. Airlifted 79 Ukrainian refugees to Canada.
DECORATIONS & AWARDS:
- The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of outstanding community service
- The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of outstanding community service
- The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of outstanding humanitarian service to Ukraine
- Honorary Testimonial for Bravery and Lifesaving – Royal Canadian Humane Association (2009)
- Alberta Centennial Medal in recognition of service to the Province of Alberta
- The Priory of Canada of the Most Vulnerable Order of St. John – Life Saving Award (2009)
- The Priory of Canada of the Most Vulnerable Order of St. John – Life Saving Award (2015)
- Distinguished Alumni Award – Concordia University College of Alberta
- Lifetime Honorary Member of Alberta School Boards’ Association
- Republic of Poland Retired Air Force Pilots’ Association – XX Jubilee Medal of Recognition
- Integrity Award – awarded by Rotarians of Canada in recognition of humanitarian service
- Ukraine Crisis Humanitarian Aid Award 2023 – awarded by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in recognition of initiating, organizing, and airlifting to Ukraine a $35 million humanitarian aid shipment, as well as transporting Ukrainian refugees to Canada.
- Top 50 Most Influential Albertans (Venture Magazine 2013)
EDUCATION:
- A Bachelor of Education – B.Ed., Secondary, University of Alberta 1993
- Completed the ICD Program – Executive Business Education 2015
- ICD.D – Institute of Corporate Directors – Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto) 2016
Select Media Articles:
//odessa-journal.com/public/two-canadians-collected-more-than-30-million-dollars-for-ukraine
//beta.ctvnews.ca/local/edmonton/2022/3/21/1_5828440.amp.html
//edmontonsun.com/2014/08/18/alberta-pc-leadership-hopeful-comes-to-womans-rescue
//calgaryherald.com/news/lukaszuk-rushes-to-aid-of-woman-suffering-seizure
//edmontonsun.com/2016/10/31/forbes-local-community-building-playgrounds-across-the-globe
//www.bnaibrith.ca/two-victories-today-in-the-fight-against-antisemitism/
//www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/edmonton-police-use-soccer-to-bridge-gap-with-somalis-1.817656
//edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/lukaszuk-lone-tory-to-vote-against-bill-10
//www.lakelandtoday.ca/amp/bonnyville-news/local-priest-charged-in-immigration-scam-1903223