Lorne Kusugak facts for kids

Lorne Kusugak is a Canadian politician from Nunavut. He is a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Rankin Inlet South. Before becoming an MLA, he was the mayor of Rankin Inlet. Mr. Kusugak has also served as a minister in the Nunavut government, looking after things like community services and energy.

He was first elected in 2008 for the area of Rankin Inlet South/Whale Cove. In the 2013 election, Mr. Kusugak and another candidate, Alexander Sammurtok, had a tie vote. This meant they had to have another special election, called a by-election. Mr. Sammurtok won that by-election. However, in the 2017 election, Mr. Kusugak won the seat back from Mr. Sammurtok.

About Lorne Kusugak

Early Life and Career

Lorne Kusugak was born in Rankin Inlet. At that time, Rankin Inlet was part of the Northwest Territories. He was one of 11 children. His father worked with heavy equipment, and his mother was a homemaker and seamstress.

In the mid-1970s, Mr. Kusugak went to high school in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Later, he returned to Rankin Inlet to help his mother. His first job was with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). He was the first CBC reporter in his hometown. For the next 15 years, Mr. Kusugak worked as a CBC broadcaster. He worked in Rankin Inlet and also in Iqaluit. While working there, he helped start the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation. This TV broadcaster shows programs mostly in Inuktitut.

His Political Journey

Mr. Kusugak has held important leadership roles. He was the Chief Executive Officer of the Nunavut Implementation Training Committee. He also served as the Executive Director of the Kivalliq Inuit Association.

He was the Mayor of Rankin Inlet for six years, serving three terms. After that, he was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. This happened in the 2008 election. He represented the area of Rankin Inlet South/Whale Cove. Mr. Kusugak won against the person who was already in office, Levinia Brown. She was also the Deputy Premier of Nunavut.

During his first term as an MLA, he had several important jobs. He was the Government House Leader. He also served as the Minister of Community and Government Services. He was also the Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission.

Mr. Kusugak was re-elected on October 30, 2017. He now represents the area of Rankin Inlet South in the 5th Legislative Assembly. In this term, he has been the Minister of Community and Government Services. He was also the Minister of Human Resources. He was the Minister Responsible for Suicide Prevention and for Seniors. In November 2020, Premier Joe Savikataaq made Mr. Kusugak the Minister of Health. This meant he was in charge of Nunavut's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Personal Life

Lorne Kusugak is married to his wife, Sally. They have three daughters: Kandace, Nuatii, and Terrie.