Wally Andersen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wally Andersen
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| Member of the Nunatsiavut Assembly for Upper Lake Melville | |
| Assumed office 2022 Serving with Gerald Asivak
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| Preceded by | Marlene Winters-Wheeler |
| Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay | |
| In office December 15, 2017 – October 4, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | John Hickey |
| Succeeded by | George Andrews |
| Member of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly for Torngat Mountains |
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| In office 1996–2007 |
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| Preceded by | William Andersen III |
| Succeeded by | Patty Pottle |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 31, 1951 Makkovik, Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouse | Marie |
| Residences | Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador |
Wally Andersen (born July 31, 1951) is a well-known leader from Newfoundland and Labrador. He has served his community in many important ways. These roles include being a Member of the House of Assembly, the Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and currently, a member of the Nunatsiavut Assembly.
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Early Life and Community Work
Wally Andersen was born in Makkovik, Labrador, on July 31, 1951. His parents were Edgar Andersen and Muriel Lucy. He grew up and received his education in North West River.
In 1975, he married Marie Delaney. Before entering politics, Wally worked as a manager for government stores in Labrador. He held this position from 1974 to 1996. He was also a member of the town council for Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Wally showed his dedication to sports by serving as president of the local hockey association for 12 years.
Serving in the House of Assembly
Wally Andersen became a Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) for the Liberal Party. He was first elected in 1996 to represent the Torngat Mountains area. This is a large electoral district in Newfoundland and Labrador.
He was re-elected two more times, serving his community for many years. His time as an MHA ended in 2007. Later, his nephew Randy Edmunds and niece Lela Evans also served as MHAs for the Torngat Mountains.
Leading Happy Valley-Goose Bay
After his time in the provincial assembly, Wally continued his public service. In 2016, he won a special election to join the Happy Valley-Goose Bay town council. He was re-elected to the council in the regular municipal elections held in 2017.
Following this, he became the Deputy Mayor. In December 2017, after the passing of Mayor John Hickey, Wally Andersen stepped in as the acting Mayor. He was officially named Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay in early 2018. He served as Mayor until October 2021, when he decided not to seek re-election.
Role in the Nunatsiavut Assembly
In May 2022, Wally Andersen was elected to the Nunatsiavut Assembly. This assembly represents the Inuit self-governing region of Nunatsiavut in Labrador. He represents the Upper Lake Melville district. This district includes Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Mud Lake, and North West River.
He serves alongside Gerald Asivak, who was also elected from the same district. His brother, Anthony Andersen, represents Nain, and his nephew, Thomas Evans, represents Makkovik in the assembly.
