Wally Andersen facts for kids

Wally Andersen was born on July 31, 1951. He is a politician from the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. He was a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, which is like a provincial parliament. He was first elected in 1996 for the area called Torngat Mountains. He was chosen by voters two more times after that.

Early Life and Public Service

Wally Andersen was born in Makkovik, a community in Labrador. His parents were Edgar Andersen and Muriel Lucy. He went to school in North West River. In 1975, he married Marie Delaney.

Before becoming a politician, Wally Andersen worked as a manager. He managed government stores in Labrador from 1974 to 1996. He also served on the town council for Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Wally Andersen was very involved in his community. He spent 12 years as the president of the local hockey association.

Serving in the Provincial Government

Wally Andersen was a member of the Liberal Party. He was first elected to the House of Assembly in 1996. He represented the Torngat Mountains area. This area is a "riding," which is a specific geographic area that a politician represents. He served in this role for many years.

In 2007, Wally Andersen left his position in the legislature. The Torngat Mountains riding then needed a new representative. His nephew, Randy Edmunds, and his niece, Lela Evans, later served as the MHA for that area.

Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay

After his time in provincial politics, Wally Andersen continued to serve his community. In 2016, he won a special election to join the town council of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He was re-elected to the council in 2017. After that election, he became the Deputy Mayor.

In December 2017, the Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, John Hickey, passed away. Wally Andersen then became the acting Mayor. He was officially named Mayor in early 2018. He served as Mayor until August 2021. At that time, he announced he would not run for re-election.

Serving the Nunatsiavut Assembly

In May 2022, Wally Andersen was elected to the Nunatsiavut Assembly. This assembly is the government for the Inuit region of Nunatsiavut in Labrador. He represents the Upper Lake Melville area. This area includes Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Mud Lake, and North West River.

He serves in the assembly alongside other family members. His brother, Anthony Andersen, represents Nain. His nephew, Thomas Evans, represents Makkovik. Wally Andersen won his seat by defeating the previous member, Marlene Winters-Wheeler. He serves with Gerald Asivak, who also won a seat for the district.