MEET DUSTIN REKUNYK

A LEADER READY TO FIGHT & DRIVE CHANGE

As a proud Nova Scotian and proud father, Dustin carries his values into places where conviction is tested by fire. He has lived life on the edge of consequence, stepping forward when others stepped back, not for glory but because his values demanded action. He is a soldier shaped by the weight of real combat, a fighter who has stood firm when the cost was measured in heartbeats, and a defender who has put everything on the line for what he believes in.

He has walked through moments that could have broken him, yet he emerged a survivor. Dustin is scarred, sharpened, and unshakably committed. His passion isn’t abstract; it’s lived, earned, and driven by the people he protects and the principles he refuses to surrender. He advocates with the same intensity he once fought with, because he knows exactly what those values are worth.

Dustin fought not out of anger, but out of duty to defend, to protect, to uphold what he knew was right. Dustin is now taking that passion to Nova Scotia politics and continuing to fight for what he believes is right - the people of Nova Scotia

HIS STORY

Dustin was born the youngest of three kids (and the only boy) to a hard-working and devoted mother;
Third-generation Canadian Ukrainian, spending summers with his Ukrainian great-grandmother. Dustin grew up listening to her stories about home with pride, ate amazing Ukrainian food, and learned so much from her;
A survivour of years of childhood sexual assault from a family member;
Dustin is an avid hockey fan and played at a high level when he was younger. At 14, he received a full hockey scholarship to the well-known Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan;
Dustin found passion in the early days of Phreaking, early internet culture, networks, annoying his sisters with dial-up, and getting into places online that he shouldn't have, and not getting caught.

CHILDHOOD

In 2007, Dustin enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces, taking his Oath in downtown Halifax;
Dustin joined the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), the greatest Battalion in the greatest Infantry Regiment (according to him);
Dustin credits 3PPCLI with saving his life and reflects fondly on the incredible people and fellow Patricias he met during his time in the Regiment. He is a very proud Dirty Patricia;
Dustin transitioned to Intelligence in 2013, focusing on cyber warfare. He was posted to Kingston, where he worked in a Joint Intelligence organization focused on Strategic global events;
Dustin was posted to Ottawa in 2017, where he worked alongside incredible people engaged in Strategic cyberwarfare and engaging adversary APT groups in both offensive and defensive operations. Dustin has briefed numerous senior stakeholders over his career, providing relevant and timely Intelligence to help guide Canada through a world in choas.

SOLDIER

Dustin was medically released from the CAF in 2021 with a PTSD diagnosis;
Dustin has volunteered and supported Veterans support groups focused on Veterans homelessness, Mental Health wellness;
Dustin routinely connects and talks to Veterans so they remain connected and have support during times of need;
Dustin is passionate about showing the potential of Veterans and breaking down barriers and misconceptions about Veterans, PTSD, and other cognitive issues.

VETERAN

Dustin answered Zelenskyy's call in 2022 and headed to Ukraine to fight as a foreign fighter. Dustin opted not to join the International Legion as it wasn't properly stood up. He ended up in Ukraine with a group of foreign fighters focused on helping protect Ukraine's Eastern Front. Dustin saw intense combat operations, engaging and eliminating Russian personnel. He came back to Canada after getting injured by Russian artillery near the end of April 2022;
Dustin has conducted numerous human trafficking, child sex trafficking, and exploitation investigations, with his reports being consumed by federal and international policing agencies for further action. He has been outspoken in the need for better investigations and resources;
Dustin has fought and advocated for increased support and advancements focused on positive health for men and boys, and is hopeful in Ottawa's work towards a National Men's Health Strategy.

FIGHTER

Dustin has consulted on groups and organizations such as 764, CVLT, the True Crime Community (TCC), the Edgesphere and other digital threats to minors;
Dustin has connected with numerous non-profits, government agencies, critical personnel, and others focused on countering digital threats, early intervention, and specialized research;
Dustin has deep knowledge regarding bills and legislation focused on digitally protecting minors. He sees value in this intent, but believes global government actions have fallen well short of these intentions;
Dustin believes that Nova Scotia can be a Centre of Excellence in research and combatting modern digital threats, bringing together many different sectors and youth voices to address issues.

DIGITAL ADVOCATE

OUR SHARED VALUES

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Building Nova Scotia's future requires our collective strength. Whether you have questions, feedback, or a desire to volunteer, our team is here to connect. Let's work together to drive the transformational change our province deserves.