Born and raised in Northwestern Ontario, Rusnak has deep roots in Thunder Bay–Rainy River, and as the son of Ukrainian and Anishinaabe (Ojibway) parents.
Rusnak studied Political Science and Integrated Forest Resource Management at Lakehead University.
In 2001, Rusnak attended the University of Manitoba, Robson Hall Faculty of Law, and during his final year, attended Osgoode Hall Law School to study in the Intensive Program in Aboriginal Lands, Resources and Governments.
Rusnak has extensive professional experience drawing from his work in the forestry industry, public sector, and from his own legal practice.
While working with Manitoba Health, Rusnak helped to improve the delivery of healthcare services for Northern Manitobans, and as a Crown Prosecutor in Eastern Alberta, he prosecuted criminal and regulatory offences.