On May 16, Rick Wilson was sworn in to office. He was recently appointed Alberta’s new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. Wilson’s background in public service is extensive. He’s pledged to take the lead on new measures to improve the province’s rehabilitation efforts and recovery methods within the field of addiction. He was the Minister of Indigenous Relations for more than four years. This experience made him acutely aware of the needs and challenges faced by communities of color.
Representing the Maskwacîs-Wetaskiwin riding south of Edmonton, Wilson comes to this new role with a unique perspective shaped by personal experiences. Since then, he’s been candid about his battle with addiction and the hopelessness that preceded it. His own journey has heavily influenced his perspective on mental health. It has inspired him to make the recovery-oriented system for Albertans with addiction issues that saved his life.
One of Wilson’s key mandates, in his new position, is to promote and support that Alberta Recovery Model. This model is one that prioritizes prevention of addiction, early intervention, and access to comprehensive treatment. It sets itself apart from an approach centered solely on harm reduction. Wilson is intent on pushing for quicker implementation of this sort of system. It’s intentionally crafted to provide holistic support for people in recovery from addiction.
He was Alberta’s longest-serving Minister of Indigenous Relations from 2019 – 2025. This experience has provided him useful perspectives on why culturally appropriate approaches are critical. He thinks it’s important to add an Indigenous lens to mental health and addiction strategies—especially right now. His experience is ideally suited toward this point of view. Finally, it spotlights emerging recognition of Indigenous recovery models that have been effective for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike.
Rick Wilson’s deeply personal story only amplifies his professional mission. At the time, he was in the midst of a traumatic, near-fatal motorcycle accident. As a result, he broke his neck and back, fractured ribs, and had collapsed lungs. The mishap caused him to use a wheelchair for a year. This difficult experience deepened his understanding of the struggles of addiction and the road to recovery. What still stands out to him is the memory of praying for his suffering to end during his lowest points. These experiences have deeply marked his life.
In his new position, Wilson sees an opportunity to place listening at the center of a new approach to tackling addiction. He admits that government often fails at this important last mile, and that a lack of coordination can doom even the best ideas to failure. By connecting with people through open dialogue, listening, and empathizing, he intends to create a plan that speaks to everyone impacted by addiction.
Wilson is currently personally managing projects at 11 sites around Alberta. It is a major plank of his plans for the Alberta Recovery Model. These sites, as well as Red Deer, Gunn, Lethbridge and Calgary, will all be up and running this coming summer. Each site will serve as a local anchor. It will provide care, guidance and healing services tailored to the unique needs of those who choose to walk the path of recovery.
Wilson’s vision for addiction treatment is clear: he seeks to create a system that not only addresses immediate needs but fosters long-term healing and resilience. He envisions a system of resources focused on early intervention and holistic health care. Working toward this vision will in turn help build healthier communities across Alberta.
