Following a cabinet reshuffle on May 16, Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin MLA Rick Wilson was officially sworn in as the new Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.
Wilson has served as the minister of Indigenous Relations for the past six years.
"With a deep commitment to mental health and addiction recovery, I am eager to bring my experience and compassion to this new ministry," said Wilson in a Facebook post after being sworn in.
Wilson was first elected as an MLA on April 16, 2019 and was appointed as minister of Indigenous Relations shortly afterwards. He was re-elected on May 29, 2023 and continued on as minister.
Wilson grew up in he Summer Village of Ma-Me-O Beach, attending school with members of the First Nations of Maskwacis.
Previous to being elected as MLA, he served as a County of Wetaskiwin councillor for 15 years, as a chairman of the Crossroads Regional Health Authority for seven years, a member of the Western Canadian Agriculture Debt Review Board for six years and as a school board trustee with Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools for five years.
During his time as minister of Indigenous Relations, Wilson sponsored two bills: Bill 57, the Metis Settlements Amendment Act and Bill 14, the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation Act.
"To my fantastic Indigenous Relations team: It was the honour of my life to work with so many dedicated and wonderful people across the Ministry," Wilson continued in his post.
"With your sage advice and assistance, we have made a positive impact in so many lives. I am forever grateful for your support."
Wilson also congratulated Rajan Sawhney, MLA for Calgary North-West, who will now be taking over the Indigenous Relations portfolio.
"I know that I am leaving the ministry in the most caring and capable hands," said Wilson.
The cabinet and caucus leadership changes came following the resignation of the Ric McIver from his position as minister of Municipal Affairs in order to serve as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.
Premier Danielle Smith touted the changes as the "critical next step" to refocus Alberta's health care system as each of the four health care agencies now each have their own minister.
Minister LaGrange will continue to oversee the health care re-focusing efforts as Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services.
“I’m pleased to continue the important work of re-focusing our health care system with the support of my colleagues," said LaGrange in a press release.
"Moving forward, we will work together to ensure that patients in our health care system have an integrated seamless experience and get the care they need when and where they need it.”
