He volunteered as a firefighter with HRM Fire and Emergency Services and the Sackville Fire Department, where he has held several key executive positions including vice-chairman of the department.[3]
Member of the Legislative Assembly
Role in Opposition
From 2005 to 2008, while in opposition, Wilson performed the critic roles for Heritage and Culture, Tourism, Heritage Act, and Housing and Communications until August 2005, when he was named the critic for Health.[4]
Introduction of Bills
Wilson introduced several bills while in opposition, including amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act which would require drivers on highways without a median barrier to slow to 50 km/h when passing a motor vehicle accident where authorities are present,[5] the Health Protection Act which would require the Minister of Health to develop a pre-surgery care program for each district health authorities,[6] and the Volunteer Services Act which suggested that ‘good Samaritans rendering service or assistance under this Act are not responsible for the payment of fees associated with rendering that service or assistance.’[7] Each of these bills was blocked by the Conservative government at the time and did not escalate past the 1st reading.[8]
Member of the Executive Council of Nova Scotia
On January 11, 2011, Wilson was appointed to the Executive Council of Nova Scotia as Minister of a newly amalgamated Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage.[9]
As Minister, Wilson released Nova Scotia's first strategic Arts and Culture 5-Year plan.[10]
On March 27, 2012, Wilson appointed members to the first Arts Nova Scotia board.[11] The board is composed of eleven Nova Scotians from across the arts sector and is part of the province's five-point plan on arts and culture released in February 2011.[10] Nine years prior, a similar group existed under the Conservative government, however it was dismantled, stating that the move would cut administrative costs and artists would receive the money directly.[12]
On May 30, 2012, Premier Darrell Dexter shuffled his cabinet, moving Maureen MacDonald to the Finance portfolio, making way for Wilson to take over as Minister of Health and Minister of Acadian Affairs.[13]
Return to Opposition
Wilson was re-elected in the 2013 election,[14][15] but returned to opposition as the New Democrats finished third.[16] On June 7, 2015, Wilson announced his intention to seek the leadership of the NS NDP at the party's 2016 leadership convention.[17][18] On February 27, 2016, Wilson was defeated in his bid for the leadership, finishing third on the first ballot.[19]
