Richard joins Prairie Sky after 40 years of experience in elected office, social work, community leadership, private business and academia in Alberta. 

Most recently, Richard served two terms as the MLA for Edmonton-Rutherford from 2015 to 2023. While in government, he served as Minister of Indigenous Relations, NDP Caucus Chair, Deputy Chair of Committees and Deputy House Leader. As a minister, he served on the cabinet committees for the Fort McMurray Fire and the Alberta Climate Leadership plan. 

Prior to elected life, Richard has been involved in social work in a variety of professional roles: Tenured Instructor, University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work; Vice-President, Edmonton Catholic Services; Program Director, Edmonton Social Planning Council, and over 12 years in private practice. In addition, he has volunteered as a board member with the Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family, board president for the Edmonton Community Adult Learners Association, board member with the Professional Social Work Education Board, and a member of the Public Education Committee. 

Richard has a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta. 

Outside his professional pursuits, he and his spouse Kathaleen spend their time with their kids and family in Alberta and British Columbia, enjoying their new home away from home on the Sunshine Coast.