Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks is a smart conservative serving his constituents as a member of the Stephen Harper Conservative Government.

The first-term MP and owner of Sparwood Bowl & Billiards, is a retired RCMP officer and former Mayor of Sparwood and chair of the Regional District of East Kootenay board of directors.

And on March 12, while promoting a government program, he stood in Parliament and admitted a painful truth about himself – his name is David and he was an alcoholic.

“On January 27 and 28 of this year, individuals from across Canada came together in Ottawa to create a united vision for what addiction recovery means in Canada. Hosted by CCSA (Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse), one of their declared visions was that recovery is real, available, attainable and sustainable,” Wilks stated March 12 in Parliament.

“Mr. Speaker, I bring this to your attention because just over 26 years ago, I took my last drink. My life had spiralled out of control. But, by the grace of God, I stand before you and all Canadians to give hope to all those who still suffer with addiction, that they can find a path which will provide them with a daily reprieve from their addiction.

“Today I can tell you that I would not trade my best day drunk for my worst day sober.

“Today I reach my hand out to help anyone in need, rather than pushing them away.

“But most importantly I accept life as it is, not how I think it should be. May we all come together and support those in recovery,” Wilks concluded.

For more on ‘A National Commitment to Recovery from the Disease of Addiction in Canada’ click HERE.

Lead image: David Wilks addresses Parliament March 12. Photo submitted

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