Workplace Mental Health

Michael Perry

Michael Perry, RPN, is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse with nearly four decades of experience in psychiatric and mental health care, beginning his career in 1985. Currently working for Recovery Alberta in Inpatient Forensic and Acute Adult Services as well as Corrections Health - Addictions and Mental Health.  Stared a career in Psychiatry in 1985at Alberta Hospital Ponoka and this year will mark 40 continuous years of service in this field.  Born in Ponoka, Alberta, he studied at the University of Calgary and MacEwan University (formerly Grant MacEwan Community College).

Michael currently serves as President of UNA Local 183, where he also leads Occupational Health & Safety, co-chairs the Professional Responsibility Committee and the Education Committee, and acts as Grievance Lead. Provincially he has founded and chair the UNA Mental Health Workers Caucus and is founder and a tri-chair of the Pride Caucus, and serves on the UNA Provincial Trial Committee. He is also a member of the Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses and past chair of the Alberta Federation of Labour IDEAs Committee.

Through these platforms, Michael has championed the adoption of the Psychological Safety Standard in various work settings in Alberta, and specifically Alberta’s psychiatric and mental health workplaces, securing commitments from Recovery Alberta for its rollout. He has also advanced national advocacy for expanding Registered Psychiatric Nursing practice across Canada’s provinces and territories.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys curling, relaxing by the fire, and spending time with his family—including his mother, two sisters and their families, and his beloved adopted “son.”