Percy Paris facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honorable Percy Paris ECNS
Member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank
In office June 13, 2006 – October 8, 2013
Preceded by	Gary Hines
Succeeded by	Bill Horne
Minister of Economic and Rural Development
In office June 19, 2009 – May 9, 2013
Preceded by	Angus MacIsaac
Succeeded by	Graham Steele
Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Heritage
In office June 19, 2009 – May 9, 2013
Preceded by	Bill Dooks
Succeeded by	Graham Steele
Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs
In office June 19, 2009 – May 9, 2013
Preceded by	Barry Barnet
Succeeded by	Maureen MacDonald
Personal details
Born	1947/1948 (age 77–78) Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada
Political party	NDP
Residences	Windsor Junction, Nova Scotia, Canada
Occupation	small business owner, university administrator

Percy Alonzo Paris is a former Canadian politician from Nova Scotia. He served as a member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 2006 to 2013. During his time in politics, he represented the area of Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank for the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party.

Percy Paris was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Before becoming a politician, he had many different jobs. He owned a small business, including a local publication called the Jet Journal. He also worked for the City of Halifax and as a scout for hockey leagues. Later, he worked at Dalhousie University. There, he helped with diversity programs and advised Black students. He also taught about Black History.

Percy Paris was very active in his community. He volunteered a lot and received a human rights award. This award recognized his efforts to bring people together through sports. He was also part of many different groups and boards. These included groups focused on business, disability awareness, and community learning centers.

Percy Paris's Political Journey

Starting in Politics

In 2006, Percy Paris decided to enter politics. He successfully sought the nomination for the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party. This meant he was chosen to represent the party in the Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank area.

He won the election in 2006, becoming a member of the provincial legislature. He defeated the person who held the seat before him, Gary Hines. Percy Paris was re-elected in the 2009 provincial election. He received more than half of the votes. During his time in the legislature, he was the only African-Nova Scotian elected.

Working for Nova Scotia

From 2006 to 2009, Percy Paris was part of the official opposition. This means his party was not in charge, but they kept an eye on the government. He was a "critic" for education and African Nova Scotian affairs. This role meant he spoke for his party on these topics.

In June 2009, Percy Paris was asked to join the Executive Council of Nova Scotia. This is like being a minister in the government. He became the Minister of Economic and Rural Development. He also served as the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Heritage. Additionally, he was the Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

Leaving Government Service

In May 2013, Percy Paris resigned from his government roles. He explained that he "lost his composure" during an event at the House of Assembly. He later stated that he had a "heated exchange" with another member of the legislature. He expressed regret for losing his temper.

After this, Percy Paris did not run for re-election in the 2013 provincial election. He placed third in his riding.