Percy Paris facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Percy Paris
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 was a member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, which is like the provincial parliament. He represented the area of Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank for the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party (NDP) from 2006 to 2013.

About Percy Paris

Early Life and Work

Percy Paris was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Before becoming a politician, he had many different jobs. He owned a bar and a local newspaper called the Jet Journal. He also worked for the City of Halifax.

Percy Paris was a hockey scout for two major leagues. He also worked at Dalhousie University. There, he helped Black students and taught about Black History.

Helping the Community

Percy Paris has always been active in his community. He volunteered for many groups. He even received an award for human rights. This award recognized his efforts to bring people together through sports.

He was part of several important boards. These included the Black Business Initiative and the Network for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities. He worked to support different groups in Nova Scotia.

Percy Paris's Political Journey

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 2006, Percy Paris decided to run for politics. He joined the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party. He won the election in his area, Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank. He defeated the person who held the seat before him.

He was re-elected in 2009. During this time, he was the only African-Nova Scotian elected to the provincial legislature.

Working as a Minister

From 2006 to 2009, Percy Paris was part of the opposition party. He spoke for the NDP on education and African Nova Scotian affairs.

In 2009, he became a Minister in the government. This means he was in charge of certain departments. He served as Minister of Economic and Rural Development. He was also Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. Additionally, he was the Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

A Change in His Political Role

In May 2013, Percy Paris resigned from his Minister roles. This happened after an incident at the House of Assembly. He later explained that he "lost his composure" during a discussion with another member.

He said he regretted losing his temper for a few seconds. After this, he was not re-elected in the 2013 provincial election.