David is currently the Director of Provincial-911 Division at the Emergency Management Office for the province of Nova Scotia.

David was trained and previously worked as paramedic in Nova Scotia for over ten years.

He took a leave of absence in 2003 after being elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature and was re-elected in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017 for the riding of Sackville-Cobequid. Throughout his 15 years as MLA, David has served many roles including Minister of Health & Wellness, Minister of Acadian Affairs, Minister of Communities Culture & Heritage and House Leader.

He was educated at Saint Mary’s University, University of Pennsylvania, and received his Diploma as an Emergency Medical Technician at the School of Allied Health in Halifax. He is currently enrolled at Simon Fraser University in the First Responders Trauma Prevention and Recovery Certificate program.

David has been a tireless advocate for improve access to mental health services for first responders and was instrumental in having first responders receive presumptive workers compensation coverage when diagnosed with PTSD. He also introduced the “Move Over” legislation that requires motorist in Nova Scotia to reduce their speed and move to an open lane when they come upon any emergency vehicles on a Nova Scotia highway.

David is married to his wife Penney for the past 27 years and they have two young adult  children and a rescue dog named Boots.