 During this period Paris was the only African-Nova Scotian elected to the provincial legislature.While serving as a member of the official opposition from 2006-2009, Paris was the NDP's critic for Education and Early Childhood Development, as well as African Nova Scotian Affairs.On June 19, 2009 Paris was appointed to the Executive Council of Nova Scotia where he served as Minister of Economic and Rural Development, as well as Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, and as Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs.