The Honourable Michel P. Samson, ECNS
MLA - Richmond
Critic Responsibilities:Immigration
Justice
Human Rights Act
Insurance Act
“Low voter turn-out is a dangerous thing. History shows us that when the public becomes disengaged, people take advantage of that. Participation in the democratic process is a cornerstone of a strong government.”
Michel P. Samson is a native of Petit-de-Grat, Richmond County and spent his formative years working in the fishery while attending school. He became a member of the Nova Scotia Liberal party at the age of fourteen and remained very active both locally and provincially with the Young Liberals.
He was elected MLA in March, 1998 at twenty-five years old, becoming the second youngest member ever elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. In December, 1998 he was named Minister of the Environment, and thus became the youngest cabinet minister in the history of the Province of Nova Scotia. Michel has subsequently won re-election in 1999, 2003, 2006 and 2009.
Michel has a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Dalhousie University, graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 1997 with a specialization in Marine Law and was admitted to the Nova Scotia Barrister's Society in November, 1998. He is currently an associate lawyer with the Strait Area law firm Boudrot Rodgers.
Michel has played key roles for the Liberal Caucus, including Interim Leader of the Liberal Party from June 2006 to April 2007. He has been a valuable voice around the caucus table on issues relating to justice, energy and seniors care. Dedicated to the democratic process and increasing voter participation, Michel recently chaired an all-party committee that examined low voter turnout in Nova Scotia provincial elections.
A proud Acadian, Michel has been very active as a French parliamentarian and has acted as an observer for Presidential elections in Senegal, Africa on two occasions. He was also a presenter at parliamentary seminars held in Gabon and Vanuatu. Michel held the position of charge de mission for the American Region of l'Assemble Parlementaire Francophone from July, 2005 to July, 2009.
Michel married Claudine Bardsley on October 2nd, 2004.
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