Peter was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. After graduating with an Arts degree from Acadia University in 1987, Peter went on to study Law at Dalhousie University. He was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in June 1991.
With strong family ties to the local area, Peter returned to New Glasgow to open a private law practice specializing in criminal and family law. In 1993, he accepted an appointment as Crown Attorney for the Central Region of Nova Scotia. He prosecuted cases at all levels, including youth and provincial courts as well as the Supreme Court of Canada.
Frustrated by shortcomings in the justice system, particularly the impact crime has on victims; Peter decided that he could make the greatest difference in the place where the laws themselves were made – the Parliament of Canada.
Peter ran for federal office and was elected Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament for Pictou-Antigonish-Guysborough in June 1997. He was reelected
in November 2000. In February of 2004 he was nominated as the Conservative candidate in the riding of Central Nova and was again reelected in June 2004.
On May31st 2003 Peter became Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. In March, 2004, following the unification of the Progressive Conservative Party and the Canadian Alliance Party, Peter was named the Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and was renamed Deputy Leader following the June 2004 election. He has also recently been named Public Security and Emergency Preparedness Critic and is currently a member of the Interim Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
Long sensitive to the strength and health of his community, Peter has served on volunteer boards including New Leaf and Tearmann House. As well he has been active in Big Brothers-Big Sisters, the Pictou County Senior Rugby Club and the YMCA.
A sports enthusiast, Peter is active in rugby, baseball, football and hockey.
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