Paul Ramsey was appointed Minister of Finance and Corporate Relations on September 21, 1999. He was appointed Minister Responsible for Northern Development on November 1, 2000.

He previously served as Minister of Education from February 1998 to September 1999; Minister of Education, Skills and Training from January 1997 to February 1998 and from February to June 1996; Minister of Environment, Lands and Parks from June 1996 to January 1997; and Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Seniors from September 1993 to February 1996. Before those appointments, he served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forests.

Mr. Ramsey was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1991 and re-elected in 1996. He represents the riding of Prince George North.

Before his election as an MLA, Mr. Ramsey worked for 20 years as an instructor and administrator at colleges and universities in Canada and the United States. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Ramsey completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in English in the United States before enrolling in 1971 at the University of British Columbia, where he did further graduate work and taught.

From 1987 to 1989, Mr. Ramsey served as president of the College-Institute Educators Association of B.C. He has served on regional and provincial education bodies, and he is currently on leave from the College of New Caledonia in Prince George.

Paul and Hazel Ramsey have two adult children, Paul and Ann.