Derek has served his constituents in the Nova Scotia Legislature since 2015, and has held a number of consequential portfolios in Cabinet. He has served as the Minister of Municipal Affairs; Energy and Mines; Lands and Forestry; Education and Early Childhood Development.
Derek attended Cape Breton University and served as both President and Vice-President of the Student Union. He also worked as the coordinator of entrepreneurship support initiatives for Cape Breton University and the Nova Scotia Community College. For four years, Derek served on Cape Breton Regional Municipality council before successfully running as MLA for Sydney-Whitney Pier in 2015. Derek is a proud resident of Sydney, Cape Breton, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.
Currently, Derek serves as House Leader, and is the Shadow Minister for Economic Development; Tourism. As well, he is a member of the Assembly Matters Committee and of the House of Assembly Management Commission.