The Honourable Colton LeBlanc is Nova Scotia’s Minister of Growth, Development and Defence Industries and Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie.

First elected as MLA for Argyle-Barrington in 2019, he was re-elected as MLA for Argyle in 2021 and 2024. Raised in Quinan, he holds a Bachelor of Science from Université Sainte-Anne and previously worked as a paramedic in Nova Scotia.

Since entering government, Minister LeBlanc has held several portfolios, including Cyber Security and Digital Solutions, Service Nova Scotia, health infrastructure redevelopment and the Public Service Commission. Appointed Minister of Growth and Development in December 2024, his portfolio expanded in September 2026 to include Defence Industries, reflecting the sector’s growing strategic importance to Nova Scotia.