Parsons received a Civil Engineering degree from Carleton University in 1969, and was employed by the Ministry of Transportation from 1969 to 1974, and taught Technology courses at Loyalist College from 1974 to 1999.

He also worked as a farmer, and was a board member of the Hastings County Children's Aid Society for twenty-five years and its chair for three.

The Liberals won the 2003 provincial election, and Parsons was re-elected in Prince Edward—Hastings by over 10,000 votes over Tory John Williams.

The law requires establishments to display a sign warning of the dangers of consuming alcohol while pregnant.

[5] As the appointment occurred within six months of the 2007 provincial election, scheduled for October, there was no by-election to fill the vacancy.