He represented the electoral district of Yarmouth in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1998 to 1999.
Deveau is a personal-care worker, who was employed at an adult residential centre before entering provincial politics.
[1] Deveau defeated incumbent Richie Hubbard and former MLA Alex McIntosh to win the Yarmouth riding for the NDP in the 1998 provincial election,[2][3] becoming the first New Democrat to ever win a seat in western Nova Scotia.
[6][7] Deveau attempted to win back the seat in the 2006 election, but was again defeated by Hurlburt.
[8] In 2010, Hurlburt resigned as MLA, and Deveau won the NDP nomination for the by-election held to replace him.