Dave has lived in Yellowknife since the age of 10, when his parents, Frank and Peggy Ramsay, moved to the north with their three sons from New Brunswick. He came up through the local school system at Ecole St. Joseph School and St. Patrick High School. He then attended the University of New Brunswick from 1991-1995, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.

Over the years, Dave has gained a broad range of experience in the world of small business. Since the age of 15, he helped in various family businesses and then operated his own business in the retail sector. In 1996, he was honoured to accept a national award for "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" from the Business Development Bank of Canada.

Acting on his long standing interest in politics, Dave ran for office on Yellowknife City Council and was elected twice – in 1997 and 2000. During that time, he also worked for the territorial government as a Tourism Development Officer in the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.

With solid political experience behind him, Dave focused his interest on territorial politics and was elected to the 15th Legislative Assembly as MLA for the riding of Kam Lake in November 2003 (2003-2007 term). He was re-elected to the 16th Legislative Assembly in the same riding in October 2007 (2007-2011 term).

Dave has always been an active community member in local organizations and clubs. He has sat on a variety of boards and committees over the years. From 1998-2002, he served as president of the Western Arctic Progressive Conservative Riding Association. He is an annual canvasser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, a regular participant in the annual Kid's Help Phone Bowl-a-thon and an active supporter of seniors activities in Yellowknife.

Dave was born on March 18, 1970 in Saint John, New Brunswick. In what spare time he has, Dave enjoys playing recreational hockey and golf, as well as spending time with his wife, Amanda, and their young sons, Malachi and Elijah.