Melanson was born in 1940 at Meteghan Centre, Digby County, Nova Scotia.[2] A graduate of the University of New Brunswick, Melanson was an athletic director.[2] He entered provincial politics in the 1981 election, defeating Progressive Conservative Guy LeBlanc by 55 votes in the Clare riding.[3] Melanson was defeated by LeBlanc when he ran for re-election in 1984.[4]
In October 2008, Melanson was awarded the Order of La Pléiade, which was given to honour Acadian and Francophone community leaders, and Members of the Legislative Assembly.[5]