Paul Oram was born in Gander and was raised in Glovertown, where he attended Glovertown Academy. After graduation he enrolled in college and was later awarded a diploma in Business Management.

In 1985, Mr. Oram married and moved to St. John's, where he joined the marketing branch of a medical company. One year afterwards, with a desire to own and operate his own business, Mr. Oram returned home to Glovertown where he started a construction company.

In 1994 Mr. Oram received his Funeral Director's licence and in 1996 purchased his first funeral home. Since that time, the business interests of Mr. Oram and his wife Karen have grown, acquiring an additional funeral home, personal care home facilities, and a travel agency.

Aside from his businesses, Mr. Oram has also been active as a volunteer. He has held various positions such as church appointments, school councillor, trustee with the Central Health Board, as well as Deputy Mayor of Glovertown.

Mr. Oram was elected to the House of Assembly as MHA for the Terra Nova District on October 21, 2003. Since being elected he spearheaded the establishment of the Red Tape Reduction Committee, and served as the committee Chair. He also served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier.

On October 9, 2007, he was reelected to the House of Assembly and on October 30 he was appointed Minister of Business.

On July 9, 2009, he was appointed Minister of Health and Community Services.

On October 7, 2009, Mr. Oram announced his resignation as Minister of Health and Community Services and Member of the House of Assembly for Terra Nova District effective immediately.