Post by : Meena Ariff

Rob Lantz has officially announced his resignation as the 34th premier of Prince Edward Island, declaring his intention to vie for the permanent leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party. Speaking to supporters in Charlottetown, he deemed his time as premier as the “honour of my life,” emphasizing his dedication to the province's future.

This announcement follows the party's confirmation of its leadership convention set for February 7 at the Eastlink Centre. According to party regulations, Lantz needed to resign as interim leader within ten days of the convention to run for the top position.

Since assuming the role of interim premier and party leader in February, after Dennis King's resignation, Lantz had refrained from disclosing his plans regarding a permanent candidacy.

Lantz revealed on Thursday that his decision was finalized earlier in the week, following a successful byelection in District 2, where PC candidate Brendan Curran won against Liberal Leader Robert Mitchell. Lantz interpreted this outcome as a sign of ongoing public trust in the government.

While he acknowledged the weight of leading the province made his choice challenging, Lantz noted he had consulted with Islanders, party members, and caucus colleagues extensively over the past months.

He also announced that Deputy Premier Bloyce Thompson will be inaugurated as the 35th premier of the province on Friday. Thompson, who manages various portfolios including justice and agriculture, will be P.E.I.’s third premier within a year.

With Lantz's entry into the leadership contest, the race for the PC leadership now includes two candidates. Mark Ledwell, a lawyer, had declared his intention to run earlier this year. Lantz remarked that suggestions of an unfair advantage due to his premiership are unwarranted, asserting his focus has been on governance rather than campaigning.

Current PC MLAs are believed to back Lantz, while notable figures from Pat Binns’s administration, such as Binns, Jamie Ballem, and Jamie Fox, are endorsing Ledwell. The party anticipates a competitive leadership race, with nomination submissions due by December 24. Public forums will be held in each county starting mid-January.

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