Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King has announced his resignation, with Education Minister Rob Lantz taking over as premier and interim Progressive Conservative leader.
King made the announcement at a press conference in Charlottetown on Feb. 20, saying he would step down as premier and leader of the province’s Progressive Conservative Party effective at noon on Feb. 21.
King cited a changing political landscape amid U.S. trade and tariff challenges as contributing factors in the decision, as well as the toll the job of premier has taken on his mental health.
He said that he had been mulling the decision for some time.
“I have felt for a while that, and I knew that, I had more runway behind me than I did in front of me,” King said. “Further complicated with the threats of tariffs and threats to our country’s sovereignty and economic uncertainty, and realizing that those aren’t going to be simple issues that are going to disappear in a few days or weeks.”
King was elected premier in 2019. His government was the first minority government in P.E.I. since 1890. The PCs were re-elected in 2023, this time forming a majority.
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During the announcement, King touted his record, saying some of the accomplishments he was most proud of include changes to health care and patient care, increasing basic personal tax exemptions, introducing programs to help with affordability and energy efficiency, and starting a hot lunch meal program for students.
“I stand here today knowing and feeling that there have been more positives than negative over the last six years,“ he said. ”Through all of those moments, whatever the situation, as your premier I’ve tried to be honest, upfront and sincere, and I’ve tried my very best to connect directly and genuinely with Islanders.”
He also spoke about the province hosting the Canada games in 2023, hiring more education staff, and ways his government worked to boost the economy to get more businesses operating and more people working.
Before being elected as premier, King worked as a journalist, communications advisor, entrepreneur, and industry executive.
During his speech, he thanked his wife, Jana, for the sacrifices she made to allow him to serve as premier. He also thanked his three children for their patience and understanding over the past six years.
For the next premier, King said his message is that “it’s a position that Islanders hold very dear, they keep a very close eye on you. And it’s a job that carries with it a heavy burden of responsibility.”
Education Minister Lantz was chosen unanimously by the PC caucus as premier and interim PC leader. Plans to selected a permanent leader haven’t yet been announced. Government house leader Susie Dillon said in a statement that Lantz would lead the government “in the days, weeks, and months ahead.”
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
