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Rob Lantz Becomes PEI’s 34th Premier Following Dennis King’s Resignation

Dennis King steps down after nearly six years as premier, citing family priorities and the challenges of political life.

P.E.I. Premier Dennis King in the House of Commons on Feb. 5, 2020, in Ottawa.
Minister of P.E.I. Housing, Land, and Communities Rob Lantz speaks to reporters following a meeting with his Atlantic provincial counterparts and Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser in Halifax on Jan. 15, 2024. Prince Edward Island's communities minister has asked a law firm to conduct an inquiry into a decision by a village councillor to display a sign on his property denying the existence of residential school graves. Rob Lantz issued a statement today saying Murray Harbour Coun. John Robertson had failed to comply with a ministerial directive to pay a $500 fine and issue an apology or resign, sanctions that were imposed by the rural municipality. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
P.E.I. Premier Dennis King (right) talks with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe at a first ministers meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday, Jan.15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Prince Edward Island's provincial flag flies in Ottawa, July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Overview

  • Dennis King officially resigned as Prince Edward Island's premier and leader of the Progressive Conservative Party on Friday at noon.
  • King, who served as premier since 2019, stated his decision was motivated by a desire to prioritize his family and the need for fresh leadership to address long-term challenges.
  • Rob Lantz, PEI’s former education minister, has been named interim leader of the Progressive Conservatives and sworn in as the province’s 34th premier.
  • Lantz, who was first elected to the legislature in 2023, previously served as the party’s leader in 2015 and has experience as a startup adviser and city councillor.
  • King highlighted accomplishments during his tenure, including the establishment of PEI’s first medical school, healthcare reforms, and fostering a collaborative political environment.