Rob Lantz calls on P.E.I. PC party to ‘get down to business’ and hold leadership convention
CBC
P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz says it’s time to get down to business and elect a permanent leader of the provincial Progressive Conservative Party.
Lantz became interim leader and premier more than eight months ago on Feb. 21, following Dennis King's sudden resignation.
King went on to accept a federal appointment as Canada's ambassador to Ireland.
But it’s still not known if Lantz will run for the party’s top job whenever it finally calls that leadership vote.
"I think what we need to realize is there's never going to be a perfect time, and get down to business and get our leadership question taken care of,” Lantz said in an interview with CBC News.
“At this time, I guess we've only got one declared candidate. I think we'd like to see a race. I know there's people in our caucus that have considered it. When it comes time, I hope that won't be too far in the future, when it comes time for me to consider that, I will."
There were two candidates in the running.
Cory Deagle resigned as minister of economic development, innovation and trade in February to run for leadership.
But last month, Deagle ended his bid after Rob Lantz named him minister of housing, land and communities, a job left vacant by the resignation of Steven Myers on Oct. 3.
With Deagle out, there is now only one declared candidate, Charlottetown lawyer Mark Ledwell.
Ledwell announced in May he wanted to become the next leader of the party, and premier.
Opposition parties say Islanders deserve a permanent premier.
Liberal Leader Robert Mitchell said Islanders are concerned about the lack of clarity on who is leading the province.
“Having a leader or premier at an interim level causes a bit of concern and angst when you’re talking to Islanders,” said Mitchell. “They would prefer to have a permanent, full-time leader, [a] permanent, full-time premier in place.”
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