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P.E.I. Premier Seeks Ethics Probe of Ex-Minister as RCMP Notified

The case tests oversight of political ties in a disputed wetland permit.

P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz has announced former minister Gilles Arsenault will be removed from the PC caucus, pending an investigation by the province's conflict of interest commissioner.
Rob Lantz, centre, is surrounded by members of his party after being sworn in as Prince Edward Island's 34th premier during a ceremony at Government House in Charlottetown on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. Along with being named the new premier, Lantz takes over as the provincial Progressive Conservatives' interim leader following the resignation of Dennis King. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
Jenn Redmond, left, is sworn in as minister of economic development, trade and artificial intelligence on March 30 at Government House. With her are Premier Rob Lantz, centre, and Lt.-Gov. Wassim Salamoun.
Kent Dollar, left, becomes minister of housing and communities during a ceremony at Government House March 30 hosted by Lt.-Gov. Wassim Salamoun, right. Standing is P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz.

Overview

  • Premier Rob Lantz said Monday that a deputy minister alerted the RCMP on March 13 and that he has asked the province’s conflict-of-interest commissioner to investigate.
  • A third-party review found Gilles Arsenault, as environment minister, approved a change to a Summerside Golf Club wetland permit that did not follow provincial policy.
  • The review also flagged a $100,000 donation from the golf developer to a non-profit run by Arsenault’s campaign manager after the approval, and the premier said Arsenault does not appear to have personally benefited.
  • Lantz removed Arsenault from cabinet on Saturday and suspended him from the Progressive Conservative caucus on Sunday pending the probe’s outcome.
  • The government filled the vacancy Monday with Jenn Redmond sworn in as economic development, trade and artificial intelligence minister, with other portfolios adjusted, while reviews continue and key details remain unverified by independent outlets.