Dennis King Resigns as PEI Premier; Rob Lantz Takes Over Leadership

CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island — Premier Dennis King announced his resignation during an emotional press conference on Thursday, set to take effect at noon on Friday. King cited personal and family reasons for his decision, emphasizing that it was in the best interest of his family and the province.

King, who has led the province since May 2019, stated, “This is the most difficult job a person can do because of the public nature of it and the full public responsibility that lands with it every day.” Rob Lantz, the current Education Minister, will step in as interim leader and become the province’s 34th premier following unanimous support from the Progressive Conservative Caucus, according to Susan Dillon, government house leader.

King disclosed that his family discussions during the Christmas holidays played a pivotal role in his decision. He articulated the mental toll public leadership has on families, remarking, “My wife and kids have lost almost every faceoff to the demands of this job.” He expressed gratitude for the support of his wife, Jana Hemphill, and children during his tenure.

In addressing economic concerns, King pointed to challenges posed by U.S. trade tariffs, stating, “This is not a time to be three-quarters of the way in. You’ve got to be all in.” He emphasized that the leadership change was necessary to ensure focused governance during uncertain times.

Throughout his leadership, King faced several crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather events, and significant agricultural disruptions. His government was re-elected in 2023, gaining a majority in the legislature. King expressed pride in achievements such as healthcare improvements and creating the first medical school in PEI.

Regarding his future, King ruled out returning to public office and insisted his departure was on his own terms. “Being premier is a very special job… it carries with it a heavy burden of responsibility,” he remarked, hinting at a desire to focus on family and personal well-being.

Political observers noted that while the resignation is unexpected, King departs amid relatively high popularity. A recent poll showed King as the preferred choice for leadership among Islanders at 40 percent, a testament to his government’s satisfaction rates.

Following King’s announcement, political figures including New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston praised him for his service, recognizing the challenges faced during his tenure.

For Lantz, stepping into this interim role will mark his return to leadership after previously resigning from the PC party in 2015. He pledged a commitment to good governance and prioritizing the needs of Islanders as he assumes his new duties.

With the PEI legislature set to reconvene next week, local reactions indicate a mix of surprise and curiosity about Lantz’s leadership. Community members expressed hope for stability and effective governance in the coming months.