ATLANTIC

P.E.I. Liberal party appoints Sonny Gallant as interim leader

THE CANADIAN PRESS Published Tuesday, September 17, 2019 10:46AM ADT

The P.E.I. Liberal party has appointed an interim leader. The party's provincial executive selected Sonny Gallant, the member of the legislature for Evangeline-Miscouche. (Legislative Assembly of P.E.I.)

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CHARLOTTETOWN -- The P.E.I. Liberal party has appointed an interim leader.

The party's provincial executive selected Sonny Gallant, the member of the legislature for Evangeline-Miscouche.

Gallant issued a statement saying he accepted his new role with "great enthusiasm and appreciation."

First elected in 2007, Gallant served as minister of advanced learning, government house leader and deputy Speaker.

He currently serves as the party's critic for economic development, tourism and Acadian and francophone affairs.

Former premier Wade MacLauchlan announced his resignation as leader in April after his Liberals were reduced to third-party status in a provincial election that saw the Conservatives win a minority of the seats and the Green party become the official Opposition for the first time.