P.E.I.'s next Liberal leader, premier to be chosen at February convention

CHARLOTTETOWN -- Prince Edward Island's governing Liberals will choose a new leader and the province's next premier in February.

The party says a leadership convention will be held Feb. 20-21 in Charlottetown.

Premier Robert Ghiz announced his resignation from provincial politics earlier this month after 12 years as Liberal leader.

The 40-year-old, who first became premier in 2007, has said he will stay in the top job until his successor is chosen.

The party says the deadline for interested candidates to file nomination papers is Jan. 20.

Ghiz is leaving with the provincial Liberals in solid command of the house, holding 23 of its 27 seats.