PEI Liberal Party Leader Robert Mitchell Releases Statement on Removal of Gilles Arsenault from Cabinet

Like many Islanders, I was shocked today to learn of the sudden removal of Gilles Arsenault from Cabinet.

What is equally concerning is the complete lack of transparency from Premier Lantz on the reasoning behind this decision. When a sitting Minister is removed—especially abruptly and without explanation—it raises serious questions about how this government is being managed.

To be clear: it is unacceptable for the Premier to make a significant change to his Cabinet without providing Islanders with a clear and honest explanation.

Every day, permits and approvals are issued across government by hardworking public servants. In cases where decisions rise to the level of a Minister, they are often more sensitive in nature, but they are also expected to be handled with sound judgment and accountability.

If a decision made by former Minister Arsenault was serious enough to warrant his removal from Cabinet, Islanders deserve to know why. It also raises an important question: if the issue is that significant, why does he remain in the government caucus?

Premier Lantz cannot keep Islanders in the dark.

Islanders have been calling me this afternoon looking for answers, and unfortunately, due to the lack of transparency from Premier Lantz in his announcement today, I am unable to provide them with clear answers.

I am calling on him to hold a press conference before the Legislature resumes on Tuesday to clearly explain what occurred, what he meant by an “error of judgment,” and what this means for the environment and for taxpayers across Prince Edward Island.

This latest development is yet another example of the ongoing chaos within this government—and it’s hurting Islanders.

Islanders are looking for stability, transparency, and leadership, and the King-Lantz-Thompson-Lantz Conservatives are not providing it.