Prince Edward Island cabinet minister Sidney MacEwen has stepped down from his position on the executive council, the province announced in a press release on Thursday afternoon. The resignation came after Fisheries and Oceans Canada rejected his request to designate a substitute operator for his lobster fishing fleet. This denial put pressure on MacEwen, who serves as the transportation, infrastructure, and energy minister, and the Progressive Conservative government to ensure compliance with P.E.I.’s Conflict of Interest Act.
According to the act, ministers are required to place their business assets in a blind trust while in office. However, DFO’s policy mandates that MacEwen’s lobster license must remain under his name, with only limited exceptions such as in the case of a family member’s death.
In response to this situation, the PCs introduced Bill 102 last week to amend the act and allow MacEwen to retain his fishing license. While the bill has passed its first reading, it must progress through the House and be enacted into law by the end of Thursday to bring MacEwen into compliance with the act’s deadline as outlined in the legislation. Unfortunately, this deadline will not be met.
In a statement from the province, it was mentioned that due to the established timeline by the conflict of interest commissioner, the necessary changes could not be completed within the specified timeframe. MacEwen will continue to serve as the MLA for Morell-Donagh, while P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz has taken on the role of acting minister of transportation, infrastructure, and energy.
Efforts will persist to amend the Conflict of Interest Act to address the loophole preventing a significant sector from participating in the executive council, as stated in the release.
During a press briefing outside the P.E.I. Legislature, MacEwen expressed his disappointment over the resignation, emphasizing his commitment to adhering to the act. He acknowledged discussions on amending the legislation in the past and consultations with the conflict of interest commissioner on potential changes.
MacEwen voiced hope for future amendments, highlighting the challenges faced in representing his district. Premier Lantz praised MacEwen’s qualifications and acknowledged the issue of fishers being excluded from the executive council.
The focus remains on amending the act to allow fishers to serve on the executive council, with MacEwen currently placed on the backbenches. Oppositions’ political motivations were noted, while Lantz reiterated the intent to pursue legislative changes.
P.E.I. Liberal Leader Robert Mitchell cautioned against weakening the legislation through amendments, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule. He emphasized that any changes should not be tailored to accommodate a single individual, stressing the need for MacEwen to make a definitive choice between a cabinet position and his fishing endeavors.