Former P.E.I. PC leader James Aylward will not run in 2023
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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Stratford-Keppoch MLA and former Progressive Conservative chief James Aylward won’t search re-election within the coming P.E.I. election.
In a media assertion, Aylward famous that the final a number of months had been personally difficult.
“After shedding my spouse this fall, I can not categorical how grateful I’m for the love and help that each my son, Connor, and I’ve acquired from our mates, household, and broader Island neighborhood,” Aylward mentioned.
“It has given me time to replicate and re-evaluate many issues in my life, one being my function as MLA.”
Aylward mentioned the choice to not search re-election was “what’s greatest for my household.”
“Whereas I really like my neighborhood and the those that I serve, I consider that now’s the time to give attention to different issues in my life and to permit a brand new face to come back ahead to symbolize the most effective communities within the province.”
Aylward will proceed to function MLA for Stratford-Keppoch till the following election known as. An election is anticipated someday in 2023.
Aylward had served as minister of well being and wellness and minister of transportation and infrastructure underneath the present authorities of Dennis King.
Previous to that, he grew to become Progressive Conservative chief in 2017 earlier than resigning the put up in 2018.
Within the launch, Aylward cited various accomplishments throughout his time in politics, together with the choice to construct a brand new Stratford highschool, the development of an energetic transportation lane on the Hillsborough Bridge, the elimination of wastewater remedy from the Stratford waterfront and improved highway security infrastructure.
Aylward additionally thanked his late spouse, Cece.
“By means of thick and skinny, Cece at all times had my again, was my guiding mild, my greatest supporter and my greatest good friend. With out Cece, I wouldn’t have been in a position to do that function over the previous 12 years – I really like and miss her every day,” he mentioned.
Aylward is the third sitting MLA to announce plans to not search re-election and follows comparable bulletins from Inexperienced MLA Hannah Bell and present Third Celebration chief and former Liberal interim chief Sonny Gallant.
Stu Neatby is a political reporter with the SaltWire Community in Prince Edward Island. He might be reached by electronic mail at [email protected] and adopted on Twitter @stu_neatby.
