Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King resigning from ‘most difficult job’

CHARLOTTETOWN — Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King will resign as premier and leader of the Progressive Conservative party effective Friday at noon.

King, 53, bid an emotional farewell on Thursday, saying he felt his decision was in the best interest of his family, the government and the people of P.E.I.

It has been a pleasure working alongside you, Premier King.

Your leadership and commitment to the people of Prince Edward Island and Canada has been evident throughout your time in office, and your dedication to making PEI a better place for all is truly commendable.

Best of… pic.twitter.com/d91I1Nbgva

— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) February 20, 2025

“This is the most difficult job a person can do because of the public nature of it, and the full public responsibility that lands with it every day,” he told reporters as members of his caucus stood behind him.

“If you could ever get 75 per cent support, it’s an amazing number. If you help 75 per cent of the people, it’s an amazing feat. But there’s 25 per cent that don’t get helped. And in P.E.I. you know who they are.”

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King is the Island’s 33rd premier, and he has held the role since May 2019, after his party was elected to form the first minority government in the province since 1890. His party was re-elected for a second mandate in 2023, forming a majority and currently holding 20 of the 27 seats in the legislature.

His said he knows his decision to resign may be shocking to some, but he said he always maintained that he did not want to be a “lifer” in politics. His voice cracked repeatedly as he thanked his wife and three children for standing by him.

“This position is very hard and challenging for families,” he said. “My wife and kids have lost almost every faceoff to the demands of this job.”

His decision to step down has nothing to do with medical reasons, he added, noting that he is in good health.

An interim Progressive Conservative leader will be chosen “in the hours ahead” by the party’s caucus, and the choice will be ratified by the party’s executive, he said. The interim leader will become premier when King departs Friday.

“To that person, I would say this: the job of premier is a very special job,” he said. “It’s a position that Islanders hold very dear, they keep a very close eye on you. And it’s a job that carries with it a heavy burden of responsibility.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 20, 2025.

The Canadian Press