Long-serving MLA Robert Mitchell emerged victorious as the new leader of the P.E.I. Liberal Party following the leadership contest on an early Saturday evening. Mitchell secured 2,372 votes, representing 82.3 percent of the total, while Todd Cormier received 509 votes, accounting for 17.6 percent of the vote. The voter turnout was significant, with 2,882 ballots cast, equating to a high turnout of 90.3 percent, as reported by the party. The voting process was conducted online, and the results were made public shortly before 5:30 p.m.
Expressing his readiness to begin his new role, Mitchell conveyed his plans to visit all 27 districts in P.E.I. to scout potential Liberal candidates for the upcoming provincial election, tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2027 but subject to a possible earlier call.
In a post-victory interview with CBC News, Mitchell affirmed his commitment to listening to the constituents and emphasized the party’s eagerness to revitalize and strengthen its presence across the districts. As a former MLA who served under premiers Robert Ghiz and Wade MacLauchlan, Mitchell held significant roles in health and wellness and community, land, and environmental ministries during his tenure.
Addressing a lively crowd at a packed conference room in a Charlottetown hotel, Mitchell expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and supporters, assuring that the Liberal Party would be inclusive and attentive to every Islander’s needs. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and urged everyone to work together towards a brighter future.
The event featured speeches from Hal Perry, the interim leader, and Andrew Furey, the former premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, highlighting the need for change and unity within the party. Both speakers stressed the importance of regaining momentum and putting Islanders at the forefront of the party’s agenda.
The leadership campaign, which spanned the summer and extended into the fall, culminated in a contested race between two candidates, marking the first such contest for the P.E.I. Liberals since the early 2000s. The adoption of online voting was a first for the party, reflecting a modern approach to engaging members and supporters. The P.E.I. Liberals, currently holding four seats in the province, serve as the Official Opposition.
