P.E.I. appoints new energy minister after Sidney MacEwen steps down

P.E.I. MLA Ernie Hudson is pictured. (Source: Government of P.E.I.)

P.E.I. MLA Ernie Hudson is the new minister of transportation, infrastructure and energy after Sidney MacEwen stepped down from the role over an issue with the Conflict of Interest Act.

Hudson, who is also the minister of fisheries, rural development and tourism, took over the ministerial role on Friday. He was first elected to represent the Alberton-Bloomfield riding in 2019.

“Ernie is a steady and experienced member of our team who understands the importance of this work to Islanders,” Premier Rob Lantz said in a news release. “I am confident he will continue to move this file forward and deliver results for communities across the province.”

MacEwen, who was originally appointed to the energy minister role last February, resigned from the executive council this week, although he will remain in the Legislative Assembly as an MLA for the Morrell-Donagh riding.

“Under the current (Conflict of Interest) Act, members of Executive Council are required to place certain assets in a blind trust,” a previous news release from the province reads. “For fishers, that creates a direct conflict with the owner-operator policy, which Mr. MacEwen respects and strongly supports.

“The Conflict of Interest Commissioner established a timeline for compliance under the existing legislation. As work continues through the Legislative Assembly to address this matter, it has not been possible to complete those changes within that timeframe.”

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