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Former PC leader will not run in 2023

James Aylward was a cabinet minister in the Premier Dennis King government

STU NEATBY stu.neatby @theguardian.pe.ca @PEIGuardian

Stratford-Keppoch MLA and former Progressive Conservative leader James Aylward will not seek re-election in the coming P.E.I. election.

In a media statement, Aylward noted that the last several months had been personally challenging.

“After losing my wife this fall, I cannot express how grateful I am for the love and support that both my son, Connor, and I have received from our friends, family, and broader Island community,” Aylward said. “It has given me time to reflect and re-evaluate many things in my life, one being my role as MLA.”

Aylward said the decision to not seek re-election was “what is best for my family.”

“While I love my community and the people that I serve, I believe that now is the time to focus on other things in my life and to allow a new face to come forward to represent one of the best communities in the province.”

Aylward will continue to serve as MLA for StratfordKeppoch until the next election is called. An election is expected sometime in 2023.

Aylward had served as minister of health and wellness and minister of transportation and infrastructure under the current government of Dennis King.

Prior to that, he became Progressive Conservative leader in 2017 before resigning the post in 2018.

In the release, Aylward cited a number of accomplishments during his time in politics, including the decision to build a new Stratford high school, the construction of an active transportation lane on the Hillsborough Bridge, the removal of wastewater treatment from the Stratford waterfront and improved road safety infrastructure.

Aylward also thanked his late wife, Cece.

“Through thick and thin, Cece always had my back, was my guiding light, my biggest supporter and my best friend. Without Cece, I wouldn’t have been able to do this role over the past 12 years — I love and miss her each and every day,” he said.

Aylward is the third sitting MLA to announce plans to not seek re-election and follows similar announcements from Green MLA Hannah Bell and former interim Liberal leader Sonny Gallant.

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2023-01-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-01-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://saltwire.pressreader.com/article/281483575518043

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