P.E.I. energy minister resigns from executive council over Conflict of Interest Act

Prince Edward Island MLA Sidney MacEwen is pictured. (Source: Government of P.E.I.)

Prince Edward Island’s minister of transportation, infrastructure and energy is stepping down from the role due to an issue with the Conflict of Interest Act.

Sidney MacEwen, who stepped into the ministerial role last February, tendered his resignation from the executive council on Thursday, although he will continue to serve as an MLA at the Legislative Assembly.

“Under the current (Conflict of Interest) Act, members of Executive Council are required to place certain assets in a blind trust,” a 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.”

MacEwen, who represents the Morrell-Donagh riding, was first elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2023.

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