P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz has ousted a key member of his close advisors following revelations about a $100,000 donation from a private developer to a group in the minister’s constituency. The Premier confirmed the immediate removal of Gilles Arsenault from his position as minister of economic development, trade, and artificial intelligence, citing concerns raised in a legal opinion regarding a permitting issue handled during Arsenault’s tenure as environment minister.
The legal opinion, conducted by Murray Murphy of the law firm Stewart McKelvey, alleged that a group in Arsenault’s district received a $100,000 donation from a developer, following the minister’s approval of permit adjustments related to work in a wetland area. The document highlighted discrepancies in the application of the province’s Wetland Conservation Policy.
Despite Arsenault’s denial of soliciting the donation in exchange for approvals, the legal opinion pointed to contradictions in statements obtained from involved parties, including the developer’s contractor. Arsenault has not responded to media requests for comment on the matter.
In response to the situation, Premier Lantz has initiated an investigation by the conflict of interest commissioner and suspended Arsenault from caucus pending the probe’s outcome. Lantz emphasized that while Arsenault may have had good intentions, his actions represented a “serious error of judgement.” The Premier announced the appointment of Jenn Redmond as the new minister of economic development, trade, and artificial intelligence, succeeding Arsenault, along with other cabinet portfolio changes to complete the ministerial team after the recent passing of Hon. Mark McLane.