Provincial Minister of Higher Education and Adult Learning, Jeannie Lea, announced today that she will not seek nomination for re-election, in the General Election which is expected before the end of the year.
Mrs. Lea has represented the District of Sixth Queens in the Legislative Assembly for the past three years.
In making her announcement, the Charlottetown resident said that from the beginning she had no intention of making politics a career. ‘In 1993 I made a personal decision to enter public life after considerable thought and discussion with family,' said Minister Lea, ‘and my commitment was to serve one term at a time. It has been a great privilege and honour to represent the people of Sixth Queens during that time, and I have also enjoyed my work as a Cabinet Minister, but now it is time to return to private life.
As Minister without portfolio, Mrs. Lea presided over municipal amalgamation, one of the Callbeck administration's most ambitious and complex reform initiatives, which resulted in the creation of new municipalities in the Summerside and Charlottetown regions of the province.
‘Municipal reform was not easy to achieve,' said the Minister, ‘and there still is work to be done, but our efforts have resulted in fairer taxation and more equitable services, and there is a new vitality and sense of pride that is unmistakable.'
Lea also has been at the forefront of promoting Charlottetown as the birthplace of Canadian Confederation.
‘I believe strongly in the vision set out in the document Powerful Memories: Powerful Dreams, that our capital city is a national treasure, and that by continuing to promote and develop the birthplace theme, as Islanders we can help to strengthen Canada as a nation. Community leaders now appreciate and understand this unique role and opportunity', said Lea, ‘and I look forward to exciting developments over the next few years.'
Jeannie Lea became the first provincial Minister of Higher Education, Training and Adult Learning in 1994, and since that time has worked to improve the relationship between government and its two post-secondary institutions - the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College.
Specific achievements in this area have included the province's first private trainers' legislation, and a stronger focus on literacy and adult education.
In her capacity as Minister, Jeannie Lea also has taken a lead role in advancing the special interests of Island women, in working to increase awareness of family violence, and in strengthening maintenance enforcement.
‘Strengthening and protecting families is a special mission for all of us,' said Lea.
In making her announcement, Minster Lea took the opportunity to thank the residents of Sixth Queens, and also her many friends and colleagues, for their support and encouragement.
She also recognized the many people that she worked with both within the civil service and in the community in her responsibilities as Minister of Government Reform; Minister of Higher Education; and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. ‘I want to acknowledge the assistance and commitment of the many individuals that made my work so enjoyable', stated Mrs. Lea.
She also extended special appreciation and thanks to her running mate, Sixth Queens MLA Paul Connolly, and all members of the Legislative Assembly, including the Leader of the Opposition.
‘Politics and government is all about serving the interests of the people, and I have always believed that party politics must never overshadow this basic duty and responsibility. Working in the Legislature with other members for the betterment of all Islanders has been a wonderful experience.'