Gallant, the Liberal MLA for Evangeline-Miscouche since May, 2007, was handed folders of briefing notes Wednesday following his appointment to the Prince Edward Island Cabinet. He admits he has lots of studying to do.
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Gallant of the new role as a cabinet minister. “I’m quite honoured and happy to be there.”
Gallant was first elected to the Legislature on May 28, 2007 when he unseated seven-year Progressive Conservative incumbent, Wilfred Arsenault. He was re-elected in 2011 and 2015, achieving the highest approval rating of all MLAs in both elections. He received 77.2 per cent of the votes cast in his riding in 2011 and 62.9 per cent in 2015.
“I am very humbled to have margins like that during the elections, yes,” he said when reminded of the election results. “I really enjoy what I do. I represent a wonderful area of the province and I appreciate their support.”
Gallant, a resident of Miscouche, also acknowledged the congratulatory messages he received since his cabinet appointment became official.
“It’s certainly an honour to be part of cabinet.
When we run, we run for our districts and we work hard for our districts and when you become a cabinet minister then you work hard for your district and you work hard for all Islanders,” acknowledged Gallant in welcoming the additional responsibilities.
He has served terms as Government House Leader and Deputy Speaker since 2010.
The Evangeline-Miscouche MLA replaces Richard Brown who was let go from cabinet Wednesday.
From his briefing notes Gallant says his department works closely with the Economic Development and Tourism and the Agriculture and Fisheries departments in trying to enhance the Island’s workforce by recruiting and retaining workers and repatriating people back to P.E.I.
