Leadership Convention 2026

Convention Announcement

PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CONVENTION

On December 10th, 2025, PC Party President Sydney Gallant announced that the Progressive Conservative Party of Prince Edward Island will host its upcoming leadership convention on February 7, 2026, at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown.

“This is a pivotal moment for our party,” said Gallant. “Momentum continues to build, engagement is high, and we are eager to welcome a leader who will help shape the future of Prince Edward Island.”

Over the past seven years, the Progressive Conservative Party has achieved significant success in advancing the interests of all Islanders. The party currently holds 20 sitting MLAs and has been instrumental in implementing policies that strengthen communities, support families, and grow the provincial economy. These accomplishments reflect the dedication and commitment of our members and elected representatives.

The party will conduct a thorough vetting process for candidates, and a strong, competitive race is anticipated. Party members will have the opportunity to vote both in person at the convention and online during the voting period.

Gallant added, “We look forward to an exciting convention that reflects the energy and commitment of our membership across the province.”


Convention Details

Schedule 

A detailed schedule for the convention will be available in early 2026.  Voting will close both in-person and online on February 7, 2026.  An update with an exact time that voting will close will available closer to the convention date. 

Parking 

There are over 800 free parking spaces within walking distance of the Eastlink Centre Charlottetown, including 300+ spaces at the nearby Park Street lot and the main Eastlink Centre/Red Shores parking lots available off Kensington Road.  

Seating 

Seating at the convention will be available on a first-come first-served basis.  For those requiring accessible seating please contact us in advance to make arrangements for reserved seating: [email protected]. Companion seating for those requiring accessibility seating can also be arranged.

Family-Friendly Zone 

We understand that attending the leadership convention is an important event for many families. To make the experience enjoyable for everyone, we are introducing a Family-Friendly Zone—a dedicated space designed with children and parents in mind.

What to Expect in the Family-Friendly Zone:

  • Child-Friendly Activities: Children's games, coloring supplies, and quiet entertainment options to keep children occupied in a safe and welcoming environment.
  • Comfortable Space: A relaxed setting with seating for parents and caregivers.
  • Lower Noise Levels: This area will be set apart from the main convention floor to provide a calmer atmosphere for families who need a break from the excitement.

Our goal is to ensure that everyone can participate in the leadership convention without stress. Whether you’re bringing young children or simply need a quieter space, the Family-Friendly Zone is here to make your experience more enjoyable.

Please note: Children under the age of 12 must be supervised while in the Family-Friendly Zone. 


Voting for the next PC Leader 


Who Can Vote: 

Voting in the leadership election is open to current members of the PC Party of Prince Edward Island who meet the following criteria:

  • Current Members
    Members whose expiry date is on or after February 7, 2026 are automatically eligible to vote.

  • Renewing Members
    If you have been a member at any time in the past four years, you can renew your membership up until the leadership convention is called to order
  • New Members
    If you are joining for the first time, your membership must be completed by the following deadlines:

    • Online Applications: No later than January 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
    • Paper Applications: Must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on January 16, 2026 at the PC Party Office, 30 Pond Street, Charlottetown.

Make sure your membership is active before these deadlines to ensure your eligibility to vote and help shape the future of our party.

How to Vote: 

More details will be made available after January 15, 2026 including voter support contact information for those who need assistance with online voting.   Voting assistance will also be provided at the Eastlink Centre on the day of the convention. 


Candidate Forums

As we approach the 2026 PC Leadership election, we invite you to join us for a series of three candidate forums, one in each county. These forums are designed to give members an opportunity to hear directly from the leadership candidates about their vision, priorities, and plans for the future.

To ensure a fair and organized discussion, questions will not be taken from the floor during the forums. Instead, we encourage you to submit your questions in advance for consideration. This process helps us cover a broad range of topics and ensures that all candidates have an equal opportunity to respond.

To submit a question, please email: [email protected].

Prince County - January 14, 2026

Credit Union Place, Summerside
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Doors open at 6:30 PM 
RSVP by Clicking Here

Kings County - January 22, 2026

Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre, Montague
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Doors open at 6:30 PM
RSVP by Clicking Here

Queens County - February 2, 2026

Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Doors open at 6:30 PM
RSVP by Clicking Here


Approved Candidates:

As Candidates are approved, they will be listed here in alphabetical order by last name. 

Rob Lantz

Rob Lantz is a lifelong resident of District 13, Charlottetown-Brighton. He grew up in the district and attended local schools before graduating from the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College.

Rob and his wife Kelly raised their sons, Brodie and Ronan, in Charlottetown-Brighton. It is where he represented residents for two terms on Charlottetown City Council and where he has volunteered with community organizations such as the United Way and the Colonel Gray Education Foundation.

Before entering provincial politics, Rob worked in the private sector as a consultant in the information technology sector. He was later involved in new business startups in the bioscience, sports technology and renewable energy sectors, contributing to the development and growth of emerging industries in Prince Edward Island.

Rob was elected as the MLA for District 13, Charlottetown-Brighton on April 3, 2023. He has served as Minister of Housing, Land and Communities, and as Minister of Education and Early Years. He was sworn in as the 34th Premier of Prince Edward Island on February 21, 2025, and served until December 12th, 2025.

Rob continues to represent the residents of Charlottetown-Brighton in the Legislative Assembly.

For more information: www.roblantz.com

Mark Ledwell

Mark Ledwell is a highly respected business and legal professional with over 35 years of experience leading complex agri-food, infrastructure, energy, and financing transactions. A Charlottetown native, Mark grew up the eldest of five siblings on Queen Street and later Edinburgh Drive. His family roots are in St. Peter's Bay, Rollo Bay, and Eastern Kings County.   Mark's business and community engagement has seen him work with Islanders across PEI.

A graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island, Mark went on to complete graduate studies at both Queen’s University and the University of Victoria, laying the foundation for a career that has spanned Canada, the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Mark’s early legal career included a central role in transformative Atlantic Canadian infrastructure projects such as the Confederation Bridge and the New Brunswick Trans-Canada Highway. His later career saw him lead and advise on major projects across Canada and around the world and serve as managing partner of law firms in Toronto and London (UK).  A skilled negotiator and strategic thinker, Mark is known for his ability to bring diverse stakeholders together and guide large-scale projects to successful completion.

Mark has been a lifelong member, builder and contributor to the PC Party of PEI.  He began in his youth, working as a volunteer with Angus McLean, Jim Lee and Mel Gass. He subsequently held key roles in support of former leaders Pat Binns and Pat Mella.  It has always been important to Mark that Islanders and Island communities succeed and prosper. 

Mark is committed to community engagement. Most recently, he served as Chair of the Board at the Holland College Foundation, and he has contributed to a variety of educational, economic development, and charitable initiatives across Atlantic Canada over the years.  

Whether mentoring young people, supporting local institutions, shaping national economic development, or building a strategy for PEI to succeed, Mark brings deep expertise, vision and a collaborative spirit to the table.  His leadership style is decisive, and results driven.  

A father of two daughters and grandfather to two grandchildren, Mark resides in Keppoch, PEI with his wife, Monica Driscoll.

For more information: www.ledwellmark.com

Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed by leadership candidates are solely their current opinions and do not represent current official policy or positions of the Progressive Conservative Association of Prince Edward Island.


Looking to get involved? 

There are many ways to get involved as a volunteer for the 2026 PC Leadership Convention. Opportunities include assisting on the day of the convention with registration, logistics, and attendee support to ensure everything runs smoothly. Volunteers can also contribute by supporting the Leadership Convention Committee in key organizational tasks, or by taking on administrative duties in the weeks leading up to the event, such as managing communications and coordinating schedules. Additionally, helping at candidate-focused events like the Candidate Forums offers a chance to engage directly with members and facilitate meaningful discussions. Whether you prefer behind-the-scenes planning or hands-on involvement during the convention, your support will play a vital role in making this historic event a success.

Please reach out if your looking to get involved by emailing: [email protected] 

 


Got questions? 

If you have questions about the voting process, if you are eligible to vote, or about the leadership in general please feel free to reach out: 

📧 [email protected] 

☎️ (902) 628-8679 

Our team is happy to assist and ensure you have all the information you need to participate in this important process.