Brad Trivers officially announces candidacy for P.E.I. PC leadership

Brad Trivers, MLA for Rustico-Emerald, has formally announced his candidacy for the leadership of the P.E.I. Progressive Conservative Party.

He confirmed his plans to run to CBC earlier this week, and officially launched his campaign at an event in Hunter River Friday evening.

"I want to get back to basics; hard work, determination and common sense," said Trivers during his campaign launch.

'Back to basics'

The phrase "back to basics" was repeated throughout the campaign announcement. Trivers, who has served as an MLA since 2015, said as leader he wouldfocus on the party's core principles, which include accountability, responsibility and compassion, among others.

We're not the big oil party. In fact, just the opposite.We are the environmental party.- Brad Trivers

Trivers said he thinks the party is sometimes branded in ways which don't reflect true party values.

"You know, we're not the big oil party. In fact, just the opposite. We are the environmental party. We're the clean energy party," Trivers said.

He wants to highlight progressive party policies, and hopes people who aren't necessarily traditional PC supporters will consider supporting the party.

Long time PC supporter Margaret Howard said she was excited to hear Trivers announce his candidacy, and she hopes he can bring fresh perspectives to the party.

"It's the young thinkers that we really need, and not be doing things the old way," she said.

Aug. 18 deadline

Trivers is the second person to officially launch a bid for party leadership. The other candidate is retired Summerside businessperson Alan Mulholland.

PC MLAs Sidney MacEwen and Steven Myers have both said they will not run.

The deadline to enter the leadership race is Aug.18, with the leadership convention set to take place Oct. 20.