P.E.I. premier says there will be no spring election

P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlantold the Liberal Party's annual meeting there will not be a spring election in the province. Members of P.E.I.'s Conservativeand Green partieshad voiced their concerns about a possible early election call.

"Of course there will be an election sometime, but there will not be an election in the spring of 2018," said Premier Wade MacLauchlan from the podium.

"Westill have work to do," MacLauchlantold party members at the annual general meeting.

"We are happy to be in the legislature for a full sitting of the house."

MacLauchlanadvises districts to get ready

P.E.I's premier didhintan election would likely not wait until fall 2019, the time when fixed-date legislation states it should be held.

"We've got tobe ready," MacLauchlan said.

"You might want to consider having a nomination before the end of June," he told the crowd.

MacLauchlanstressed he wasn't making an announcement, but talked about timing, and pointed out that summer is a good time to talk to people.

"Summer is a great time to get around and for our candidates to be known, tosee and be seen, and to be in touch with and to listen to Islanders," he said.

Liberals work on candidate recruitment

Scott Barry, president of the P.E.I. Liberal Party saidthe party isbusyidentifying candidates and people interested in seeking nominations for the various districts.

"We want to make sure we are ready to go," Barry said in response toMacLauchlan'sremarks.

"He's ruled out the spring and the summer and I guess we'll stay tuned," Barry said.

The party also passed a motion at the meetingfocusingon a commitment to diversity and inclusive representation.

The motion callsfor a renewed focus on attracting candidates who are traditionally underrepresented such as women, minorities and people with disabilities.

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