Janice Sherry, MLA for District 21, Summerside-Wilmot, announced today that she is leaving provincial politics after nearly a decade of elected public service.
Ms. Sherry said while her heart will always be with the Liberal Party, she is happy to be returning to private life to spend time with her husband, three children and grandson.
“When I entered provincial politics, first as a candidate in 2003 and then as an MLA and Cabinet Minister in 2007, I told my family that I would make a 10-year commitment to serving our province in this role. I have been incredibly honoured to serve the residents of Summerside-Wilmot and fortunate to see the City of Summerside and our province grow and thrive in many ways,” she said. “I want to thank my constituents and caucus colleagues for all of the support they have shown me. While I will miss this job, it is time to pass the baton to someone else with fresh ideas and to encourage rejuvenation in the party.”
Ms. Sherry’s resignation is effective today.
Premier Wade MacLauchlan commended Ms. Sherry for the many positive contributions she has made to Prince Edward Island in public service.
“My colleagues and I thank Janice Sherry for her commitment to the constituents of Summerside-Wilmot and all of Prince Edward Island over the past decade in her roles as MLA, Cabinet minister, and caucus team member,” said the Premier. “I am confident Janice will continue to serve her community, our province, and the Liberal Party well in all of her further endeavours.”
Ms. Sherry first ran in the 2003 provincial election and was first elected in District 21, Summerside-Wilmot in 2007. She was re-elected in 2011 and 2015. During this time, she served as Government Whip and was a member and chair of numerous Legislative Standing Committees. She held a number of Cabinet portfolios including Minister of Community Services, Seniors and Labour, Minister Responsible for Status of Women, Minister Responsible for the Workers Compensation Board, Minister Responsible for Human Rights, Minister Responsible for Securities, Minister Responsible for Public Safety, Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness, Minister of Environment, Labour and Justice, and Attorney General.
Most recently, Ms. Sherry served on the all-party Special Committee of the Legislative Assembly on Democratic Renewal.
“I was extremely pleased to serve on this committee and contribute to its important work. I encourage all Islanders to get engaged in the process and have their say on what Prince Edward Island’s democratic system should look like by voting in the November plebiscite,” she said.
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