Trivers is in the race
MLA officially announces his bid for the PC leadership, speaks to wide range of issues he says need to be addressed
Brad Trivers made it official Friday night.
After announcing his intention to go after the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party earlier in the week, he told a crowd of 100 people at the Hunter River Community Centre that he wants to lead the PC Party in P.E.I.
Two members of the PC caucus were present at the announcement to show their support, including James Aylward and Jamie Fox.
Trivers is the first member of the caucus to confirm his intent to seek the leadership.
Although Trivers didn’t make any official campaign promises, he spoke to his campaign slogan “back to basics” and how that aligns with the PC party’s core values.
Trivers also took the opportunity to highlight some provincial issues, including the lack of reliable high-speed Internet service throughout P.E.I., the Cornwall bypass project, supporting local producers rather than multi-national companies and the lack of critical mental health services for Islanders.
“The solutions are there, and these are just a handful of examples. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but why is action not being taken?”
Trivers adds that the Island is full of problem solvers.
“Islanders are constantly suggesting ways that we can solve our issues. Some solutions are simple and some are complex but we all want progress.”
Darren Creamer of Bedford said he is interested in the direction that the PC party is going and is awaiting to see who else will put their name forward for the leadership.
“It was very interesting to hear some of Brad (Trivers) viewpoints which I hadn’t heard before tonight,” said Creamer referring to Trivers’ viewpoints on education and the environment.
“The PC party was always known for being environmentally concerned and looking after land stewardship and that has been lost over the last 15-20 years.”
Creamer likes the fact that Trivers is trying to bring it “back to basics” because he feels the PC party needs to do a better job differentiating from the Liberal party.
Norma Jean Williams of Ebenezer, who was also in attendance, is a personal friend of Trivers.
“There is so much that he has that you would love to see in a leader,” says Williams listing off qualities like his intelligence, enthusiasm, forward thinking ideas, work ethic and people skills.
Williams said she admired how Trivers was able to handle the dozen or so questions asked by people in the audience. Some of those questions pertained to education, mental health, the legalization of marijuana and the implementation of the carbon tax.
“He had no idea what those questions were going to be tonight. He was able to stand and think on his feet.”
The PC party leader elected Oct. 20. will be