Gilles Arsenault, the member of the legislative assembly for Evangeline-Miscouche, has announced he will continue to serve in his role as an independent member after being suspended from the Progressive Conservative caucus.
The suspension followed his removal from cabinet on March 28, 2026. The decision, led by Premier Rob Lantz, came after reports of poor judgment regarding his professional duties. Both the province’s conflict of interest commissioner and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are currently investigating the matter.
The controversy centres on an alleged 100,000 dollar donation made by the developer of the P.E.I. Ocean View Resort to a local non-profit organization, Comité Diversité et Equité. This donation occurred after Arsenault, while serving as the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, provided verbal approval for the developer to expand work into additional wetland areas in October 2025. The funds have since been returned to the developer.
Premier Lantz stated he acted immediately upon receiving a legal report concerning these events on March 27, 2026. Prior to this, a stop-work order was placed on the resort site in February 2026 because the developer was found working on 12 to 13 acres of land outside of their approved area.
Arsenault remains committed to his constituents despite the ongoing investigations. He stated that regardless of his party status, his priority is to stay in the legislature and advocate for the people in his district.
