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The Canadian Scene

New Prince Edward Island Speaker

On March 26, 2026, Rustico-Emerald MLA Brad Trivers was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island over O’Leary-Inverness MLA Robert Henderson. Speaker Trivers assumed the position which had been vacated when Sidney MacEwen stepped down to join cabinet.

Born in Perth, Ontario, Speaker Trivers lived in Vegreville, Alberta, Fort St. John and British Columbia, before his family settled on the north shore of Lake Huron, Ontario. He grew up on farm between the villages of Iron Bridge and Thessalon, that produced beef and sweet corn. In addition to excelling in school, he enjoyed participating in 4-H activities, playing sports and music, and acting, later touring with the group Up With People.

Graduating from the University of Waterloo’s co-op program, he completed an honours degree in Science and Business. After pursuing a career in information systems, including running a New Glasgow-based consulting business, Speaker Trivers pursued elected office.

Unsuccessful in his first election campaign in 2011, Speaker Trivers was elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2023. Since entering the Assembly, he has held several cabinet portfolios, including Minister of Environment, Water and Climate Change, Minister of Education and Lifelong Learning, and Minister of Social Development and Housing, and served as Government Whip. Prior to his election as Speaker, he served as Deputy Speaker for a year.

Active in his community, Speaker Trivers has coached minor sports, plays Oldtimers hockey, and sings and plays guitar at local ceilidhs, kitchen parties and benefits. He is married with two children.