Prince Edward Island’s Lt.-Gov. Frank Lewis says he has made it known he wants to stay on as lieutenant governor even though his term is expired.
Lewis was appointed P.E.I.’s lieutenant governor on Aug. 15, 2011 for a five-year term, which means he has officially reached his full term as of today.
But Lewis says he has enjoyed the job so much, he hopes he can continue on for a few more years.
“I made it known that if the desire was there, I would be interested in staying on for a period of time,” Lewis told The Guardian Monday.
“I like what I do. It’s a great job, I like getting out and meeting people, I’ve worked hard at it over five years… it suits me very well.”
Lieutenant governors for all provinces are appointed by the governor general, in the name of the Queen, on the advice of the prime minister. Their role is to represent the Queen in their provinces.
Lewis acknowledges there have been few P.E.I. lieutenant governors whose terms have been extended by more than a few months.
But he did note Gov. Gen. David Johnston’s term was extended by two years to 2017 by former prime minister Stephen Harper.
This is also the length of time Lewis would like to remain. He says he would like to help celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary as lieutenant governor for P.E.I.
“I saw 2014 of course – the 150th anniversary of the Confederation (conference) and I would certainly be happy to see 2017 through, although that might not be the case,” he said.
Lewis attended a total of 617 events across P.E.I. in 2014 and he says he would bring a similar energy and enthusiasm to the job in 2017.
Letters of support for his term being extended have been sent to Ottawa, including one from interim Progressive Conservative Leader Jamie Fox.
Lewis says he did not solicit these letters of support, but says he does expect some letters were indeed written on his behalf.
He also stressed he has not spoken with anyone in Ottawa about his appointment, nor has he received any communication about his position from the federal government.
“They’ve never called me and I’ve never called them,” he said.
“I figure when the time is due, they’ll tell me.”
An announcement from Ottawa about the position is expected this week.
Prince Edward Island’s Lt.-Gov. Frank Lewis says he has made it known he wants to stay on as lieutenant governor even though his term is expired.
Lewis was appointed P.E.I.’s lieutenant governor on Aug. 15, 2011 for a five-year term, which means he has officially reached his full term as of today.
But Lewis says he has enjoyed the job so much, he hopes he can continue on for a few more years.
“I made it known that if the desire was there, I would be interested in staying on for a period of time,” Lewis told The Guardian Monday.
“I like what I do. It’s a great job, I like getting out and meeting people, I’ve worked hard at it over five years… it suits me very well.”
Lieutenant governors for all provinces are appointed by the governor general, in the name of the Queen, on the advice of the prime minister. Their role is to represent the Queen in their provinces.
Lewis acknowledges there have been few P.E.I. lieutenant governors whose terms have been extended by more than a few months.
But he did note Gov. Gen. David Johnston’s term was extended by two years to 2017 by former prime minister Stephen Harper.
This is also the length of time Lewis would like to remain. He says he would like to help celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary as lieutenant governor for P.E.I.
“I saw 2014 of course – the 150th anniversary of the Confederation (conference) and I would certainly be happy to see 2017 through, although that might not be the case,” he said.
Lewis attended a total of 617 events across P.E.I. in 2014 and he says he would bring a similar energy and enthusiasm to the job in 2017.
Letters of support for his term being extended have been sent to Ottawa, including one from interim Progressive Conservative Leader Jamie Fox.
Lewis says he did not solicit these letters of support, but says he does expect some letters were indeed written on his behalf.
He also stressed he has not spoken with anyone in Ottawa about his appointment, nor has he received any communication about his position from the federal government.
“They’ve never called me and I’ve never called them,” he said.
“I figure when the time is due, they’ll tell me.”
An announcement from Ottawa about the position is expected this week.