Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Liberal caucus to congratulate my friend Robert Ghiz on eight successful years as Premier of Prince Edward Island and twelve years as leader of the Liberal Party of Prince Edward Island.
Elected as Liberal Party leader at the age of 29, Robert took the party from having one seat in the legislative assembly to forming a forceful opposition and then winning two straight majority governments. Robert has served the people of Prince Edward Island with distinction and has made a tremendous impact on the lives of islanders, including major improvements to education with the introduction of kindergarten as a full-day program, which is something I know he is incredibly proud of.
On behalf of the Liberal caucus, I want to thank Robert Ghiz for his years of dedication and service. I want to wish his wife Kate, and children, Julia, Emma, and Jack, all the best for whatever the future holds for them.