The Progressive Conservative Party of Prince Edward Island is one of two major political parties on Prince Edward Island. It and its rival, the Liberals have alternated in power since responsible government was granted in 1851 and are the only two parties represented in the PEI Legislative Assembly.
The policies of the Liberals and Conservatives are very similar. The major differences are in their allegiances to federal parties and in personalities. Historically, the Tories originated as the Conservative Party of Prince Edward Island changing their name in 1942 to reflect the development of the federal Progressive Conservative Party.
Generally, the Conservatives have dominated center policies while the Liberals slightly to the left. Traditionally, the Tories have done better among Protestant voters while Liberals have had more support from Catholics - accordingly, the Conservatives have tended to do slightly better in the easternmost region of the island which is more Protestant while the Liberals have tended to do better on the western end where there are more Catholics. However, politics on the island has never been sectarian and both parties have always had voters and members from both populations. Indeed, it has been the custom until recently for a Liberal incumbent of one denomination to be opposed by a Tory challenger of the same denomination and vice versa and this had tended to minimise religious sectarianism within the parties.
The Progressive Conservatives formed the government in Prince Edward Island under Premier Pat Binns, starting in 1996. The party lost its bid for a fourth mandate.
In October 2010, following the resignation of former Premier Pat Binns, a leadership election was held. Jim Bagnall became interim leader of the party in 2010 when rookie MLA Olive Crane decided to seek the permanent leadership of the party.
Read more about Progressive Conservative Party Of Prince Edward Island: Past Conservative and PC Leaders
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