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Early Beginnings and Educational Achievements

Born in Charlottetown, PEI, Robert Ghiz is the son of late PEI Premier Joe Ghiz.  Robert Ghiz attended Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Quebec, earning a degree in political science in 1996. 

Pre-Political Life

Following graduation, Ghiz served as a Special Assistant to the Minister of Canadian Heritage from 1997-98. In 1998, he left government for the Bank of Nova Scotia where he worked in areas relevant to small business financing, the student loan program, and the implications of rising debt loads on provincial governments.

Ghiz went to work in the Prime Minister’s Office in 2001 where he was responsible for issues relating to Atlantic Canada. In this capacity, he dealt with a number of issues of direct benefit and importance to Prince Edward Islanders and Atlantic Canadians, most notably infrastructure funding. In 2003, Ghiz resigned his position at the PMO to pursue his goal of serving in the Provincial Legislature.

Political Life

Robert Ghiz was elected Leader of the PEI Liberal Party in April 2003, defeating former cabinet minister Alan Buchanan. He was elected to represent the people of District 13, Charlottetown-Rochford Square, in the general election of September 29, 2003.

Since becoming Liberal Party leader and Leader of the Opposition, Robert Ghiz has worked to revitalize the Liberal Party.

In the legislature, Ghiz pushed for greater transparency and accountability while offering positive solutions to the issues of the day. He served as Opposition Critic for the Premier and Intergovernmental Affairs, Health and Social Services, as well as the Minister Responsible for Seniors and the Attorney General. He was also a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Standing Committee on Social Development, the Standing Committee on the Constitution of Canada and the Standing Committee on Fisheries, Intergovernmental Affairs and Transportation.

In the election held on May 28, 2007 Robert Ghiz and his Liberal Party won a landslide victory. The Liberal Party won 52.9 percent of the popular vote and 23 out of 27 seats. Ghiz was sworn in as PEI’s 37^th Premier on June 13, 2007.