P.E.I. minister Mark McLane dies at 56

CHARLOTTETOWN — Mark McLane, a cabinet member in Prince Edward Island’s Progressive Conservative government, died on Tuesday at the age of 56.

The provincial government said McLane died after a serious illness, and his loss was felt across the Island.

Premier Rob Lantz paid tribute to the late minister on Tuesday, saying McLane was “one of a kind.”

“Mark could always find common ground with anyone he dealt with,” Lantz said in a statement. “His steady presence and genuine empathy made people feel heard, valued, and supported.”

First elected in 2021, McLane represented the Cornwall-Meadowbank district in central P.E.I. He first served in cabinet as the finance minister, and then took over as minister of health and wellness after he was re-elected in 2023.

Before entering politics, McLane worked in business and community leadership, including as executive director of Golf P.E.I. and as a founder of an office technology company.

He was an active volunteer, dedicating his time to organizations such as the Island Waste Management Corporation and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of P.E.I. He was also a coach and manager with the Charlottetown and P.E.I. ringette associations.

“He didn’t volunteer for recognition,” said a statement from Sydney Gallant, president of the Island’s Progressive Conservative party. “He did it because he believed in lifting others up. That same spirit defined his approach to public service and earned him the lasting gratitude and respect of so many Islanders.”

When McLane began his 2021 byelection campaign, the first house he approached belonged to his late mother, Gallant said. It was a deliberate choice, underscoring his commitment to his family.

“Starting his political journey there grounded him in where he came from and allowed him to carry his mother with him as he set out to serve his community,” Gallant said.

On Wednesday, McLane was honoured on the website for the province’s legislative assembly.

“Always a calm presence, he held the respect of members on all sides of the (legislature),” said a statement from Brad Trivers, deputy speaker of the legislative assembly. “I know I speak for all members and staff in saying that he will be greatly missed.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 17, 2026.

The Canadian Press