Dr. Wassim Salamoun will be P.E.I.'s next lieutenant-governor

P.E.I.'s new lieutenant-governor will be Dr. Wassim Salamoun, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in a news release Friday.

"I feel truly honoured and overwhelmed," Salamoun said in an interview with CBC News.

"I'm really looking forward to being able to serve the province and the people of the province as best I can." 

Salamoun will replace Antoinette Perry, who has served in the role since 2017.

'I thought I was retired'

When he was first asked to become lieutenant-governor, Salamoun said he was hesitant to accept: "I thought I was retired." 

But after thinking back on his career, serving others as a physician and surgeon and then as the medical director of the province's western region, he felt the position would be a way to continue his public service. 

"It is something that is totally new, totally different from what I've done, and there's some excitement to learning and doing something really, really different."  

In a news release from the prime minister's office, Salamoun is described as a respected community leader and medical professional.

"Dr. Salamoun has dedicated his life to the well-being of his community," Trudeau said. "I am confident that he will continue to serve the people of Prince Edward Island with enthusiasm, selflessness, and dedication."

Salamoun has lived in Summerside for 35 years and retired about two years ago. 

He is also the recipient of numerous community awards recognizing his longtime service, such as the Dr. Tom Moore Award from Prince County Hospital and the Putting Patients First Award from the Medical Society of P.E.I.