Addressing Dignitaries

When dignitaries visit communities and events of Prince Edward Island, the following is protocol for salutations and official titles of provincial dignitaries:

The Lieutenant Governor

The Lieutenant Governor is the highest ranking official in Prince Edward Island. Specific protocol exists to ensure appropriate respect for the Lieutenant Governor as the representative of the Crown.

The correct form of address for the Lieutenant Governor is:

• When addressing the Lieutenant Governor in person, use "Your Honour"
• When referring to the Lieutenant Governor, always use "Her Honour"
• When introducing the Lieutenant Governor, use " The Honourable Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island
• When addressing the Lieutenant Governor in writing, use "The Honourable Antoinette Perry, O.P.E.I., Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island

The Premier

The Premier of Prince Edward Island is the first minister to the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island and presides over the Executive Council of Prince Edward Island.

The correct form of address for the Premier is:

• When addressing the Premier in person, you can address him as "Premier Dennis King" or "Premier".   
• When referring to the Premier, use “Premier King” or “Mr. King”
• When introducing the Premier, use "The Honourable Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island" 
• When addressing the Premier in writing, use "The Honourable Dennis King, MLA, Premier of Prince Edward Island"
• "Mr. Premier" should not be used.

The title "Honourable" is used only while in office, unless a former premier is a member of the Privy Council.

Provincial Cabinet Ministers

In writing, a provincial cabinet minister is addressed as:

• The Honourable (first and last name and name of the department, e.g. “The Honorable Jane Doe, Minister of  Finance.” The title "Honourable" is used only while in office, unless a cabinet minister is named to Privy Council.
• The salutation is "Dear Minister"

Members of the Legislative Assembly

In writing, a provincial Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) is addressed as:

• Mr. John Doe, MLA (name of district) - Find members and constituencies
• The salutation is "Dear Mr. Doe"
• In conversation, a provincial MLA is addressed as “Mr. Doe".

Government of Canada and the Royal Family

Federal Cabinet Ministers

In writing, a Federal Cabinet minister is addressed as:

• The Honourable (first name and last name, e.g. Peter Smith), PC, MP
• Minister of (name of ministry, e.g. Health). The title "Honourable" is used only while in office, unless he/she is a member of the Privy Council (PC).

In conversation, a federal cabinet minister is addressed as “Minister” or “Mr./Mrs./Ms (last name).”

Refer to styles of address for information about how to address other dignitaries, including:

• the Prime Minister;
• the Governor General;
• members of the Royal Family;
• foreign dignitaries; and
• religious dignitaries

Contact

Debbie Atkinson
Chief of Protocol
Executive Council Office
PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PE  C1A 7N8
Phone 902-368-6889
Email: djatkinson@gov.pe.ca