Image: Helen MacPhail and Brad on Helen’s 100th birthday.

The Government of Prince Edward Island has a number of resources and services that the Island’s seniors may find helpful. This post helps seniors living in District 18: Rustico–Emerald find the supports in their area.

Seniors Guides

An extensive list of resources available to seniors can be found in the 67-page Prince Edward Island Seniors’ Guide, compiled by the PEI Department of Social Development and Seniors and the Seniors’ Secretariat.

For a more concise list of services, please see this eight-page guide prepared by Brad’s office: Seniors Programs and Services in PEI.

Seniors Navigators

The Government of Prince Edward Island also has two Seniors Navigators, whose job is to help seniors access programs and services from community organizations and all levels of government.

The Seniors Navigator who serves the Rustico–Emerald area is Mary Jo Bernard. She can be reached directly at 902-303-0450. The Seniors Navigators team can also be contacted by calling 1-866-770-0588 or by emailing seniors@gov.pe.ca.

Seniors Navigators Regular In-Person Sessions

The Seniors Navigators also offer regular in-person sessions across the province. These sessions give seniors an opportunity to drop in and see the Seniors Navigators and ask any questions.

Seniors Navigator Mary Jo Bernard hosts in-person sessions in the Rustico–Emerald area. Here they are:

Kensington

Location: Kensington Legion

Dates: Second Thursday of the month from 1:00pm to 3:30pm

• August 13, 2026
• September 10, 2026
• October 8, 2026
• November 12, 2026
• December 10, 2026

North Rustico

Location: Cultural Centre, Eliyahu Wellness Centre

Dates: Third Thursday of the month from 9:30am to 12:00pm

• August 20, 2026
• September 17, 2026
• October 15, 2026
• November 19, 2026
• December 17, 2026

Kinkora

Location: Kinkora Public Library

Dates: Third Thursday of the month from 1:00pm to 3:30pm

• August 20, 2026
• September 17, 2026
• October 15, 2026
• November 19, 2026
• December 17, 2026

Private Appointments

In addition, seniors can contact Mary Jo Bernard and set up an in-person appointment outside the regular hours listed above. Please call Mary Jo directly at 902-303-0450 to arrange a meeting.

On July 1, 2026, Brad and I spent some time at the Canada Day festivities in North Rustico.

At the opening ceremony, Brad said a few words and then sang “O Canada.”

The parade was a joyous spectacle with many excellent entries, although my eye was particularly drawn to the various modes of transportation—everything from horses to classic trucks to mammoth tractors!

The sea of red and white, the maple leaves, and the smiling faces left no doubt—we Islanders are proud and thankful to be Canadians. Happy Canada Day!

Recently, Brad was featured on page 48 of the spring 2026 edition of the Canadian Parliamentary Review (volume 49, number 1), a journal dedicated to sharing parliamentary news across Canada. After announcing Brad’s election as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island, the article provided an overview of his personal background.

The article text has been transcribed below, and the full edition of the journal can be found here: Canadian Parliamentary Review, volume 49, number 1.

CPA Activities

The Canadian Scene

New Prince Edward Island Speaker

On March 26, 2026, Rustico–Emerald MLA Brad Trivers was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island over O’Leary–Inverness MLA Robert Henderson. Speaker Trivers assumed the position which had been vacated when Sidney MacEwen stepped down to join cabinet.

Born in Perth, Ontario, Speaker Trivers lived in Vegreville, Alberta, Fort St. John and British Columbia, before his family settled on the north shore of Lake Huron, Ontario. He grew up on farm between the villages of Iron Bridge and Thessalon, that produced beef and sweet corn. In addition to excelling in school, he enjoyed participating in 4-H activities, playing sports and music, and acting, later touring with the group Up With People.

Graduating from the University of Waterloo’s co-op program, he completed an honours degree in Science and Business. After pursuing a career in information systems, including running a New Glasgow-based consulting business, Speaker Trivers pursued elected office.

Unsuccessful in his first election campaign in 2011, Speaker Trivers was elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2023. Since entering the Assembly, he has held several cabinet portfolios, including Minister of Environment, Water and Climate Change, Minister of Education and Lifelong Learning, and Minister of Social Development and Housing, and served as Government Whip. Prior to his election as Speaker, he served as Deputy Speaker for a year.

Active in his community, Speaker Trivers has coached minor sports, plays Oldtimers hockey, and sings and plays guitar at local ceilidhs, kitchen parties and benefits.

In the last few years, Islanders may have noticed that the painted lines on the roads seem to fade more than they used to.

These faded lines can be difficult to see, particularly at night and especially during nights when it is raining.

Understandably, people are concerned, and we have received a number of questions and complaints about the faded road lines.

I reached out to the Department of Transportation, Infrastructure & Energy (TIE), and learned that they have had to change the type of paint that it used to mark our roads. Before 2015, the Department used an oil-based paint made with highly volatile organic compounds. In 2015, the federal Department of Environment required TIE to stop using these highly volatile organic compounds in its road paint.

As a result of these federal regulations, TIE now uses an oil-based paint made with less volatile organic compounds. They are aware that the new type of paint does not reflect light as well as the old paint, but they must follow federal regulations.

To try to compensate for the lower reflectivity of the new paint, TIE has installed several hundred kilometres of raised pavement markings. They plan to continue to install more of these raised pavement markings where staff and budget allow.

I will continue to advocate for safe roads for all Islanders. Please reach out anytime if you have safety concerns about particular stretches of road.

The Federal Department of Environment came out with new regulations in 2015 stating that PEI could no longer use high VOC (volatile organic compounds) oil-based paint between the end of April and end of October. The department tried using water-based paints which was very ineffective when it came to reflectivity, so they have opted to use a low VOC oil-based paint; however, it still does not have the high reflectivity of the old oil-based paints, but the department is required to follow the federal environmental guidelines.

The department has several hundred kms of the RPM (raised pavement markings) across the province. They have some collector roads with RPM, example: Route 6, Route 25, and various others. The department continues to install new RPMs on newly paved roads where they exist today and will continue to install more as budget and staff time allows.

On May 27, 2026, Brad attended an event in Bedeque to celebrate the union of the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) of Central PEI and the Central Development Corporation (CDC).

CBDC Central PEI and CDC describe this development, “Project Fusion,” in the following way:

“In a spirited ceremony on May 27, 2026, CBDC Central PEI and the Central Development Corporation (CDC) formally united under “Project Fusion,” marking the integration of their teams, leadership, and services. Celebrated in Central Bedeque, the event highlighted a shared vision to strengthen local economic development and streamline support for entrepreneurs. A brief ribbon-cutting symbolized the official launch of this partnership, as community members gathered to witness the milestone. The occasion reflected collaboration, unity, and a collective commitment to building a stronger, more connected future together in Bedeque, Prince County, and across Central PEI for businesses and communities moving forward.”

The announcement of the union was made by Brendan Ronahan, from Summerside, in a full “town crier” outfit!

Brad, Anne, and Cruiser took part in the Walk for Dog Guides jointly hosted by the Cymbria Lions Club and the North Rustico Lions Club on May 24, 2026.

The Walk for Dog Guides helps raise money for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. The foundation changes lives by providing Canadians living with a disability with a dog guide at no cost. The foundation also supports the dog and its recipient as they journey through life together.

Each dog guide costs around $35,000 to train and place with a Canadian in need, and the Lions Foundation receives no government funding. For these reasons, fundraising efforts such as the Walk for Dog Guides are crucial to the foundation’s success.

Brad, Anne, and Cruiser were happy to join their fellow community members in supporting this great cause!

For more information, check out these websites:

About Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides – Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides

Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides : About the Walk

On May 24, 2026, Brad dropped by the Star of the Sea Seniors’ Club in North Rustico to join in the party celebrating the Club’s 55^th anniversary.

There was music, cake, and many smiling faces.

And Brad even wrote a poem!

Well now, gather ‘round friends, take a seat if you please,
In the club by the shore with the salt-scented breeze,
Where stories are told and the good times run free—
At the Star of the Sea Club where friends we all be.

For fifty-five years—now that’s no small feat,
There’ve been dances and cards, and warm folks to meet,
Laughter echoing strong through each passing year,
And a welcome that’s felt the moment you’re here.

There’s coffee on early, the kettle’s on boil,
With chatter and laughter that never does spoil,
Where neighbours catch up on the news of the day,
And no one’s a stranger who happens your way.

And over in corners with needles and flair,
The Stitch Club’s at work with remarkable care,
With quilts, threads, and patterns all skilfully spun,
And just as much gossip as stitching gets done!

When music strikes up, well you won’t find a seat,
‘Cause dancers are quick to get up on their feet,
With a step and a turn and a smile shining wide,
As partners and friendships keep time with the tide.

Each year’s lobster supper—a true Island treat,
With tables all filled for good folks to eat,
With butter drawn warm and stories that flow,
A feast for the heart as much as the soul.

Members like to keep healthy—well wouldn’t you know,
There’s chair yoga sessions that help bodies glow,
With stretches and breathing and balance just right,
Keeping folks active and feeling real bright.

And oh, there’s a stage—how the curtains do rise!
A variety of shows full of song and surprise,
And theatre that brings both the tears and the cheer,
With talent enough to fill every seat here.

Through winters so cold and summers so fair,
This club keeps folks busy—and shows that they care,
A place to belong, to laugh, and to be,
A cornerstone here in our community.

So I’m proud to stand here and simply to say,
Congratulations to all on this wonderful day—
Fifty-five years strong, and still going free—
The heart of North Rustico: Star of the Sea!

In his role as Speaker, Brad was invited to give a speech to the Prince Edward Island branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society on May 21, 2026.

(From Left to Right: Speaker Brad Trivers and David Ashby, President of the Royal Commonwealth Society of Prince Edward Island.)

The Royal Commonwealth Society was founded in 1868 as a forum for sharing ideas about what was then the British Empire. Since then, the Royal Commonwealth Society has evolved into an organization that strives to improve the lives of those living in the Commonwealth’s 56 member states. In particular, the Society advocates for literacy, equality and inclusion, the environment, and connected communities. His Majesty King Charles III is the Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

In his speech, Brad focused on democracy, one of the Commonwealth’s core values. Brad gave an overview of the various offices of the Legislative Assembly, such as the Auditor General and the Child and Youth Advocate, as these are important parts of our democracy that sometimes go unnoticed. Brad concluded his speech by mentioning that this year marks the 175th anniversary of responsible government on Prince Edward Island. Responsible government is a cornerstone of our democracy. Under this system, the executive branch is accountable to the people’s elected representatives in the Legislative Assembly. (For more information on responsible government, check out the Legislative Assembly’s website.)

Brad was honoured to have been invited to address the Royal Commonwealth Society and applauds the work its members undertake to improve lives around the world.

Hello, everyone. My name is Bailey Clark, and I am Brad’s assistant. I help Brad with his duties as Speaker and as MLA.

I am from Kensington, Prince Edward Island. I have an Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in History and a Master of Arts degree in Island Studies, both from UPEI. My Honours and MA theses both focused on Prince Edward Island history.

I am happy to help in any way I can. Please feel free to reach out by phone or email:

• Phone: (902) 916-1789
• Email: baileyclark@assembly.pe.ca

On May 6, 2026, Brad donned an apron and participated in McHappy Day at the McDonald’s on University Avenue in Charlottetown.

On McHappy Day, a portion of the proceeds from purchased menu items helps support Ronald McDonald House chapters across Canada.

Ronald McDonald Houses provide a place for families with sick children to stay as their child receives treatment.

Brad was proud to support this initiative. And he got a new pair of socks!

(From Left to Right: Corey Tremere of Ocean 100, Brad Trivers, and Bailey Clark.)