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Premier has 'a lot of confidence' in security after threat

Premier has 'a lot of confidence' in security after threat

P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan says he's not scared or shaken after learning of threats to his life in his first week on the job, rather he's grateful to RCMP and security officials.

Richard Leonard Wright, 49, was charged last week with making death threats against MacLauchlan. Wright remains in custody and has been ordered to undergo a 30-day psychiatric assessment to see if he's fit to stand trial.

MacLauchlan says the fact a man is in custody proves the security around him and government is working.

"I have a lot of confidence in their work, and in fact, I really appreciate the particular effort that started this, which was that of our four-day a week, one-person security team for the province," said MacLauchlan.

He is talking about Mike Quinn, a former Charlottetown Police detective, who five years ago, led a review that prompted additional measures in government buildings.

The province then hired Quinn to oversee its security operations.

Quinn flagged the threats allegedly posted by Richard Wright and informed RCMP.

"It showed the benefit of taking those steps and making that a priority in a way it wasn't before," said MacLauchlan

Goal is accessibility

MacLauchlan says it's regrettable there's even a need for amped-up security.

Speaking to public officials Monday, he pointed out that in the 1960s and 1970s, then-premier Alex Campbell used to pick up hitchhikers.

But MacLauchlan's Chief of Staff Robert Vessey says times have changed, fueled by events such as the shootings on Parliament Hill.

"And, you know, it's unfortunate that things like what we see happened here last week," said Vessey.

"But it's all across our country, and government buildings with politicians and staff, they deserve to have the protection they should have."

Vessey says those procedures don't extend as far as assigning security to travel with the premier as is the case in some other provinces.

Even after alleged death threats, he says the goal is still accessibility.

"I don't know what it would be perceived like on the streets of Charlottetown if Premier MacLauchlan or any premier was going up and down with security or RCMP officers," said Vessey.

MacLauchlan says he has no plans to let a threat stop him from enjoying his freedom and meeting with Islanders as much as possible.