The Island EGOT

It may not be an EGOT, but in Island terms surely it’s the closest one might come: I achieved tri-party recognition in the gallery of Legislative Assembly during a visit on April 8, 2016.

It started with Liberal Hon. Doug Currie, Minister of Education, Early Learning and Culture:

I’d also like to welcome Peter Rukavina who is in the gallery today and I’ll be acknowledging that in a statement. Peter is a very influential educational leader in the Province of Prince Edward Island and is very much part of the conversations about how we’re going to be moving our education system forward. 

Next was Brad Trivers, Conservative MLA for Rustico-Emerald:

I wanted to welcome Peter Rukavina from the PEI Home and School Federation. He is a fellow web developer and systems analyst and I know he has had a big play in the Prince Edward Island systems. I’m particularly interested in how he might help lead this government towards openness and transparency with open data initiatives. That’s an area I am very interested in as well. 

Next it was back to the Liberal Jordan Brown, Government Whip and MLA for  Charlottetown-Brighton:

Peter Rukavina, a great community member and somebody that has been very involved in numerous different community initiatives over the years. Great to see you here. 

One more Liberal, Hon. Hon. Allen F. Roach, Minister of Finance:

But I’d also like to make a note that it’s great to have Peter Rukavina here…

And then, to cap it all off, Peter Bevan-Baker, Leader of the Third Party and MLA for Kellys Cross-Cumberland:

I’d also like to welcome Peter Rukavina. His work on home and school, of course, is legendary. Also, he’s a great advocate of open data. A large portion of the throne speech was devoted to that. So I’m sure Peter is hoping that government will follow through on that. 

I should hasten to add at this point that this sort of recognition isn’t unusual for Islanders in the gallery: it’s a regular part of every sitting day, and almost anyone in the gallery will certainly be recognized. 

Beyond the hyperbolic suggestions that I’m a legendary influential involved community member, it was nice to be pointed out by members of all the parties; it allows me to maintain non-partisan street cred.