Government provides further financial updates
Today, Finance Minister Darlene Compton provided an update to the province’s financial and economic position.
Since government announced initial financial supports for Islanders in response to COVID-19, more than 30,000 applications for individual support and 2,000 applications from businesses have been processed.
“Islanders have been hit hard by this pandemic whether that has meant a reduction of work hours, being laid off or having to juggle child care and at-home learning,” said Premier Dennis King. “The Province of Prince Edward Island has been responsive and responsible to the various needs of Islanders, and the programs we have put in place are helping alleviate some of the strain on our communities. We will continue to work with and for the people of this province as we navigate the uncertainties we are all facing.”
Finance Minister Compton welcomes the oversight the Auditor General will offer to ensure programs and services developed to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are delivered to meet their intended targets, and Island taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. The Department of Finance is committed to maintaining strong lines of communication and transparency to support this important oversight work.
“We remain committed to helping Islanders, especially during these challenging times. It is more important than ever that we ensure money is there so that these relief programs can continue to help,” said Finance Minister Darlene Compton. “As we look at easing public health measures and re-opening the economy, the Province will do what is needed to support our industries and, at the same time, I also encourage all Islanders to consider supporting and buying local as much as possible. We will need the help of all Islanders to get through this together.”
“Islanders’ creativity and hard work have built our province to be what it is today and in these hard times, government has to step up to lend them a helping hand and that’s what we are doing,” said Matthew MacKay, Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture. “We are rolling out programs quickly to reach as many Islanders as possible and we will continue to be flexible to help those who drive our economy get through this and be as equipped as possible for a strong comeback when the ease back plan can begin.”
The Government of Prince Edward Island continues to work with the Government of Canada to ensure that programs being offered are representative of the needs of Islanders and that programs implemented by the province will not be clawed back by the federal government.
The Province also announced that necessary regulatory changes have been made that will allow ferment on premise businesses to begin operating effective April 25, 2020. These changes will allow locations to brew, bottle, and deliver products to Islanders, as they continue to abide by the direction of the Chief Public Health Office in ensuring the continued safety of their clients.
Media contact:
Amanda Hamel
Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Office of the Premier
(902) 368-4400
ahamel@gov.pe.ca