Province provides update on public services, finances

Today, the Province of Prince Edward Island provide an update on government operations and financial supports for Islanders as the province plans for phase 2 of Renew PEI, Together. 

“Our province has been fortunate in containing the potential spread of OCDI-19 due to the quick action and steadfast leadership of the Chief Public Health Officer and the support and cooperation of Islanders. The Province of Prince Edward Island has been there, and will continue to be there, to ensure supports and resources are in place to help all Islanders.”

-  Premier Dennis King

Minister of Finance Darlene Compton announced an increase to the COVID-19 Emergency Contingency Fund bringing the fund to $75 million. Additionally, a $50 million special warrant was recently approved to help the province continue to address the financial challenges faced by Islanders and industries across Prince Edward Island. 

“Our government continues to be responsive and responsible with Island taxpayer dollars to ensure that our province can recover from the impacts of this global pandemic,” said Minister Compton. “We have worked closely with our federal counterparts, local industries, community organizations and stakeholders in providing programs that are meaningful to Islanders and our primary industries. We will continue in our commitment to support Islanders during these uncertain times.”

Minister Compton also acknowledged the partnership with the federal government to ensure $16.7 million in federal funding to create additional support for essential workers. The COVID-19 Support for Essential Workers who earn $3,000 per month or less over a four-week period is now available. Employers can submit their applications on behalf of their employees online.

Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Steven Myers provided an update on government services that have resumed or will resume on May 22, 2020. 

Access PEI services in Souris, Charlottetown, Summerside and O’Leary reopened this week as well as efficiencyPEI offices in Summerside and Charlottetown. 

As of May 19, Island Waste Management Corporation (IWMC) will begin to accept additional items at their Waste Watch Drop-Off Centres and the East Prince Waste Management Facility.
Beginning May 22, PEI Cannabis retail stores will open with limited hours. Additionally, provincial courts in Georgetown, Charlottetown and Summerside will resume on a limited schedule.

All provincial liquor stores across the province will reopen on May 25. 

Minister Myers also provided an update on the public consultation process for the Royalty Oaks Natural Area.

Members of the public are able to submit their written feedback on the project. As well, beginning next week, the Department of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy will be inviting the public to come to the project site to hear the project plans, see the location and provide their feedback.  

Anyone interested in attending will be asked to sign up in advance. Groups of four people will be allowed to tour the site led by a member of the project team. Physical distancing will be practiced at all times. More details on the sign-up process will be available May 15. 

“Government departments continue to adjust their day-to-day practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while still offering important services to Islanders. We have been working hard, and working together, to figure out solutions for our new normal and are putting practices in place to protect the health and safety of the public service and Islanders,” said Minister Myers.  “This pandemic has had an impact on all of us and has required innovation and collaboration. As we move forward, we will continue to be innovative in our approach to provide public services for Islanders.”

Media Contact:
Amanda Hamel
Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Office of the Premier
(902) 368-4400
ahamel@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder: 

Since March 16 when the Public Health State of Emergency was declared, the Province of Prince Edward Island has implemented 30 programs designed to bridge the gap, provide support and meet the needs of Islanders. This includes $40 million in business support programs to ensure our Island businesses can remain stable and almost $30 million in support and relief programs for families, students, and the Island’s most vulnerable. 

Government Operations Update 
Reminder – While Access PEI sites have reopened in Souris, Charlottetown, Summerside and O’Leary as of May 12, 2020, the province has extended its grace period on vehicle registration and drivers’ license renewals to July 6, 2020. 

Services to re-open: 
May 14, 2020

• Respite Care (Souris, Morell, Montague, Charlottetown, Kensington, and West Prince)

May 15, 2020

• Brudenell Golf Course
• Links at Crowbush Cove Golf Course

May 18, 2020

• Canceled Class 7 written exams (at all open Access PEI locations)

May 19, 2020

• IWMC Waste Watch Drop-Off Centres and the East Prince Waste Management Facility will begin accepting household compost, recyclables (disposal fees apply), mattresses/box springs, as well as recyclables (blue bag #1 and #2) from businesses. 

May 22, 2020

• PEI Cannabis retail stores will open Monday-Saturday with limited hours (10am – 6pm); Island seniors and immune compromised customers are asked to shop between 10am and 11am. 
• Burning Permits will resume online
• Dundarave Golf Course

May 22, 2020 (by appointment)

• Hunter Safety Practical Tests
• Wildlife Cards
• Wildlife Permits
• Maintenance Enforcement Office
• Child Support Guidelines Office
• Family Court Counsellors Office
• Access and Privacy Services Office
• Public Guardian and Public Trustee Office
• Office of the Children’s Lawyer 

May 25, 2020

• All PEILCC locations across the province

Provincial Burn Ban Update
The province also provided an update on outdoor burning. Beginning immediately, it will be easing its Burn Ban to allow Islanders to have small backyard campfires. 

Any outdoor fire should be in a contained structure or pit and everyone is reminded that all regulations and requirements pertaining to safe outdoor burning still apply. Larger domestic fires for spring clean-up are still not permitted and backyard burning permits will not be issued until May 22, provided conditions allow. Industrial burning permits will not be considered until a later date.