Results for: Prince Edward Island

The Mi’kmaq Nation Government of Prince Edward Island and the Government of Canada have announced an agreement to establish a new national park reserve called Pituamkek, located along the northwestern shores of Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island). This agreement signifies a step towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and emphasizes the importance of protecting the area’s ecological, cultural, and historical significance. Pituamkek, meaning “At the Long Sand Dune,” holds profound importance for the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq and is home to diverse ecosystems, ancient traditions, and cultural sites.

The Canadian government has announced a repayable contribution of $220,000 to The Inn at Bay Fortune through the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) to support the creation of a new event space and the modernization of accommodation suites. The new 3,300 square foot event space will double as a fully operational greenhouse, providing fresh sustainable produce year-round and offering an innovative tourism experience integrated into the Inn’s farm-to-table gastronomy. Additionally, improvements to existing heritage buildings will enhance guest accommodations to match the high standards of the Inn’s culinary experiences. This investment underscores the Government of Canada’s commitment to diversifying regional economies by investing in tourism products and experiences that encourage visitation to and within Canada.

Hundreds of Indian students in Canada’s Prince Edward Island (PEI) region are protesting against a new law that restricts postgraduate work permits to students with specific qualifications, leaving many international students unable to continue working in Canada. They allege that the policy was changed overnight, and they are now facing deportation. The students are demanding an extension of work permits and a review of the recent changes to immigration policies. They have set a deadline for action, threatening a hunger strike if their demands aren’t met by mid-May.

Lobster fishers along P.E.I.’s southeastern coast have decided to revert to their traditional spring start date this year, after a trial run with an earlier opening in 2023. The 2023 season, which had two opening days, faced challenges due to colder-than-normal water temperatures, resulting in lower catches. While some fishers prefer an earlier start to secure better prices, others argue that it can lead to lower catches. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is gathering data from this year’s season to inform future decisions.

The opening of the spring season in P.E.I.’s Lobster Fishing Area 26A has been delayed until Saturday due to forecasted high waves in the northeastern Northumberland Strait. Crews will not begin hauling traps until Monday, as traps will be placed Saturday morning and P.E.I. lobster boats do not operate on Sundays.

Graduates from post-secondary schools in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island face some of the highest student loan debt in the nation. According to Statistics Canada, the average debt for Nova Scotia college graduates was $18,100 and $39,100 for bachelor’s degree holders. In Prince Edward Island, students repaying an average of $43,500 after completing a bachelor’s degree program. Despite the drop in the proportion of students with debt, the average amount owed has increased significantly since 2000.

After 28 days of heated discussions, the spring sitting of the Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) Legislature has ended. Health care remained a contentious issue throughout the session, with a debate on Tuesday focused on the province’s long waitlist for family doctors. Despite Premier Denis King’s promise to reduce the waitlist by 1,000 people, the number has only decreased by 23. Deputy Premier Bloyce Thompson expressed optimism that the situation will improve, while interim Liberal leader Hal Perry voiced concerns about the pace of progress. Overall, collaboration among parties was lacking, and debates became more personal. Eleven government bills received royal assent during the session, including measures related to off-highway vehicles, crowdfunding, and healthcare costs.

Inmates at the Provincial Correctional Centre in Prince Edward Island will now have unlimited phone access, thanks to an intervention by OmbudsPEI. Ombudsperson Sandy Hermiston received complaints from inmates for over two years, highlighting the lack of phone privileges and the lengthy screening process for approved numbers. OmbudsPEI’s investigation revealed that Prince Edward Island was the only province in Canada to limit inmate phone contact. The previous policy limited calls to close family members, lawyers, and organizations like OmbudsPEI, making it difficult for inmates to plan pre-trial releases and maintain relationships. This move aligns the province’s practices with the federal correctional system, which allows approved contact lists but does not restrict the number of contacts or limit them to close family.