Premier Dennis King says he’s asked the Ministers who are a part of PEI’s Cabinet Committee on U-S Relations to look into possible support programs to help Islanders and those PEI industries and businesses that will be hit hard by the imposition of tariffs by the U-S.
The Premier says that includes reviewing every COVID program, every Fiona program, and every Potato Wart program that was rolled out to see what can be moved on quickly if necessary. King says the federal government has said it will be there to support, and there has been talk of a COVID-level response.
On Sunday, the PEI Government announced some measures it will be taking as a result of the U-S tariff announcement. The Province will take immediate steps to remove U.S. based products from liquor stores and will be limiting procurement with U.S. based companies. By Tuesday, all American wines, beer, and spirits will be removed from provincial liquor store shelves across the province. It also means that restaurants and agency stores can’t reorder or restock U.S. products. In addition, current procurement with U.S. companies is being reviewed and wherever possible, the provincial government will be limiting commerce with U.S. companies and entities. That will include canceling existing contracts, and limiting the ability for U.S. companies to bid or compete for provincial government contracts. King says that would include the Province’s NHL deal, which he says is on the table.
