President Donald Trump posted on social media that he spoke Monday morning with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and would “be speaking to him again in the afternoon.  Trump has said he also would talk Monday with his counterpart in Mexico. Both Canada and Mexico are about to levy their own tariffs in response to U.S. actions.  The Republican president also used his social media post to repeat his complaints that Canada has been uncooperative, questioning why Canada doesn’t allow U.S. Banks to open or do business here.  He also said it’s a drug war, and hundreds of thousands of people have died in the U.S. from drugs pouring through the Borders of Mexico and Canada.

It's official. As of Tuesday, Americans will pay an extra 25 per cent on Canadian imports. The news is causing widespread uncertainty across the country and on P.E.I. Premier Dennis King joins Island Morning host Mitch Cormier to talk about what it means for the Island and how the province is responding.

A “Support Canadian Business” public service campaign is being launched by Stingray, the parent company of Hot 105.5 and Ocean 100.  The campaign, launched in response to the U-S tariffs announcement, aims to support Prince Edward Island and Canadian businesses.  Jennifer Evans, Director of Operations for Stingray PEI and New Brunswick, says that as Islanders and Canadians, we can use our purchasing power to support local products and local businesses.  Starting Tuesday, as the tariffs go into effect, the “Support Canadian Business” public service campaign will air once per hour on both HOT 105.5 and Ocean 100 to ensure all Islanders know the importance and power of their purchasing decisions. 

Canada has revealed the details of the retaliation plan against Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs against Canadian goods. 

Canada is imposing 25 per cent tariffs on an array of goods originating in the United States from meat and milk to carpets and curtains.

In part, the tariffs are set to start on Tuesday. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement Saturday night but the detailed list of retaliatory tariffs was released Sunday afternoon.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to speak with U-S President Donald Trump about the trade war between the U-S and Canada.  Trump announced he would be speaking with leaders from Canada and Mexico ahead of the tariff start on Tuesday.

Canada is retaliating with 25 per cent tariffs of its own, targeting 155-billion-dollars worth of American goods, including alcohol, furniture and natural resources.

Trudeau says he has spoken with President Antonio Costa of the European Council, ahead of the Informal European Union leaders’ retreat today. 

Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic before surgeries for decades, but it can also be an option for those struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts- especially when anti-depressants and talk therapy don't work.

Police are asking Islanders to hang up if they receive a phone call that appears to be from the P.E.I. RCMP. That’s because the caller could be a scammer who’s 'spoofing' the numbers of police agencies — and they just want to steal your money. 

Darcy’s A.I. Creation of the day:

PEI WEATHER

TODAY:  Mainly cloudy. Chance of flurries. South gusting to 40 km/h. High -2°

TONIGHT:  Snow beginning overnight. 5cms.  Wind South gusting 50 km/h. Low -3°

TOMORROW: Sun and cloud. Wind SW gusting 60 km/h in the morning. Steady near -4°

TEXT YOUR ANSWER TO 902-368-1720

The Provincial Government has announced some measures it’s taking due to the announcement of the U.S. Administration imposing tariffs on Canadian products starting on Tuesday.

One of those measures is the removal of U.S. based products from liquor stores.  By Tuesday, all American wines, beer, and spirits will be removed from provincial liquor store shelves across the province. Because the PEI Liquor Control Commission is the sole wholesaler for those products in PEI, restaurants and agency stores can’t reorder or restock U.S. products.

Another step being taken by the Province is that 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 moving forward.  That includes canceling existing contracts, and limiting the ability for U.S. companies to bid or compete for provincial government contracts.

The Chinese Society of P.E.I.'s second annual spring festival fair was held Saturday at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown. 

Canada and the United States will launch a trade war on Tuesday, and exporters on Prince Edward Island say nothing good will come of it on either side of the border. 

PEI RCMP are warning people about a phone scam where fraudsters are pretending to be police officers and trying to get you to move money to protect yourself against a compromised social insurance number. Police say the callers are using caller ID spoofing that makes it appear the call is coming from a legitimate PEI police phone number. RCMP say to never just go by whether a call looks local as it is easy to spoof caller ID and also remind you that police would never ask anyone for money or to move their money.

P.E.I.’s two largest cities have seen a major housing development the past 12 months, but affordability remains a key concern for officials in both municipalities.

Premier Dennis King issued a statement Saturday night in response to U-S President Donald Trump signing a 25-percent tariff order on all Canadian imports, with the exception of 10-percent on all energy.  King says the tariffs pose a serious risk to

U-S President Donald Trump has signed an , as well as Mexico, and China.  Trump is declaring an economic emergency to put duties of 10% on all imports from China and 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada — except for a 10% rate on Canadian oil.  The White House said Trump’s order also includes a mechanism to escalate the rates if the countries retaliate against the U.S., as they have threatened. Trump says the tariffs are to force the countries to do more to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.

It’s been an anxious day for Canadians, awaiting word from the White House regarding President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25 percent tariff on all goods entering the U-S from Canada.  While there’s been no official word from the U-S, reports indicate the 25-percent tariff will be imposed on Tuesday, with a 10-percent tariff on Canadian energy products.  Prime Minister Trudeau is to meet virtually with the Premiers late Saturday afternoon and is expected to provide a response early Saturday evening.

Mark Carney made a stop in Prince Edward Island on Saturday, backed by all four of the province's members of Parliament who have endorsed him to be the next federal Liberal leader. 

The outbreak of COVID-19 at Charlottetown’s Beach Grove Home has expanded to include Meadow household. This is an extension of the recently announced outbreak on Harbour household. Residents of these households will be limited to one visitor at a time. All visitors will be asked to follow the current infection control measures, including wearing a mask. Visitors are reminded not to visit if they are feeling unwell.  

Liberal leadership contender Mark Carney is on PEI today.  Carney is participating in a meet and Greet event this morning at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel.  Then, late this morning, Carney will attend a social in North River.  Carney is on an Atlantic Canadian swing.  In Halifax on Friday, Carney announced he’ll abandon consumer carbon pricing if he wins the race.  Carney says the consumer carbon tax isn’t working because it’s too divisive, and “it’s time for Canada to come together.”  The former Bank of Canada governor said he’s going to cancel the tax if chosen leader and replace it with incentives.

Some members of Three Rivers Council say they've had enough of what they've characterized as slanderous comments and "outlandish claims" regarding matters over which they say they have no control.

The P.E.I. government is asking Islanders for feedback on proposed legislation that would regulate buildings with excessive security features, which officials say can pose risks to public safety.

Health PEI says a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Beach Grove Home in Charlottetown on its Harbour household. 

Residents of the Harbour household are allowed only one visitor at a time. All visitors are being asked to wear a mask and stay away if they are not feeling well.

The provincial government has put plans to establish a supervised injection site on hold.  That was the word Wednesday from Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison as she appeared before the legislative committee on health and social development.  Dr. Morrison told the committee that the province’s harm reduction initiatives appear to be preventing further increases in opioid-related overdose deaths on the Island.  So, the province is pausing plans to establish a supervised injection site and will instead continue work to strengthen its harm reduction initiatives.  That includes the continued expansion of the provincial take-home naloxone program.

A big search-and-rescue operation continues Thursday morning in the waters of America’s Potomac River after Wednesday night’s deadly midair crash of a passenger jet and a military helicopter near the U-S Capitol.  An American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a U-S Army Blackhawk helicopter while the plane was on approach to land at Washington’s Reagan National Airport. Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter, which was on a training flight at the time. There’s been no word yet officially on casualties.

Conditions are poor Thursday morning, especially in Kings and Queens Counties in open areas.  The fluffy light snow that we’ve received is being whipped around with strong winds creating reduced visibility that’s described by the Transportation Dispatch office as poor in open rural areas .  The roads themselves are also snow covered and icy and slippery.  

In Prince County, the roads are snow covered and slippery and there’s some ground drifting being reported as well.

Plows are out across the province.

Due to travel conditions, all classes in the Public Schools Branch and French Language School Board are on a one hour delay with further announcement by 8 am. 

The opening of all Holland College locations is delayed due to inclement weather. A further announcement will be made at 9:00 AM.

UPEI is delaying opening until 12 noon at both the Charlottetown and St. Peter’s Bay campuses with a further update at 10 am. The AVC Veterinary Teaching Hospital will remain open for emergencies.

All provincial civil service offices Island-wide are on a delayed opening until 9:30 this morning, with a further announcement by 8:30 a.m.

Snowy conditions cause delays across Prince Edward Island Thursday morning, following a night of blowing and drifting snow due to strong northerly to westerly winds.

Post-secondary staff on Prince Edward Island say they aren't surprised that over a third of Maritime university students report having a disability. 

Members of a P.E.I. union say a comment made by Health P.E.I.'s CEO is "disturbing" and "distressing." 

The government of Prince Edward Island has published draft legislation centred around fortified buildings. CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin spoke with Andy Cook about what P.E.I.'s Fortified Buildings Act means.

P.E.I.’s chief public health officer says the province has decided to pause the establishment of a supervised injection site and instead prioritize strengthening its existing harm reduction initiatives.

The Bank of Canada has delivered another interest rate cut today, reducing its policy rate by a quarter-percentage point to three per cent.  It’s the central bank’s sixth straight cut since June, with inflation sitting around two per cent.  It says the cuts are having an impact, with lower interest rates boosting household spending and the economy expected to strengthen.  But the threat of U.S. tariffs is creating uncertainty for the Bank of Canada’s economic outlook.

Darcy’s A.I. Creation of the day:

PEI WEATHER

TEXT YOUR ANSWER TO 902-368-1720

A warning from PEI RCMP that scammers can easily spoof caller ID phone numbers.  They make it look like they are calling from trusted organizations, including courthouses, sheriff’s offices, and police departments.  PEI RCMP recently received a report of a scam in which fraudsters impersonated an RCMP employee, claiming to be acting on behalf of Service Canada. The scammers demanded Bitcoin payments and used the Stratford RCMP phone number on caller ID to appear legitimate.  Never send Bitcoin or purchase gift cards in response to an unexpected phone call. 

The City of Charlottetown is mourning the passing of Stu MacFadyen — calling him a devoted public servant, cherished mentor and steadfast community leader who left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him.  MacFadyen began his career as a physical education teacher at Prince Street Elementary, and then became the first Superintendent of Simmons Arena and Pool, then later was Superintendent of both Parks and Recreation, and Simmons Arena.  He retired in 2000, but was elected to City Council in November 2001.   He was re-elected in 2004, 2007, and 2010, serving as Deputy Mayor throughout his last three terms.   The City’s flag will be flown at half-mast to honour Stu MacFadyen, who passed away on Sunday.

Visitor restrictions have been put in place at Maplewood Manor in Alberton after the declaration of an outbreak of

Influenza A on its Seascapes Harbour household. 

Residents of that household can have only one visitor at a time, and those visitors are being asked to wear a mask. Health

PEI says visitors should also stay away if they’re not feeling well.

PEI RCMP have released impaired driving statistics for 2024, and they show that the Mounties made 230 impaired driving arrests on Island roads last year.  More than 60 percent of those arrests, 140 of them, involved drivers impaired by alcohol.  90 of the cases, almost 40 percent, involved drug impairment.  More than half of the impaired driving investigations resulted from RCMP traffic enforcement and check points, while 35 percent were the result of public tips, and 13 percent stemmed from collisions.

The Bank of Canada is expected to lower its key policy rate by a quarter of a percentage point today to three per cent.

Economists say the forecast reflects the latest inflation and jobs data.

Statistics Canada says the federal government’s temporary tax break had a huge part to play in the country’s inflation rate ticking lower to 1.8 per cent last month. 

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate dipped to 6.7 per cent as wage growth slowed. 

The iconic tourist attraction on P.E.I.'s North Shore is getting a multimillion-dollar upgrade.

Mackenzie Sapier says fishing stripers has exploded in popularity across the Island. The fish has been endangered in the past and could be again as DFO has exponentially increased the number that can be caught commercially.

Darcy’s A.I. Creation of the day:

Kent St Kevin (the camel) out to inspect all that fresh snow and frigid temps.

We can’t wait to share the video of our Special Olympics Donut Building Challenge on Friday just in time for you to score your limited edition version of the donut (friday-sunday this weekend at any Tim Hortons on the Island).  Shout out to mega superstar with Special Olympics, Kobe Stewart for helping us out!

PEI WEATHER

TODAY:  Sunny then increasing cloud with some snow. High -6°

TONIGHT:  Snow and blowing snow. 5cm. North wind gusting to 50. Low -9° with a -20° windchill overnight

TOMORROW:  Cloudy with a chance of flurries and some blowing snow. Wind Northwest gusting 60. Falling to -12° with a -23° windchill

TEXT YOUR ANSWER TO 902-368-1720

There's been a debate going on in legislative standing committees about what documents Island MLAs should be able to compel from government. Constitutional lawyer Lyle Skinner joins us on CBC News: Compass to break down what politicians can and can't see.

Charlottetown council says if a resident doesn't fix up her home in the next year and a half, the city will to tear it down.

The P.E.I. government says the value of building permits across the province between January and November increased by 33 per cent last year compared to 2023. The construction sector hopes it can keep up with the demand.

Economic uncertainties stemming from the potential impacts of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 25 per cent tariffs were at the centre of P.E.I. Premier Dennis King’s state-of-the-province address Monday evening.

After a few years without a permanent home, the Charlottetown Curling Club is working toward establishing a new location within the Town of Stratford's community campus.

The public washrooms at Victoria Park in Charlottetown are closed until further notice due to significant damage and vandalism, says the city’s parks and recreation department. 

The City of Charlottetown is giving residents, businesses and others a final chance to discuss the latest draft of the City’s Official Plan. A public meeting will be held on February 13th at 7 p.m. at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel.  The City’s Official Plan establishes general land use planning policies and ensures coordinated growth.  In 2022, the City initiated a review of its current plan, which was adopted in 2005. The process included three previous phases of public consultation.  The latest draft of the official plan is available online at charlottetownhall.ca.  It’s expected the final draft will proceed to City Council later this spring to be approved.

After a very challenging season in 2024 for the Northumberland Ferries service between Wood Islands and Caribou, Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand has ordered an audit into the performance of the ferry service.   The Minister has indicated that frequent service disruptions with Northumberland Ferries last year weren’t acceptable.  Anand says it’s important to ensure the company has policies to prevent future cancellations and delays, as well as guaranteeing safe operations.  There was no service from mid-September until early December as repairs were being done to the MV Confederation after it was involved in a collision and the MV Saaremaa was out because of mechanical issues.

Lawrence MacAulay is the latest Island Liberal MP to put their support behind Mark Carney in the Liberal leadership race.  MacAulay, the Cardigan MP and Agriculture Minister, took to social media Monday to announce he was supporting Carney for the Liberal leadership.  Egmont MP Bobby Morrissey and Malpeque MP Heath MacDonald had already announced they were supporting Mark Carney.

On Monday, demolition of the former financial building at the corner of Kent and Great George Streets moved into high gear.  The area has been cordoned off since mid-January, and on Monday the building was being torn down.  The building is being demolished to allow for the building of an 8-storey,  85 Unit apartment building .   Vehicle lanes are reduced in that area and pedestrian access is also restricted.