A Charlottetown man has pleaded guilty to several charges stemming from a series of events that began with him not showing up to a court date, and ended with him taking a hostage at the provincial jail in a breakout attempt.

Health P.E.I. is working to address long wait times for surgeries and diagnostic imaging through a variety of strategies, and there are early signs of progress.

Members of the Green Party of Prince Edward Island will have the opportunity to cast their vote for a new leader at a leadership convention to be held on June 7, 2025, the party announced in a news release Wednesday.

Maritime Electric has been asking Islanders to conserve electricity amid this cold snap that is putting more demand on the power supply.

Maritime Electric C-E-O Jason Roberts says he hopes Islanders can lessen their power use during peak times between 6 a-m and 10 a-m, and from 4 p-m to 8 p-m.

Roberts says people can help by using their dishwashers, ovens, washers and dryers at different times of the day, and by holding off on plugging in their electric vehicles.

Environment Canada is calling for a high of -11 C Wednesday in Charlottetown, followed by an overnight low of -16 C.

2024 was a record year for Charlottetown Airport in regards to passenger traffic.  In 2024, more than 410-thousand passengers travelled through the airport, which was up 2.0% over 2023, and 7.2% over 2019.

Charlottetown Airport Authority CEO Doug Newson points to a number of key highlights for YYG last year.  He says there were four airlines – Air Canada, Porter, WestJet, and Flair – operating to six destinations.   He adds that construction started on Phase 1b of the air terminal building expansion project and design for Phases 2 and 3.

Newson says the Charlottetown Airport Authority will continue to focus on building its air service network and is optimistic that some exciting announcements will be in store for this year.  This June the Airport Authority will be hosting Altitude East 2025, which is Atlantic Canada’s leading air access forum for air service development, marketing and transportation officials.

The Green Party of PEI will hold a leadership convention this spring.  Party President Kathy Low issued a statement Wednesday saying that a leadership convention has been scheduled for June 7th.   Karla Bernard has been serving as interim leader since July 2023 after former Leader Peter Bevan-Baker announced he was stepping aside.  The Party will start accepting applications from prospective leadership candidates on February 1st.   

Prince Edward Islanders from both the Palestinian and Jewish communities are reacting with mixed emotions to the recent ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, relieved by the pause in violence but weighed down by the emotional toll of the conflict.

Some Prince County residents are walking away with more answers after attending Tuesday night's public information session in Albany, P.E.I. on the Wejipek Wind Project.

Maritime Electric is asking Prince Edward Islanders to conserve electricity as colder-than-usual temperatures are putting significant pressure on the Island’s energy supply.

Corey’s A.I. Creation of the day:

Corey, Scott and Jill as a children’s educational show!

PEI WEATHER

Today: Sun and cloud and cold wind chill of -17

Tonight wind chill of -25

• Grace during tech issues
• Cold temp tips
• Smarter Than Scott at 8:10?

The best in business will be recognized Wednesday night as the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce holds its 2025 President’s Excellence Awards Gala at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward.  Twenty-four finalists across nine categories were announced back in December, and the recipients of the nine President’s Excellence Awards will be announced Wednesday.  Dow’s Fashions will be presented the Lifetime Achievement Award.  The Master of Ceremonies for the gala will be Ocean 100’s Jill Chandler.

The outbreak of influenza A at Prince Edward Home in Charlottetown has expanded to include a third household — the Valour Hall household. The outbreak had already been declared on Fox Meadow and Light House Cove households.  Residents of those three households are being limited to one visitor at a time, and visitors are being asked to wear a mask.

The outbreak of Norovirus on Gable household at Summerset Manor in Summerside has been declared over.  Health PEI is thanking staff for their dedication in managing and limiting the outbreak within the facility.   Visitors are still being asked to wear a mask inside the facility.

Canada may be getting a little more time to deal with U-S tariff threats due a change in priorities during Donald Trump’s entry into the White House.

The president has signed an executive order to study the trade relationship with Canada which tentatively puts implementation of a 25 per cent levy off until February. 

Canada’s Ambassador to the U-S Kirsten Hillman says that is an opportunity to focus on how the two countries can work together.

Industry Minister Francois-Phillippe Champagne says Canada should stop playing defence on Trump tariff threat and starting think about going on the offensive.

A Charlottetown resident is calling on the P.E.I. government to do more to protect homeowners after reading about a recent oil spill very similar to one on his Montague property 20 years ago, which he says ruined him financially. 

Corey’s A.I. Creation of the day:

Corey, Scott and Jill as a children’s educational show!

PEI WEATHER

Today: Sun and cloud and cold wind chill of -19 later today

Tonight: Clouds  Wind chill of -25

• That’s Tourism with special guest Lori MacGregor
• Reality TV shows
• Classic Albums Live Giveaway

The City of Summerside says it's looking at whether purchasing the entertainment facility will be sustainable.

Jenna Larter of Brookfield has been selected to represent Canada at the International Skating Union World Cup in Calgary. Larter will be the first Islander to compete in a senior international speed skating event. CBC stopped by to watch a practice and find out how she's preparing.

Some major medical groups want to change how doctors diagnose obesity, saying new definitions and diagnostic criteria could reduce stigma for people with larger bodies. Carol Bernard, leader of the Kensington chapter of TOPS, agrees. She speaks with CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin.

Prince Edward Island's first private clinic for magnetic resonance imaging is set to open in Summerside this spring, says one of the new diagnostic centre's owners.

Henry Donald Crabbe pleaded guilty Tuesday in provincial court in Charlottetown to both child luring and making sexually explicit material available to a child.

The U.S. government recently dropped a proposed rule aimed at protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale, a decision that one conservation group says is, 'incredibly disappointing.'

Canada’s annual inflation rate fell to 1.8 per cent in December, thanks in large part to the federal government’s temporary tax break.   Statistics Canada’s consumer price index report shows food purchased from restaurants and alcohol purchases from stores contributed the most to the deceleration.

The federal government introduced a temporary pause on taxes to such items in mid-December, along with tobacco and cannabis products, clothing, and some toys, among others.   Without the tax break, Statistics Canada said the annual inflation rate would have risen to 2.3 per cent.

Grocery prices also decelerated from a month ago, falling to 1.9 per cent.

PEI’s annual inflation rate dropped to 0.4 percent in November from 1.8 percent in November.

Attention now turns to the Bank of Canada, which is set to make an interest rate decision next week.

President Donald Trump says he is looking at February 1st as the day he plans to slap Canada and Mexico with 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs.

Trump made the statement while signing executive orders at the White House Monday night, citing the migration of people and fentanyl crossing the borders.

The date comes after Trump officials, speaking anonymously, suggested to reporters that the Republican president would only sign a memorandum telling federal agencies to study trade issues.

In his inauguration speech earlier Monday, Trump did not mention Canada but said he was going to overhaul the trade system to protect American workers and families. 

PEI WEATHER

Today: Sun and cloud and cold wind chill of -17

Tonight wind chill of -25

• Grace during tech issues
• Cold temp tips
• Smarter Than Scott at 8:10?

The Souris Striders Ski Club has started a project to extend the lighted section of its trails to make it the longest lit ski trail in the Maritimes, the group says.

The town's community campus spans 170 acres of land and will include six soccer fields, three baseball diamonds and a cricket pitch. But the big-ticket item on the campus will be an $85-million wellness centre. CBC's Wayne Thibodeau explains how it's all shaping up.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling for unity as the U-S inaugurated Donald Trump as its 47th president.  Trudeau has congratulated Trump on his inauguration and cited Canada’s efforts to secure the border in response to the Republican leader’s demands.  The prime minister says the two countries are strongest when they work together.  Trudeau says he looks forward to working with Trump to deliver prosperity while protecting and defending Canadian interests.

Canada appears to have dodged tariffs — at least, for now.  An anonymous incoming White House official has pointed journalists to a Wall Street Journal report.  It says U-S President Donald Trump plans to launch an investigation into alleged unfair trade and currency practices by Canada, Mexico and China.  Two federal government sources say Ottawa is waiting to see what Trump does before revealing its response.

Charlottetown’s Flood Protection Rebate Program is reopening for residents looking to protect their homes from damage in the event of flooding.

Back for the second year, the program offers households within Charlottetown a 75 per cent rebate on City-approved flood protection devices and associated installation labour, to a maximum of $1,000.

Eligible flood protection devices include Sump pumps, Back up battery systems for sump pumps, Water alarm/detection devices, and Backwater valves.

Applicants with an annual household income of $55,000 or less are eligible for full coverage of the cost for approved flood protection devices and installation, to a maximum of $1,500.

Islanders are bracing for very cold temperatures after waking up to a snowfall on Monday that closed schools across the province.

Woodlot owners are being asked to provide feedback through a survey to help the province better understand forest management and harvest decisions.  The 2025 PEI Woodlot Owners Survey will be sent by mail to 2,400 randomly selected woodlot owners in the coming weeks. Participants were drawn through a process in which every woodlot owner in the province had a chance of being selected.  Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Gilles Arsenault says most PEI forests are privately owned and managed, so the Province needs to understand the needs, values and interests of Island woodlot owners,.

Alanis Morissette will headline the main stage at Sommo Fest on the first night of the festival, says the company behind the event. 

Prince County is set to host a new “state-of-the-art” baseball park at Mill River Resort in Woodstock.

Donald Trump will take the oath of office at noon Eastern time today, solidifying a political comeback without precedent in American history.

After overcoming impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts, the 45th president will become the 47th president.

Trump takes charge as Republicans assume unified control of Washington, giving Trump a fresh opportunity to reshape the country’s institutions.

The inpatient unit at Western Hospital has declared an outbreak of COVID-19.  For now, patients on the inpatient unit are restricted to one visitor at a time. The visitor restrictions will remain in place until the outbreak is declared over.  All visitors to the unit are being asked to follow the current infection control measures and to wear a mask. 

All schools across Prince Edward Island are closed Monday as a winter storm brings challenging conditions to much of the province, with the western region bearing the brunt of the snow.

Plows are out across the province on Monday morning. 

Heavy snow in Prince County Monday morning and with the winds that’s creating conditions with visibility described by the Transportation Department as just fair.  In Queens County, roads are snow covered and in areas with blowing snow visibility is just fair.  In Kings County, there’s been less snow, with some ice pellets creating slippery conditions.  Plows and salt and sand trucks are out in Kings County,.

Due to the current and forecasted weather and travel conditions, all classes in the Public Schools Branch and French Language School Board are cancelled Monday.  The opening of the Tourism and Culinary Centre is delayed due to inclement weather. A further announcement will be made at 7:00 AM.

For Prince County, there is a Winter Storm Warning in effect.  We could see an additional 10-15 cm of snow Monday in Prince County with heavy snow in the morning, and strong winds whipping that snow around causing reduced visibilities.  Conditions will improve near noon today as snowfall rates begin to ease. There are no warnings or advisories for Queens or Kings Counties, where a further 5 to 10cm is possible.  Winds gusting to 60kh could cause some blowing snow issues in areas.

It was a devastating fire just days after Christmas, but a Prince Edward Island family is getting through the difficult time with strength, gratitude and even some laughter.

PEI WEATHER

• It’s Happy Monday with giveaways all day!
• A visit from Solar Jeff
• Talking about some crazy competitions

Scientists from across Atlantic Canada are focusing on ways to fight back against invasive pests and prepare for the effects of climate change, including the increased threat of wildfires. They met in Charlottetown to talk about all the research they're doing to keep forests healthy. Nancy Russell went to the workshop to find out more.

There’s more wintry weather set to sweep across Prince Edward Island over the next several hours.

The old red-brick structure that overlooks the Montague River is full of artifacts, but those who help to run it worry about the Garden of the Gulf Museum itself being lost to history.

Today is the first day of National Non-Smoking Week, which highlights the health risks of smoking and vaping and reminds Islanders of the support available to help them take meaningful steps toward being tobacco and vape-free.

The PEI Smoking Cessation Program supports Islanders at every stage of their quit journey. This year, the program has expanded to make access easier than ever. Islanders can now connect with services through their local pharmacies or primary care centres to receive 100 per cent coverage for nicotine replacement therapy products or prescription medications to quit smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco products.

For more information about the PEI Smoking Cessation Program, you can call the Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333, or visit SmokersHelpline.ca.

Summerside has announced that it has been awarded Baseball Canada’s 2026 Canada Cup for players 17 and under.  It’s the first time in over 50 years of sports event hosting that Summerside will welcome this particular national championship.  Next year’s tournament will take place from August 5th through the 9th and will see teams from all 10 provinces compete for the national title.  Summerside will also host the 2026 Ray Carter Cup — the national 15-and-under championship, from August 20th through 23rd.  The tournaments will have a significant impact on the local economy, attracting hundreds of athletes, family and fans to Summerside.

Health PEI is declaring an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on Gable household at Summerset Manor in Summerside.  Residents of Gable household will be limited to one visitor at a time, and all visitors will be asked to follow the current infection control measures.

At the same time, the outbreak of influenza on Red Oak Heights and Blue Jay Way households at Prince Edward Home has been declared over.  Visitors are encouraged to wear a mask inside the facility and to not visit if they are not feeling well.

The PEI Liberal Party is asking Islanders to contribute to an online survey by sharing their ideas about key issues in the province.

The new online survey and the 2024 policy sessions are led by Liberal Policy Chair Carolyn Simpson, who says the survey input will help with the liberal policy development process.  Simpson led a series of policy discussion sessions as well, late last year. The survey is open to the public until February 6^th.  The Liberal Party will be holding a Policy Convention in the coming months as the culmination of the policy development process.

A 21 year old Stratford man has been charged with impaired driving after providing breath samples that were almost three times the legal limit. Charlottetown police were on routine patrol one night this week when they tried to pull a vehicle over for speeding on the Arterial Highway. The vehicle didn’t stop and the officer did not chase it for public safety reasons. The suspect vehicle was later located by the Police Services E-watch camera system and a second officer pulled it over on Walker Drive.  The driver has been released from custody but the flight from police investigation is also ongoing and could result in additional charges.

Trying to go alcohol-free during January or February? Some tips, some things to know, and how businesses are tapping into the trend.