Statistics Canada says employment was virtually unchanged in February.

Employers added just 11-hundred jobs across the country last month, falling short of economists’ expectations.

The unemployment rate held steady at 6.6 per cent as population growth eased to its slowest pace since April of 2022.

The latest figures give the Bank of Canada an idea of how the labour market looked before the U-S slapped the country with hefty tariffs.

The central bank is set to make an interest rate decision next week. 

 PEI’s unemployment rate stood at 7.8 percent in Fdebruary, up from 7.2 percent in January.

Music PEI Week is rolling into the weekend with the big night ahead on Saturday.  The 24th Music PEI Awards Gala is Saturday night at 7:00pm at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.  Dylan Menzie, Lawrence Maxwell, and Vishtèn Connexions lead the pack with six nominations each, followed by Hikado with five, and both Absolute Losers and Richard Wood have four nominations apiece.

The Green Party of PEI has announced that two candidates, Hannah Bell and Matthew MacFarlane, have been approved for the Party’s Leadership contest.  Bell was elected as a Green MLA in 2017 and re-elected in 2019.  During her time as an MLA, Bell served as Critic for Finance, Climate Action, and Housing, and chaired the Public Accounts Committee. MacFarlane is currently serving as the MLA for District 19, Borden-Kinkora, after having been elected in February 2024. He serves as Third Party Whip and Critic for Health and Wellness; Justice and Public Safety; Agriculture; Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population; and Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture.  A Leadership Convention will be held June 7th.

The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission has approved a decrease in the price of regular gasoline of 2.0 cents per litre.  The price of furnace oil went down overnight by 6.0 cents per litre, while the price of diesel dropped by 5.0 cents per litre.   Including taxes, pump prices for regular self-serve gasoline now range from $1.61 to $1.63 per litre.  Diesel goes for $1.91 to $1.92 per litre.  The maximum price for furnace oil is $1.30 per litre.  Propane prices increased by between 1.7 to 4.8 cents per litre, and now range from 99 cents per litre to $1.03 per litre.  

Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc says Ottawa is suspending a second wave of retaliatory tariffs on U-S imports coming to Canada after President Donald Trump did a flip-flop on levies against Canadian goods this week.

However, LeBlanc says an initial set of Canada’s retaliatory levies on U-S goods is still in play and will continue until the Trump administration drops all of its latest duties.

The president’s latest executive order Thursday paused some of the new duties on Canada and reduced potash levies to 10 per cent.

Trump’s order linked the relief to maintaining the flow of automobile parts within the Canada-U-S-Mexico Agreement and helping farmers who need potash for fertilizer. (19)

The latest rollback on tariffs from U-S President Donald Trump wasn’t enough to ease concerns on Wall Street as all three major indexes closed down today for the third time this week. The S-and-P 500 stock index has fallen below where it was before Trump was elected.  Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump denied his tariffs were causing the drop in stock prices. 

The Construction Association of P.E.I. says the uncertainty around U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, and what Canada will do to strike back, will have a major impact on people planning to build on the Island this year.

In a week when U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on almost all Canadian imports, then walked that back a bit, some P.E.I. restaurants have vowed to no longer buy American goods. People like Rebecca Reardon at the Cork and Cast in Charlottetown say they're buying Canadian as much as possible. CBC's Taylor O'Brien visited some kitchens.

Happy International Women’s Week!

Happy Music PEI Week!

PEI WEATHER

TODAY:  Chance of flurries or showers. Winds southwest gusting to 70 this afternoon. Falling to +2° this afternoon.

TONIGHT:  Flurries. SW gusting to 70. Low -4°

TOMORROW:  Cloudy. Winds diminish in the afternoon. High -2°

TEXT YOUR ANSWER TO 902-368-1720

Canada's automotive industry was given a month-long reprieve from U.S. tariffs on Wednesday, but some Prince Edward Islanders say they're concerned about what could happen if the levies return in 30 days' time. 

P.E.I.'s new economic development, innovation and trade minister didn't have too much time to settle into her job before the fur started to fly. Darlene Compton was sworn in just last week, and she now faces the challenge of helping Island businesses through a U.S. tariff crisis and trade war. She joins Louise Martin for a conversation on CBC News: Compass.

U-S President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to pause some of his tariffs on Canada.

The order removes tariffs for about a month on Canadian goods that are compliant with the Canada-U-S-Mexico trade agreement.

Trump announced earlier on Thursday that he would pause his 25 per cent tariffs on Mexico until April 2nd.

Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs threats have roiled financial markets, lowered consumer confidence, and enveloped many businesses in uncertainty

A fire that severely damaged a Sydney Street apartment building on Wednesday is now out, though crews were still putting out hot spots Thursday morning, says Charlottetown’s fire chief. 

Flair planes will be back on the tarmac at Charlottetown Airport this summer after all, in part because the airline is projecting lower demand for flights to the United States.

Summerside City Council has voted unanimously in favour of the City taking over the Silver Fox Entertainment Complex.  The City had been considering a request from the volunteer board that’s been operating the complex for the City to purchase the complex and take over its operations and debt, which is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.  It’s expected the City will take over operations in April.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada’s premiers have agreed to reduce barriers to internal trade after the U-S hit the country with economically devastating tariffs. 

U-S President Donald Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods and a lower 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy this week and then announced that the auto sector will get a one-month exemption from the duties. 

Canada imposed 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs on 30-billion-dollars worth of American products and Trudeau reportedly won’t lift any levies if Trump leaves any tariffs on Canada.

The White House says Trump is open to other carveouts. 

The Liberal Party of PEI has set a Nomination Meeting for District 15 Brackley-Hunter River for Wednesday, March 26th.  The meeting will be held at the Warren Grove Community Center beginning at 7:00 p.m.  March 12th is the deadline for candidates to declare their intention to seek the nomination.

A recent;y ordered investigation into Buddhist land holdings in P.E.I. could provide the first legal test of measures in the Lands Protection Act meant to prevent concentration of land ownership across multiple linked corporations.

Henry Donald Crabbe has been sentenced on charges of child luring and making sexually explicit material available to a child.

The Tariff Working Capital Assistance Program is one of two programs the province has announced this week to support PEI businesses impacted by the U-S tariffs.  On Wednesday, the Province made some more of the program details available. The Program is being offered through Finance PEI, and it’s to provide working capital financing to Island businesses impacted by tariffs to ensure that operations can be maintained, jobs can be preserved and to help impacted organizations invest in market and supply chain alternatives. Eligible applicants can apply to receive up to $500,000 over six years at a fixed rate of 4%, with principal payments deferred for 12 months.

Funding will be available until March 31, 2026.

A dramatic scene Wednesday afternoon as Charlottetown firefighters responding to a fire on Sydney Street arrived to find a resident hanging from a window trying to escape the flames in the burning apartment building.  They were able to get out on their own from the 12-unit building between Queen and Pownal Streets.  Two people were taken to hospital with undetermined injuries.  In all, 12 people live in the building, and they have been receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

The City of Summerside is taking over the Silver Fox Entertainment Complex after city councillors voted unanimously in favour of doing so on Tuesday night. 

Some Prince Edward Island business groups say their members are looking to diversify as U.S. tariffs come into effect, with the head of the Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce saying the economic dependency of Canadian and American economies has been an 'eye-opener.'

A University of Prince Edward Island economist says he believes P.E.I.'s economy is somewhat less vulnerable to U.S. tariffs compared to those of other Canadian provinces. George Jia spoke to Louise Martin of CBC News: Compass to explain why.

Opposition party politicians on P.E.I. say the provincial government's response to the 25 per cent tariffs on virtually all Canadian goods imported into the United States lacks urgency and substance. 

Firefighters and police are on the scene of an active fire at 88 Sydney St. in downtown Charlottetown. 

The Town of Stratford is seeking public feedback on its draft street vendor bylaw, which proposes new regulations for the operation and permitting of food trucks within the municipality.

Charlottetown MP Sean Casey says employment insurance relief will be introduced within weeks to help those who lose their jobs due to tariffs, if those tariffs aren’t lifted.

With the "Buy Canadian" movement on the rise, there is growing interest in supporting local agriculture and promoting sustainable farming on Prince Edward Island.

Happy International Women’s Week!

Happy Music PEI Week!

PEI WEATHER

TODAY:  Cloudy. Chance of flurries. High 1°

TONIGHT:  Rain or flurries this evening and overnight. Rising to 6° by morning.

TOMORROW:  Chance of showers. Rain starting late in the day. Wind gusting South to 60. High 11°

TEXT YOUR ANSWER TO 902-368-1720

Music PEI Week continues Wednesday after opening on Tuesday.  Out Loud Sessions, presented by Pride PEI, is taking place in the Guild at 7:30 p.m. and features Dazey, Carlie Howell, Noah Malcolm, Inn Echo, and Joce Reyome.   

Down East Stinger, presented by Ocean 100 and Hot 105.5, was originally going to be hosted at The King’s Playhouse in Georgetown, but has been moved to Copper Bottom Brewing in Montague and will take place at 7:30 p.m. The showcase will feature both contemporary and traditional performers, including Shane Pendergast, Whitney Rose, and Dennis Ellsworth, and Aubin Pi La S.C.B. 

With many Islanders voicing concerns about the size of their electricity bills, Green MLA Matt MacFarlane wants an independent audit of Maritime Electric’s billing and rate-setting process.   MacFarlane says some Islanders are seeing increases in the range of hundreds of dollars a month with their electricity bills. He says many Island customers are experiencing unexpected hikes, well above approved rate increases, leading to concerns about transparency and fairness in rate calculations.

Summerside Electric had to power up its own diesel generators again Monday night, after a warning from Maritime Electric that the utility didn't have enough power to supply the city. 

Premier Rob Lantz told CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin that retaliatory tariffs must be carefully weighed, given the potential damage to real people on both sides of the border. But he also said P.E.I.'s promotional deal with the National Hockey League is 'absolutely under review' as the province shapes its response to hefty U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports.

Calling it a sad day for PEI, Canada and the U-S, Premier Rob Lantz and his Cabinet Committee on Trade Relations provided some details on what Lantz calls the first phase of PEI’s tariff response plan.

That first phase includes new programs to support Island businesses; the removal of U-S liquor from PEI liquor stores; and a review of PEI’s procurement practices, including U-S contracts.

Economic Development, Innovation and Trade Minister Darlene Compton says that through Innovation PEI, Government is launching the Export Enhancement and Diversification F.  She says it will provide non-repayable assistance to those in the business community affected by the changes.  The fund will cover up to 60 percent of eligible costs to a maximum of $32-thousand – covering costs related to market research, advertising and promotion, market strategies, and travel costs for trade shows and other events.

Compton says they are also rolling out the Tariff Working Capital Program, which offers relief loans to businesses affected by the tariffs.

The Trade Minister adds that PEI will be doubling the trade missions and export companies across PEI can join those missions.  Compton says they have strategically planned multiple destinations connecting with buyers, sellers and distributers in places like Canada, Europe, Southeast Asia, Mexico and the Caribbean this year.  The trade missions calendar can be found on the Innovation PEI website.

Premier Lantz says that while the Province pushes for solutions on international trade, it can’t ignore the barriers that exist in our own country.  Lantz says we face expensive bridge and ferry tolls just to access  the rest of Canada and those costs put Island businesses at a disadvantage and add an extra burden to our economy.  The Premier says those tolls need to end and that will be his primary message to the Prime Minister and the other Premiers.

Finance Minister Jill Burridge says that on Tuesday morning, staff started removing all American liquor from shelves in PEI Liquor stores.  She says Government is reviewing its procurement practices, including U-S contracts within core government to identify if there are Canadian or international alternatives.  Burridge says they have prioritized local products and services in the past, and will continue to do so.  The Finance Minister says Government will be relentless in seeking alternatives to any American contracts it holds, while ensuring prudent use of taxpayer dollars – and that government services and programs continue

Prince Edward Island exporters are looking to adapt to the new trade reality after sweeping U.S. tariffs went into effect on Tuesday.

P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz and the cabinet committee on trade relations are expected to provide an update on the province's response to U.S. tariffs. CBC News will carry the news conference live beginning at 2 p.m. AT.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the United States has launched a trade war with Canada and Canada is fighting back.

Trudeau says the country is beginning with 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs on 30-billion dollars worth of American products after the U-S hit Canada with 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs today.

The levy will be expanded to another 125-billion dollars in U-S goods in 21 days.

Trudeau says Canada will file dispute resolution claims with the World Trade Organization and through the Canada-U-S-Mexico Free Trade Agreement. (9)

On Tuesday afternoon, PEI Premier Rob Lantz will be joined by the Cabinet Committee on Trade Relations to discuss the province’s response to U.S. tariffs.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey says the relationship between his province and the United States has been “unlawfully and unjustly harmed.”

Canada’s premiers are reacting to President Donald Trump slapping Canada with 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs and a lower levy on Canadian energy.

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt called on residents to come together in what will be a challenging time and to focus on buying Canadian products.

Ontario and Manitoba are pulling alcohol off some store shelves in response to the tariffs.

And Quebec Premier Francois Legault is holding a special meeting of his cabinet before he announces his province’s response. (9)

Economists say a Canadian recession looms this year if U-S tariffs stay in place.

R-S-M Canada economist Tu Nguyen says Canada’s economic landscape is set to change dramatically as the trade war will mean prices increase, unemployment rises, and consumers begin pulling back.

She says no sector will be spared and businesses will need to cut jobs.

An exhibit of art featuring the 1875 structure is among the events being planned to mark the occasion as the West Point lighthouse at Prince Edward Island's western tip celebrates a century and a half.

Music PEI Week gets underway Tuesday and runs through Saturday.  It’s a chance to see some talented PEI musicians at showcases and events being held across the province.  While tickets will be sold at the door at each venue, you can pick up advance tickets through Music PEI’s website and Locarius, PEI’s locally owned ticketing platform.  Highlights during Music PEI Week include Down East Stinger, presented by Ocean 100 and Hot 105.5 on Wednesday night at Copper Bottom Brewing in Montague; the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year Concert at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside on Thursday; and the 24th Annual Music PEI Awards Gala at the Confederation Centre of the Arts on Saturday night.

Islanders and all Canadians are waking up to a new and uncertain reality after U-S President Donald Trump’s deadline for economy-wide tariffs passed overnight, triggering a continental trade war.  Trump’s executive order imposed 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs, with a lower 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy as of midnight eastern time.  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement Monday that Canada was ready to respond with its own 25 per cent tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods.  He says the retaliatory tariffs will remain in place until the U-S ceases its tariffs.

In early February, before the tariffs were paused for a month, the PEI Government said it would respond to the imposition of tariffs by the United States by removing U.S. based products from liquor stores. The Province had indicated all American wines, beer, and spirits would be removed from provincial liquor store shelves across the province, which would also mean that restaurants and agency stores couldn’t reorder or restock U.S. products.  The Province had said it would also limit procurement with U.S. based companies canceling existing contracts, limiting the ability for U.S. companies to bid or compete for provincial government contracts.  

Twenty years after Red Shores Casino opened its doors in Charlottetown, it's getting an expansion to add 8,000 square feet of space. Its operator, Atlantic Lottery Corporation, won't say how much the project will cost. But it does say there is no government money going into the work. CBC's Wayne Thibodeau reports.

P.E.I.’s Official Opposition is demanding details about how the provincial government plans to improve services for Islanders who don't have a secure and affordable place to live.

With sweeping U.S. tariffs scheduled to take effect Tuesday, some of P.E.I’s main industries are trying to plan for an uncertain economic future. 

Marking the end of an era in Prince Edward Island politics, Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay announced over the weekend that he will not seek re-election when the next federal election is held, possibly within weeks. "Lawrence," as he's come to be known, is the longest-serving MP in Island history, first elected in 1988. CBC's Kerry Campbell looks at MacAulay's legacy, and at what comes next.

U-S President Donald Trump says steep across-the-board tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will go ahead Tuesday.  Trump says there’s no room left for America’s closest neighbours to negotiate a way out of the devastating duties.  The tariffs were initially delayed after Canada and Mexico agreed to introduce new security measures at the border.  But it’s unclear what Trump wants to see from Canada in exchange for dropping the tariff threat for good.

The foreign affairs minister says Canada is ready for sweeping U-S tariffs on Canadian goods if they do go ahead as the U-S president has promised.  Melanie Joly says Canada does not want a trade war but will be ready if the U-S begins one.  Her comments came Monday afternoon, just moments after U-S President Donald Trump said 25 per cent tariffs on most goods with a lower 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy will take effect Tuesday.  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had said previously that Canada has retaliatory tariffs set to go but it’s not yet clear when or if they would take effect.

Events are kicking off for Music P.E.I. Week, and the Island's top talents will be on display. Rob Oakie, the executive director of Music P.E.I., talks to Louise Martin of CBC News: Compass about what's on the entertainment agenda.

Mo Kenney, Stephen Hero, Wolf Castle and Outside Music’s Evan Newman are among the nominees who are withdrawing their names.

Early Sunday morning, shortly after 3:00am, Summerside officers on patrol in the St. Eleanors area spotted a large amount of smoke in the air in the area of East Drive.  They immediately patrolled the area and found a home on fire.  Police helped two occupants get out of the burning home. 

Both residents suffered smoke inhalation, and one was later transported to hospital by EMS for treatment. 

The Summerside Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.

The fire is not believed to be suspicious in nature.

On Sunday at 11:00am, the Murray River Fire Department, Kings District RCMP, and Island EMS all responded to a fire at a home in Glenwilliam. The RCMP says no one was injured in the fire but the house was significantly damaged. The Provincial Fire Marshal attended the scene and the fire remains under investigation.