CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Premier Dennis King says that the federal government is “close” to offering a package for the country’s beleaguered tourism industry.
King made the remarks during question period in the P.E.I. legislature on Wednesday, in response to questions from Opposition Leader Peter Bevan-Baker.
"What's your government doing to ensure that these critical businesses and these jobs in the tourism sector are properly supported," Bevan-Baker asked the premier.
In response, King said he has had “23 straight calls” with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in which he lobbied for help for the tourism sector.
"I understand the federal government is close to coming out with a package for the tourist sector, which Atlantic Canada needs very, very badly," King said.
In an interview, King said the other Atlantic Canadian premiers, as well as the leaders of the three Northern Territories, have been lobbying the federal government for a relief package specifically for the tourism industry.
Although the traditional summer tourism season is still months away, the details of this package could make the difference between whether many hotels or tourism businesses remain open or close up shop.
While the Atlantic travel bubble may have provided some lifeline to P.E.I.'s tourism sector, it is clear that the summer season was harsh for many operators. The Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. has launched a #tourismcounts campaign warning of the number of jobs on P.E.I. supported by tourism, with videos showing images of empty restaurants, theatres and hotels.
As to when details will be released, King pointed to the possibility of an announcement around the release of spring federal budget.
"Right now, it's about the timing, as I understand, and whether it will be something they can release between now and budget time or whether it will be something within the budget," King said.
"My most recent request to the prime minister was the sooner that this can happen, the better for us, the better for tourism operators."
A lobbying document prepared by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada is calling for a $2.23 billion tourism-specific economic stimulus fund from the federal government, as well a $600 million series of domestic travel incentives.
King’s remarks came the same day that New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs told a news conference his province may review Atlantic travel bubble rules if COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
New Brunswick currently has 32 active cases of the virus in the province, while Nova Scotia currently has 24. P.E.I. has three active cases.
King said Higgs remarks were consistent with the messaging from his own government.
“We continue to evaluate COVID and seeing the increase in cases across the country and around the world and realizing that it's within our shores."
"If we need to make steps backwards, just as we've taken them forward, we would be prepared to do that. As it stands right now, it continues to be business as usual."
King added he has communicated to the other Atlantic Canadian premiers that the Island plans to make masks mandatory in public buildings.
