It’s Jack Frost weekend, and with that, Queen Street in Charlottetown will be closed from Grafton Street to Sydney Street Saturday night from 6:45 p.m. until approximately 7:15 p.m. so people can view the Jack Frost Winterfest fireworks display. The display starts at 7 p.m. behind the 2024 sign on Queen’s Wharf at the Charlottetown waterfront.  Richmond Street (Victoria Row) between Queen Street and Great George Street is now closed until approximately 8 p.m. Saturday night.  

UPEI and Health PEI have released the findings of The Spindle Report.  The University and Health PEI asked a consultant, The Spindle Group, to examine what will be required for the provincial health care system to support the medical school being constructed at UPEI.  The Spindle Report suggests that the medical school at UPEI will eventually require 135 doctors to devote 20 per cent of their work time to teaching.  The report indicates that without changes in recruitment, retention and doctor complement levels, the province won’t be able to meet the required number of doctors. The report estimates up to 43 new physicians will be required over nine years; and the model assumes these physicians will spend a minimum of 80 per cent of their time providing clinical care to Islanders and a maximum of 20 per cent of their time teaching.

Documents CBC News P.E.I. received through Freedom of Information show that a large amount of the wood being used to heat more than 40 provincial buildings has come from forests cleared for new farm fields or housing.

UPEI officials are warning MLAs that the university may need more provincial funding if the federal government’s cap on new international students leads to lower enrolment at the Charlottetown campus. 

UPEI’s medical school will eventually require 135 doctors to devote 20 per cent of their work time to teaching, according to a consultant’s report looking at what it will take for P.E.I.’s health-care system to support the new facility.

Sandra McNevin talks about why the great big gift is a great big deal to Lennon House.

With the launch of CBC's new podcast, Good Question, P.E.I., the number one question people reached out about was why we have to pay a toll to cross the Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick. Host Nicola MacLeod explains.

Health P.E.I.'s efforts to recruit physiotherapists to work at new primary care clinics is creating challenges for other facilities that rely on them.   

A 41 year old man is in custody facing charges including robbery, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and wearing a disguise during the commission of an offence after a robbery in Summerside yesterday

Police say a 911 call came in shortly before 6am yesterday that a a suspect brandished a weapon and fled a Granville Street convenience store with cash and merchandise. No on was injured and police picked up the suspect a couple of hours later in the Reads Corner area.

The Summerside Police Services General Duty members, Forensic Identification Section and Major Crime Unit are investigating. Summerside Police received additional support from the RCMP Police Dog Service.
The investigation is continuing, and anyone with any information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact the Summerside Police Services at 902-432-1201 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 8477 (TIPS)

Organizations and groups that work to improve the lives of Island seniors are invited to submit applications for the 2024-2025 PEI Seniors’ Secretariat grant. The grants provide up to $5,000 per project designed to improve the lives of seniors. Groups eligible for funding include non-profit organizations, community-based coalitions, networks, municipal governments, and Indigenous organizations across the Island.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, April 5, 2024. Successful applicants will be notified in early summer 2024.

Completed applications can be submitted by:

Mail: Seniors Secretariat Grant (Attn: Hailey Arsenault), Department of Social Development and Seniors, 2nd floor Jones Building, 11 Kent Street, Charlottetown PE, C1A 7N8

Email: [email protected]

School bus drivers on P-E-I say the Island’s relatively new fleet of electric buses are plagued with problems. The union that represents drivers says that of the 100 electric buses in use, 16 to 18 of them are usually in the shop on any given day. The union says the biggest problems with the three-year-old vehicles are their often faulty heating systems and the software used for charging. Public school officials say the province is working with the manufacturer,  Lion Electric, to fix those problems — adding that there are always challenges with new technology.

In the Maritime Junior Hockey League…Pictou County edged the Summerside Western Capitals 3-2

Saint Mary’s forward Nathan Dunkley scored a hat-trick, leading the Huskies to a 4-3 win over the UPEI Panthers in Game One of the Atlantic University Sport men’s hockey quarterfinal on Thursday night in Halifax.

The Holland College Hurricanes are moving closer to conference championship action and will have some crucial games this weekend at home and on the road, including the final regular season home games of the season for women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball. 

William Nylander scored 54 seconds into overtime as the Toronto Maple Leafs survived a blown 3-1 lead late in regulation to down the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3

Elsewhere in the NHL, the New York Rangers beat the Montreal Canadiens  7-4 

Florida Panthers became the 11th N-H-L team to win 10 consecutive road games, beating the Buffalo Sabres 4-0

The Anaheim Ducks skated to a 5-1 win over the Ottawa Senators. . 

The Jane DiCarlo-skipped rink from the Crapaud Community Curling Club, including third stone Veronica Mayne, second stone Sabrina Smith, lead Whitney Jenkins, alternate Emily Best and coach Daryell Nowlan – are competing in their first Scotties Tournament of Hearts Canadian women’s curling championship, which starts today and goes to Feb. 25.

Prices at the pumps and to heat your home are up this morning. In the Island Regulatory and Appeals regular weekly price adjustments, regular gas increased by 2.5 cents a liter, premium gas by 2 cents and home heating oil by one. Only diesel stays the same.

Including taxes, pump prices for regular unleaded gasoline at self-serve outlets will range from 163.4 to
164.6 cpl, prices for premium unleaded gasoline at self-serve outlets will range from 172.8 to 174.0 cpl and
prices for diesel will range from 202.9 to 204.0 cpl.
The maximum price for furnace oil is 144.9 cpl.

Parks Canada has released the first-ever management plan for Green Gables Heritage Place. It has stirred up some controversy, but fans of L.M. Montgomery say the changes could help build visitation to the site and awareness of the author's contributions.

A rising number of seniors in Prince Edward Island are feeling the pinch of poverty, and demand for both provincial and community services is as high as it's ever been.

The latest housing numbers for the Island show listings have increased, sales are up and prices are relatively stable. The president of the P.E.I. Real Estate Association discusses what those numbers mean with CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin.

P.E.I. currently has no endodontists, meaning any patient who needs a complex root canal has to travel to Moncton or Halifax for the procedure. 

At a PEERS Alliance information session about naloxone in Summerside, people heard how the substance can reverse the effects of overdose. Elysha Whitlock from The Village, a community organization dedicated to helping people facing homelessness, says naloxone is needed more than ever after several recent ODs.

Jacqueline Sark-Arsenault's crochet slippers bring people back to her table at the Indigenous Artisan market every year. Jacqueline's love of creating started as a child when her father showed her how to knit and she's been making things ever since.

MLAs expressed frustration at the legislature health committee meeting Wednesday, hearing about the number of patients in hospital acute care beds waiting for a space in long-term care.

A 34-year-old Queens County man is facing multiple charges in connection with child a pornography investigation.

Prince District RCMP began an investigation into a voyeurism complaint in October 2023. As a result of this investigation a 34-year-old Queens County man has been arrested and charged with multiple offences including voyeurism, making child pornography, transmitting child pornography, intercepting private communications and unsafe storage of a firearm.

This investigation spans two years of events, and multiple victims were discovered as part of this investigation including several youths. Out of respect for all those affected by these crimes, no further details concerning the victims or accused are being shared at this time. This investigation did not reveal a threat to the greater public, the investigation is ongoing.

The RCMP take public safety and sexual offences very seriously. “It is important that those affected by sexual offences know that there are no limitations on reporting historic events, they can be reported anytime. We use a trauma informed approach and are ready to hear your story when you are ready to tell it.” Said Cpl Gavin Moore, PEI RCMP Media Relations Officer.

The Charges will be heard in two different courts including:
Charlottetown court – March 11th, 2023
S. 162(1)(a) CC and S. 162(5)(a) CC – Voyeurism
S. 162(1)(b) CC and Section 162(5)(a) CC – Voyeurism
S. 163.1(1) CC and Section 163.1(2) CC – make child pornography
S. 163.1(1) CC and Section 163.1(3) CC – transmit child pornography
S. 163.1(1) CC and Section 163.1(4)(a) CC – possess child pornography
S. 86(2) CC and Section 86(3)(a) CC – Unsafe storage of a firearm
Summerside court – March 13th, 2023

S. 162(1)(a) CC and S. 162(5)(a) CC – Voyeurism
S. 162(1)(b) CC and Section 162(5)(a) CC – Voyeurism
S. 184(1)(a) CC – Intercept private communications
S. 163.1(1) CC and Section 163.1(2) CC – make child pornography
S. 163.1(1) CC and Section 163.1(3) CC – transmit child pornography
S. 162(1)(a) CC and S. 162(5)(a) CC – Voyeurism
S. 162(1)(b) CC and Section 162(5)(a) CC – Voyeurism
S. 163.1(1) CC and Section 163.1(2) CC – make child pornography
S. 163.1(1) CC and Section 163.1(3) CC – transmit child pornography

Prince Edward Island will be hosting this year’s Global Sustainable Islands Summit.

International experts and leaders will be gathering at Crowbush for two days in May to discuss climate change mitigation and renewable energy.

Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Steven Myers says the government has big goals to reach net zero emissions in the province by 2040.

Myers adds that they want to be a leading force in renewable energy and clean tech worldwide.

Students with Holland College’s accounting technology program will once again be helping low income Islanders, students and seniors with their income tax returns through the Community Volunteer Income Tax program.The students have been working with CRA in the program for over 40 years. The service is offered free of charge for those eligible and runs through March and April.

An individual with income of less than $35,000, or a two person family with less than $45,000 (plus $2,500 for each additional person in the family)
can get their return done free of charge through the program at tax clinics across the province.

Port Charlottetown is expecting a record breaking year for cruise ships in 2024. There will be 96 ships with more than 165 thousand passengers and over 74,000 crew pulling into port. 

The numbers set a new benchmark for Charlottetown. 

Last year cruise visits contributed over $21.5 million dollars in economic impact to the Island.  The first ship of the busy season will dock in Charlottetown April 8th.

Due to weather and road conditions, the Souris, Morell, Montague, Bluefield and Charlottetown families of schools will remain closed for the day.
Three Oaks, Kensington, Kinkora and Westisle families proceed following a one-hour delay.
In the French language school board La Belle Cloche, Francois Buote and Saint Augustin schools will remain closed for the day.
École Pierre Chiasson, Ecole Évangeline and Ecole sur Mer will open following the 1 hour delay.
All provincial civil service offices in the Kings County area(s) will open at 9:30 am.Service Canada offices in Montague and Souris are also opening at 930

The Summerside Western Capitals have an opportunity to widen their lead atop the Maritime Junior Hockey League overall standings.The Caps take a league-leading record into a home game against the Pictou County Crushers tonight at 7.

The playoff series between the UPEI Panthers and Saint Mary’s Huskies opens a best of three quarter final matchup in Halifax tonight at 7. Game 2 will be at UPEI Saturday night.

The Cape Breton Eagles made franchise history last night in their 5-3 victory over the Moncton Wildcats in the Q.

Lucas Romeo, Brayden Schmitt and Luke Patterson each scored over that span to set the new franchise record for the fastest three goals scored in one game
Pascal Siakam had 23 points to lead the Indiana Pacers past the Raptors 127-125 on Wednesday in his return to Toronto.

In the NHL Winnipeg Jets’ skated to a 1-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks.

Students with Holland College’s accounting technology program will once again be helping low income Islanders, students and seniors with their income tax returns through the Community Volunteer Income Tax program.The students have been working with CRA in the program for over 40 years. The service is offered free of charge for those eligible and runs through March and April

– Port Charlottetown is looking ahead to a record-breaking surge in cruise activity for the coming 2024 season, with 96 ships, over 165,000 passengers and a crew of over 74,000. There will be 18 double cruise ship days, 3 triple cruise ship days, and 1 four ship day on October 1st. This sets a new benchmark for the Island

Public schools on P.E.I. are delaying opening and officials are assessing whether they will open Thursday.

After years of being only two-thirds full on an average night, an overnight emergency shelter for women in Charlottetown is now packed most of the time, and usually has a waiting list for beds. 

Authorities say at least eight children are among 22 people who were hit by gunfire in a shooting at the conclusion of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade Wednesday. Police say one person was killed. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves says three people have been detained for investigation.

Social media users posted shocking video of police running through a crowded scene as people in attendance hurriedly scrambled for cover. A Chiefs official said players and coaches were on buses and returning to Arrowhead Stadium when the shooting happened.

The federal carbon price will increase April 1 to $85 per tonne, up from $60. The quarterly rebates associated with it — which the Liberals rebranded Wednesday as the “Canada Carbon Rebate” — are also getting their once-a-year overhaul.

Here is what you can expect to receive in April, July, October and January.

Prince Edward Island (includes top-up available to all residents):

Single individual: $110

Couple: $165

Family of four:$220

GRAMMY-nominated Maren Morris and JUNO Award-winning group The Beaches will perform on the main stage with performances at Sommo Festival this September. Morris and The Beaches join already announced main stage performers Greta van Fleet and Noah Kahan, undoubtedly making Sommo Festival the summer’s biggest show. .

Prince Edward Island will be hosting this year’s Global Sustainable Islands Summit.

International experts and leaders will be gathering at Crowbush for two days in May to discuss climate change mitigation and renewable energy.

Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Steven Myers says the government has big goals to reach net zero emissions in the province by 2040.

Myers adds that they want to be a leading force in renewable energy and clean tech worldwide.

Federal Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier has held a meeting with her counterparts in the Atlantic provinces.

A news release says the group talked about the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems and economies in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and P-E-I.

The ministers also discussed the extension of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund through 2026.

Lebouthillier also noted the increased leverage of smaller fleets in the redfish fishery, reducing the share of the offshore fleets from 74 per cent in 1994 to 59 per cent in 2024.

A brawny nor’easter dumped up to 37 centimetres of snow on Nova Scotia on Wednesday before trudging to Newfoundland, where the wind picked up and a swirling snowfall enveloped much of the province.

Across the top of eastern and northeastern Newfoundland, up to 60 cm of snow was expected in communities from St. John’s in the east to the Bay of Exploits in the west, and the winds along the coast were expected to gust at 100 kilometres per hour until Thursday night.

Some politicians on P.E.I. are questioning the value of a new deal between the National Hockey League and Tourism Prince Edward Island, while the provincial tourism minister is defending it. 

P.E.I.’s Sommo Festival has announced that Maren Morris and The Beaches will join its two-day music lineup in Cavendish this September.

The P.E.I. government will find suitable shelter, with a fixed roof, for anyone who calls its shelter support line, says P.E.I. Housing Minister Rob Lantz.

The NHL has named Tourism PEI an official travel destination partner

The three year agreement will provide Tourism PEI access to the NHL and its fans through the hockey league’s marketing digital and social media channels

PEI Minister of Fisheries Tourism Sport and Culture Cory Deagle says the collaboration will allow the Island to use the NHL global fan base to grow and strengthen tourism.

The Tourism Industry Association of PEI says the opportunities are huge to showcase the Island to such a large audience and attract visitors.

The provincial government is paying the NHL $2.5 million for the first year of the agreement.

Fourteen modular units were delivered to the parking lot near the Park Street Emergency Shelter earlier this week, destined to become part of the Community Outreach Centre's new home.

Three years ago, the P.E.I. government rolled out its new electric school buses with much fanfare. But school bus drivers say the buses are plagued with problems, leaving sometimes 16 to 18 of the buses in the shop at any one time.

The third time was the charm for the members of a P.E.I. legislative committee who wanted to hear from former premier Robert Ghiz about the state of the Island’s cellular service.

RCMP officers in eastern Prince Edward Island didn’t expect animal control to be a large part of their job description this past weekend, but they did earn a seal of approval.

According to a recent report, many companies are not hiring Canadians with criminal records. The P.E.I. Human Rights Commissioner lays out the law.

Tourism Prince Edward Island and the National Hockey League have entered into a three-year marketing partnership that will see the Island branded as the NHL’s official travel destination.

Health P.E.I. says a lack of staff is leading to an early closure for the emergency department at Western Hospital in Alberton on Tuesday afternoon.

A volunteer group in Summerside is still looking for places to set up tents it has purchased to provide some shelter for homeless people in the city.

P.E.I. physiotherapists are hoping to be able to request diagnostic imaging for patients after Nova Scotia colleagues learn that it will soon happen there.