There was a fatal house fire in Charlottetown on Thursday night.  The Charlottetown Fire Department, Charlottetown Police and Island EMS all responded to the call at about 10:00pm, and arrived to find a working fire in a house in the West Royalty area.  Police say a 71-year old woman was found deceased in the home.   The house sustained extensive damage as a result of the fire.  Fire officials are investigating, trying to pinpoint the cause of the fire.

A 71-year-old woman died in a house fire in the West Royalty area of Charlottetown on Thursday.

Lynx Air, which had recently announced a flight schedule out of YYG Charlottetown this summer, is leaving the skies on Monday.

The Calgary-based ultra-low-cost airline is going out of business after filing for creditor protection.

Lynx Air is advising passengers to contact their credit card company to get a refund.

WestJet is offering discounted fares for stranded domestic travellers and capping fares for international flights on its non-stop routes previously served by Lynx.

Lynx Air had announced just last month that it would start operating flights in late May between YYG Charlottetown Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport with through service to Calgary International Airport.

A Murray Harbour village councillor accused of posting an anti-Indigenous sign on his property wants a judge to quash sanctions imposed on him. Documents filed with the P-E-I Supreme Court show Councillor John Robertson claims fellow councillors exceeded their authority in fining and suspending him from his municipal post last November.  Robertson argues that he shouldn’t be punished for stating personal opinions on political issues that have nothing to do with his role as an elected council member.

The electric vehicle market on P.E.I. is pumping the brakes a little. Just a year ago, car lots couldn’t keep electric vehicles in stock. But now some EVs are sitting a lot longer.

The P.E.I. kazoo choir is led by Peggy Miles, who formed it last year with the intention of having fun-minded people get together and perform for the public.

Prince Edward Island’s new mental health and addictions emergency department — the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada — is being called a game-changer, monumental, and a long time coming by Health P.E.I. staff and patients. 

People are remembering Mi'kmaq leader Jim Sark, who had served as chief of both Lennox Island First Nation and Abegweit First Nation. Lennox Island Chief Darlene Bernard says her uncle always made people feel special.

Coming off a loss in the District 19 byelection and criticism of the medical school his government backs, P.E.I. Premier Dennis King speaks to CBC News.

The provincial government has released a five-year housing strategy to guide efforts in growing the housing supply; providing more options for low-and medium-income residents; and supporting those most in need. The Province says it was developed through consultation with non-profit and community groups, tenants, landlords, industry associations, developers and all levels of government. It outlines 20 priority action items under three main pillars – acceleration, affordability and vulnerability. Some of the goals of the strategy include growing housing starts to a new level towards the required average annual 2,000 units; achieve and maintain a healthy market vacancy rate of 2 to 4 per cent; explore ways to increase the supply of permanently affordable rental housing through a combination of acquisitions and new constructions; and prioritize the most in need on the PEI Social Housing Registry, while working to eliminate the registry. 

The P.E.I. government released its five-year plan Friday for increasing the province’s housing supply to address the Island’s ongoing housing crisis.

The Province’s first-ever mental health and addictions emergency department is ready to open.  The new $9.5 million facility opens next week to Islanders needing urgent mental health, addiction and substance use care and clinical support in times of crisis.  It provides 24/7 access and is staffed by health care providers who will assess, stabilize, and manage urgent care needs.  The province says health care teams will also work with patients to create a treatment plan and make connections to other acute or community-based mental health, addiction or substance use programs and services that best supports them.  The new 8,000 square foot facility offers two distinct services and spaces – a mental health and addictions emergency department, which will open at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, and a mental health and addictions short stay unit, which will open in the coming months.  A psychiatric assessment is required for admission to the short stay service.

A low-cost airline that announced new flights out of P.E.I. just six weeks ago is shutting down before it even got started.

The UPEI Men’s and Women’s Basketball Panthers are in action on Friday at the AUS Championships in Halifax.  The Women’s Panthers face St. FX in their quarter-final at 1:00pm, while the men battle St Mary’s at 8:30pm in their quarter-final.  

Michael Horth scored a pair as the Charlottetown Islanders beat Cape Breton 3-1.  Cam Squires scored for the Eagles.  

The Summerside Western Capitals are on the road Friday night to face the Valley Wildcats in the Maritime Junior Hockey League.  

The Holland College Men’s and Women’s volleyball Hurricanes head to the ACAA  Championships in Saint John, N.B. this weekend.  The Women face  the Tommies in a quarterfinal Friday  afternoon at 1:00pm.  The Men play St Thomas Saturday in a semi-final.

The UPEI Panthers Track and Field team is at the AUS championship in Moncton.

The Jane DiCarlo rink lost 9-6 to Quebec on Thursday at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Calgary.  The playoff field is set for the Scotties.  Alberta’s Selena Sturmay will face six-time champion, Jennifer Jones of Manitoba, while defending champion Kerri Einarson takes on undefeated Rachel Homan of Ontario in the afternoon draw. Manitoba’s Kaitlyn Lawes and Kate Cameron round out the rest of the six playoff teams.

SCOREBOARD

Wednesday’s Scoreboard

NHL

Buffalo 3, Montreal 2

Boston 6, Edmonton 5 (OT)

Toronto 6, Arizona 3

Philadelphia 3, Chicago 1

Columbus 7, Anaheim 4

—

AHL

Laval 3, Hershey 2 (SO)

Belleville 4, Rochester 1

Abbotsford 2, Ontario 1 (SO)

Hartford 2, Bridgeport 1

Grand Rapids 1, Texas 0

Lehigh Valley 3, WB/Scranton 2 (OT)

Rockford 3, Iowa 1

Coachella Valley 5, San Jose 4

—

PWHL

Boston 3, Ottawa 1

New York 4, Montreal 3 (SO)

—

MLS

Miami 2, Real Salt Lake 0

—

CONCACAF Champions Cup

Orlando 3, Cavalry 0

—

Thursday’s Schedule

(All times Eastern)

NHL

Dallas at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

Montreal at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

Colorado at Detroit, 7 p.m.

Florida at Carolina, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Washington at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at St. Louis, 8 p.m.

Boston at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Toronto at Vegas, 10 p.m.

Vancouver at Seattle, 10 p.m.

Nashville at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

—

AHL

Milwaukee at Chicago, 12 p.m.

Cleveland at Hartford, 7 p.m.

—

NBA

Brooklyn at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Indiana, 7 p.m.

New York at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Orlando at Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Phoenix at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

Boston at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Houston at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.

Charlotte at Utah, 9 p.m.

Washington at Denver, 9 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Golden State, 10 p.m.

San Antonio at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

A recent study looks at the health effects of not being able to afford to keep your home warm enough, or living in a drafty home that's always cold. The authors call it "energy poverty."

The Provincial government wants to slow down population growth on the Island.  As part of a plan released yesterday, the province says it wants to whittle down its federal immigration nominations by 25 per cent for this year.  The remaining 75 per cent of nominations will be redistributed to align with a critical need for workers in nine provincial sectors, including health care, trades and child care.  Still the government projects the Island’s population will hit 200-thousand people by 2030.

It could be a treacherous weekend for travel as Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning for P.E.I.'s Kings and Queens counties.   

The cost of diesel in Prince Edward Island dropped just after midnight Friday. There was no change to the price of gasoline or furnace oil.

The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission has approved a decrease of 3.0 cents per litre in the price of diesel, but there’s no change in gasoline or furnace oil prices. Pump prices for diesel now range from 199.4 to 200.6 cents per litre.  Propane price adjustments ranged from increases of between 1.0 and 2.0 cents per litre.  Propane prices now range from 90.3 to 92.5 cents per litre.

The popularity of free heat pumps for Island households making $100,000 net or less has led to the province adding an extra $29 million to the program.

A federal government decision to cut funding to performance arts organizations has some Island festival organizers worried about potential impacts here on P.E.I. 

Intrepid CBC P.E.I. reporter Sheehan Desjardins gets up close and personal with some of the new behemoths at the International Potato Technology Expo in Charlottetown.

With 20 to 40 millimetres expected in central and eastern P.E.I., Environment Canada says water could pool because the frozen ground can't absorb that much rainfall.

The Prince Edward Island government is aiming to slow down population growth, in part by whittling down its federal immigration nominations, it said as it released a new population framework Thursday. 

Charlottetown Police say a man who threatened two people with a knife in the city's downtown is now in custody and has been charged with three offences. 

One of the two young people charged in regards to the death last December of 17-year old Tyson MacDonald made a virtual court appearance in Georgetown Thursday and entered guilty pleas to charges of Mischief and Obstructing Police.  The crown then stayed three other charges the teen faced – including First Degree Murder; Accessory After the Fact; and Interfere With Human Remains.  Sentencing is set for April 18th. 

Meanwhile, there was an adjournment Thursday in the case involving the second youth charged in Tyson MacDonald’s death.  That teen is facing charges of First Degree Murder and Interfering with Human Remains, and is due back in court April 18th for election and plea.

A publication ban protects the identity of the youths under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Taylor Farms Mexican Style Street Corn chopped salad kits with a February 21st best-before date have been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the products were sold in PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Anyone with the recalled kits are being told to throw them out or return them to where they bought them.
The agency has not received any reports of illnesses.

MLAs return to the provincial legislature next Tuesday for the start of the spring session.  The sitting will resume at 1 p-m in the legislative chamber of the Coles Building in Charlottetown.  The newest member of the legislature, Matt MacFarlane of the Green Party, was sworn-in Wednesday as the MLA for District 19 Borden-Kinkora.  With MacFarlane officially sworn-in, the Green caucus has announced new critic roles.  Leader of the Third Party Karla Bernard will serve as critic for  a number of portfolios, including Education and Early Years; Social Development and Seniors; Economic Development, Innovation and Trade; and Indigenous Relations.  Third Party House Leader Peter Bevan-Baker will serve as critic for Housing, Land and Communities; Finance; Environment, Energy and Climate Action; and Transportation and Infrastructure.  Matt MacFarlane is the new Third Party Whip will serve as critic for Health and Wellness; Justice and Public Safety; Agriculture; Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population; and Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture. 

One of the two teens charged in the death of 17-year-old Tyson MacDonald pleaded guilty to two charges at an appearance in Georgetown Provincial Court on Thursday.

The seawall around the Charlottetown Yacht Club needs a $5.5 million replacement after 75 years of being battered by wind, waves and ice.

A big night on Wednesday as the Special Olympics PEI Team PEI 2024 Send-Off Celebration was held.  The celebration was held to cheer on  the Team PEI 2024 athletes, coaches, mission staff, volunteers and supporters who will be taking part in the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary.  The Games are set for February 27th through March 2nd and Team PEI leaves in just a few days. 

Jim Sark, a long-time leader and former Chief of Lennox Island First Nation and Abegweit First Nation, passed away Wednesday at the age of 84.  Jim Sark’s legacy as a community builder and tireless advocate for his people will forever be remembered. The Epekwitk Assembly of Councils says that throughout his lifetime, Sark dedicated himself to improving the lives of Indigenous Peoples. It says that from pioneering the distribution of electricity in Lennox Island to overseeing the construction of essential facilities such as community halls, gyms, and housing, his dedication to progress was evident in every aspect of his work.

Matt MacFarlane is now officially a member of the PEI Legislature.  In the Legislative Chamber on Wednesday, MacFarlane was sworn in as the MLA for District 19 Borden-Kinkora after having won the by-election in early February for the Green Party.  The Greens now have 3 seats in the legislature, the same as the Opposition Liberals.  

A P.E.I. teacher who works with students displaced by war and conflict spent two weeks in Ukraine with Ukrainian friends who have now made the Island their home.

National cybersecurity educator Tim King was on P.E.I. this week. His main focus is teaching young Canadians about the personal security risks they face online, and how to limit them.

George James (Jim) Sark died Wednesday morning at the age of 84, the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils said as it honoured his legacy and his 'many years of service.'

A councillor from Murray Harbour, P.E.I., who argues his right to share 'a personal opinion' on a sign was infringed by sanctions imposed by his fellow councillors has filed documents seeking a judicial review of the case.

Prince Edward Island’s need for construction workers to build homes has never been greater amid the province’s housing crisis, but funding announced Wednesday could have job sites bustling with workers soon. 

Calling all political nerds! This one is for you. The P.E.I. legislature opens for the spring sitting next week. Good Question, P.E.I. host Nicola MacLeod and legislative reporter Kerry Campbell answer your questions about the room where it happens.

The Green's Matt MacFarlane was sworn in today at the P.E.I. legislature, after winning a byelection in District 19 Borden-Kinkora earlier in February.

Melanie Fraser will be the new CEO of Health P.E.I., following in the footsteps of Dr. Michael Gardam and interim CEO Corinne Rowswell at the helm of the provincial health agency.

Health PEI will soon have a new Chief Executive Officer.  Melanie Fraser, a senior Public Sector executive with 20+ years of experience, has accepted the position and will assume the role next month.

Fraser was formerly the Associate Deputy Minister for Health for the Province of Ontario, and has led numerous portfolios including the creation of the Ontario Health Agency, Mental Health & Addictions, Data and Digital Transformation, Hospital Operations & Capital Development, Home & Community Care, Agency Oversight, Health Human Resources, Labour Relations and Ambulance Services.  Prior to that she held executive positions including the Corporate Chief Information Officer for Ontario, the Chief Administrative Officer at Treasury Board and the Director of Operations for the Ontario Death Investigation System. 

In announcing the new CEO, Health Minister Mark McLane also praised the work of Interim CEO Corinne Rowswell, who will stay on until Fraser begins her new role on March 11th.

An executive search firm, Odgers Berndtson, was engaged to lead the search for the next CEO of Health PEI. There were also meetings to collect input from key stakeholders and a survey of Health PEI staff on what qualities they wanted in a CEO.

The new CEO of Port Summerside says it’s full steam ahead for the western P.E.I. cargo hub and tourism destination.

The director of the Centre for Free Expression is joining the call for the P.E.I. government to protect Islanders from lawsuits that are meant to silence citizen protest.  

Through ACOA, the federal government is providing $210,000 in support to help grow the construction workforce in Atlantic Canada. 

The investment is to help the Construction Association of PEI develop and implement an immigration strategy to connect construction companies in the region with immigration expertise, and help them connect with qualified workers at international recruitment events.

The Province, through Skills PEI, is also contributing $160,000 toward the Construction Association’s development of a human resource plan in collaboration with PEI construction employers. 

Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister and Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay is on a trade mission to the Indo-Pacific markets of Malaysia and the Philippines.  While in Manila, MacAulay took part in the official opening of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office.  Officials say the new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office will be the hub for a mobile team that’s aimed at building strategic partnerships that will grow export opportunities and increase demand for Canadian products. 

A 21 year old Charlottetown man has been charged with uttering threats, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes and pointing a firearm.  The charges stem from an incident in the early morning hours of last Saturday.  A Charlottetown Police officer was flagged down in the downtown area by a group of men who said they were in an altercation with some others, including a man who pulled out a black hand gun and threatened them.  They told the officer that the suspects were inside a vehicle in the Fitzroy Parkade and police were able to stop the vehicle as it was exiting the parkade.  Four men inside the vehicle were detained and Police located a black pellet hand gun inside the vehicle.  The one man was charged and he’s been released with conditions and will soon appear in Provincial Court.

There are ongoing talks to lower the prices of the Confederation Bridge and ferry service on P.E.I. But the province's transportation minister says any drops aren't likely soon.

There was a fire in a warehouse in the New Glasgow area on Tuesday afternoon.  The fire was in a warehouse on Route 224, and smoke billowing out from the structure could be seen from several kilometres away.  No injuries are reported.  Firefighters from the New Glasgow, North Rustico, New London and North River Fire departments all responded.

Some coffee shops on Prince Edward Island are doing away with plastic lids in a push to be more environmentally friendly — and now one of Canada's biggest coffee players is joining them.