FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 1, 2023

Greens call on King government to show compassion and caution for Islanders facing extreme cold

Charlottetown, PE – Prince Edward Island is facing a stretch of extreme cold that could prove life threatening for Islanders who have no home, or have insufficient housing.

“With temperatures plunging in the next few days, it is absolutely critical we have every resource possible available to Islanders at risk of freezing,” said Karla Bernard, Official Opposition Green Critic for Social Development and Housing.

Recently Islanders witnessed the impacts extreme weather can have on people without access to the basic necessities of life. WIth the decision of Government and the City of Charlottetown to bulldoze the encampment being used by unhoused Islanders, the threat to life and limb is very real.

“I am asking MInister Mackay to show compassion and caution by making all shelters, including those at Park Street, available 24 hours a day during this cold snap,” said Bernard. “No one should be forced out into the extreme cold.”

The Official Opposition Greens are also calling on government to activate warming shelters Island-wide to provide safe spaces for any Islander who lacks adequate shelter and resources during this time.

“Government has an obligation to protect Islanders. It must provide safe, warm spaces for Islanders needing protection during this forecasted extreme cold weather event.”

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
Tel: (902) 213-0718
Email: jdhamel@assembly.pe.ca