FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2025
Statement from Matt MacFarlane calling for Premier King to share with Islanders a comprehensive plan to address U.S. tariffs
Charlottetown, PE – The imposition of U.S. tariffs has now arrived, as we knew it would. After Premier King embarked on two expensive trips to the United States last month, and had multiple meetings and calls involving the Prime Minister and fellow Canadian Premiers, Islanders were expecting readiness and decisive action.
Instead, we received a statement from Premier King on Saturday filled with familiar platitudes about our “resilience” and our ability to “stand together to support one another.”
Premier King, Islanders are indeed resilient—but we didn’t need a press release to remind us of that. What we need, and deserve, is a clear, strategic plan detailing how the King government intends to protect our economy, support our businesses, and safeguard the livelihoods of our workers.
While I appreciate the announcement to remove U.S. liquor from our shelves, this action is not enough. Islanders need more than a piecemeal response; we need a comprehensive strategy. Below are the measures I believe would strengthen and protect PEI as we navigate these uncertain and difficult times:
- Strengthen Interprovincial Trade: Proactively work with other provinces to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, creating new opportunities for Island businesses to expand within Canada.
- Diversify Trade: Immediately establish a task force dedicated to identifying and securing new markets for Island goods. This task force would engage with international partners, trade organizations, and domestic stakeholders to reduce our reliance on U.S. trade.
- Comprehensive Trade Measures: Implement a phased approach to reassess and potentially restrict additional U.S. products beyond liquor, based on their impact on our economy and local industries.
- Buy Local Campaign: Launch a province-wide “Buy Local, Build Local” campaign to promote Island-made products. This initiative would include marketing support for local businesses, educational programs in schools, and partnerships with retailers to highlight Island goods.
- Consumer Empowerment: Develop and distribute clear, accessible guides to help Islanders identify Canadian-made products, making it easier to support domestic businesses with every purchase.
- Incentives for Local Purchases: Introduce financial incentives, such as tax credits or rebates, for consumers who choose Island products. This would stimulate local demand while providing direct benefits to both producers and consumers.
We saw these tariffs coming. The time for vague reassurances is over. Islanders need to see a well-coordinated, detailed plan that reflects proactive leadership and concrete action. Our economy, our businesses, and our workers are counting on it.
Premier King, it’s time for a real plan.
Matt MacFarlane
MLA Borden-Kinkora
-30-
For media inquiries, please contact:
Katie Rankin
Chief of Staff
Office of the Third Party
Tel: (902) 213-6378
Email: kerankin@assembly.pe.ca