FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2025
Statement from Matt MacFarlane on PC government’s response to US tariffs
Charlottetown, PE – The imposition of U.S. tariffs has now arrived, as we knew it would. After one month of a tariff pause, today marks the moment these harmful measures take effect. We have finally heard from Premier Lantz about what his government has done to prepare for these tariffs over the past month. I had hoped for a more substantial and detailed response.
This is one of the most damaging economic events Canada has faced in recent history. The past month was our critical window for preparation, yet we see little evidence of a strong, proactive response from this government. Islanders deserve a clear, strategic plan detailing how this government intends to protect our economy, support our businesses, and safeguard workers’ livelihoods.
While I acknowledge that there were some initiatives announced today that could be beneficial for Island businesses, the details are clearly lacking. I am also concerned by the comments regarding “tough decisions” with regards to the upcoming operational budget. This government’s frivolous spending on things like the NHL contract and expensive contracts with private consulting firms has put us in a precarious financial situation. Now when Islanders need support the most it sounds like Islanders may have their services cut.
I am also troubled by the lack of supports detailed today outside of more trade missions. Trade missions, although important, can be very expensive and do little to help workers and Islanders in the short-term who will feel the impacts of these tariffs immediately. The lack of detailed supports for workers and Islanders is cause for concern.
In the coming days, I am calling on government to announce further supports for Islanders, including workers, who will bear the brunt of these tariffs most immediately.
In addition to the supports announced today for Island businesses I am calling on Premier Lantz to allocate a robust contingency fund to support the following:
- Support for Impacted Workers: Ensure that workers whose jobs may be at risk due to these tariffs receive immediate assistance, including direct financial support where necessary.
- Relief for Islanders Facing Rising Costs: Implement targeted financial relief programs to help Islanders who will bear the brunt of increased costs associated with tariff-affected goods. This could include temporary subsidies or tax breaks on essential products.
- Continued Support for Business: Immediately implement a contingency fund for businesses to keep workers while they transition to new markets. Understanding that during the transition work and revenue may decrease temporarily and support may be needed to keep their full complement of staff.
No one asked for this economic disaster and we will weather this storm stronger together. I look forward to working with Premier Lantz and the government to ensure all Islanders are supported during this time.
Matt MacFarlane
MLA Borden-Kinkora
-30-
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Katie Rankin
Chief of Staff
Office of the Third Party
Tel: (902) 213-6378
Email: kerankin@assembly.pe.ca