Premier King speaks with TIAPEI CEO – March 16, 2020

Premier Dennis King spoke with Kevin Mouflier, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island, to discuss continued collaboration and ongoing efforts to mitigate the potential impacts of COVID-19 on Prince Edward Island’s tourism industry.

Premier King highlighted the creation of a special cabinet committee on economy and business supports as part of provincial efforts to assess and respond to the short and long-term effects of coronavirus.

Mr. Mouflier updated Premier King on the concerns of the tourism association and its members about the sustainability of their operations including how they will be able to mitigate losses and continue to support their staff.

Both stressed the importance of working with the federal government to ensure Employment Insurance benefits are maintained given the seasonal nature of the Island’s workforce.

Premier King and Mr. Mouflier also discussed the need to invest in strategic marketing to ensure Prince Edward Island’s reputation as a top tourist destination can be maintained going forward.

Mr. Mouflier recognized the good working relationship with Tourism PEI and the provincial government and both agreed to continue to work together to ensure the tourism industry is impacted as minimally as possible.

The health and safety of Islanders is the greatest priority. The Province of Prince Edward Island is working closely with local, provincial, territorial and federal partners to minimize its health, economic and social impacts in Prince Edward Island and across the county.

Islanders with questions about COVID-19 should call PEI’s toll-free information line at 1-800-958-6400. The information line is taking messages 24-hours a day, 7 days a week and Islanders who leave messages will receive a call back within 24 hours from the Chief Public Health Office.

Islanders experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, or shortness of breath) within 14 days after international travel should call 8-1-1 to be screened and, if necessary, directed for testing.

Those requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1.