P.E.I. throne speech focuses on strengthening economy in face of U.S. tariff threats

The P.E.I. legislature held its second session of the 67th General Assembly, with topics focused on health and affordability.

CHARLOTTETOWN — Prince Edward Island’s Progressive Conservative government delivered a throne speech Tuesday focused on the economic uncertainty, rising costs and trade instability caused by U.S. tariff threats.

The government led by Premier Rob Lantz said the United States is threatening Canadian sovereignty and wreaking havoc on the economy. But Islanders will band together to surmount the challenge, it added.

“We are working alongside our federal, provincial and territorial partners to push back against these unfair tariffs and ensure a strong and united response,” the speech delivered by Lt.-Gov. Wassim Salamoun said.

“We will take steps to reduce internal trade barriers, ensuring businesses can operate more efficiently and workers can access job opportunities across jurisdictions.”

Lantz was sworn in on Feb. 21 as the province’s 34th premier, taking over from Dennis King, who resigned after leading the province since 2019. King cited the threat of American tariffs and the resulting economic disruption as one reason for his resignation.

Lantz prorogued the legislative assembly from Feb. 25 until Tuesday.

“Ending the biggest trade barrier Islanders face will remain a key focus -- the tolls on the Confederation Bridge and Wood Islands ferry,” the speech said. “These costs place an unfair burden on Islanders and hold back our economy. It is time to end the tolls.” With a federal election campaign underway, the Liberal and Conservative leaders have promised to eliminate or reduce the tolls.

The Lantz government laid out other plans to help the economy, including launching a land buyback program for farmers affected by federal measures to address potato wart. Ottawa’s potato wart management plan bans potato production for about five years after the fungus has been detected and includes other measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

The government is also working to mitigate the loss to the oyster industry from the parasite multinucleate sphere unknown -- also known as MSX -- by testing more resilient practices of production and farming, it said.

As more people look to spend tourism dollars in Canada because of tensions with the United States, the speech said the Tories are also looking at ways to improve air connections with the rest of Canada.

“While challenges remain, our government is committed to taking bold action -- whether by securing fair trade opportunities, investing in key industries or fostering new economic growth,” the speech said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2025.