P.E.I. premier provides update on response to U.S. tariffs

Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz says the province is launching the first phase of its tariff response program today — including removing American products from store shelves. 

Speaking at a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Lantz said the province would remove U.S. products from store shelves but didn't provide further details.

He said the tariff response program will also provide targeted relief, support exporters and help industries adapt to the evolving situation.

The province will double the number of trade missions, while working closely with federal and provincial partners to strengthen Canada's response, he said.

While pushing for solutions to international trade, Lantz said barriers that exist in our own country can't be ignored. 

Lantz said his primary message to the prime minister and provincial leaders across the country when they meet will be to end bridge and ferry tolls.

Darlene Compton, P.E.I.'s new minister of economic development, innovation and trade, said Innovation P.E.I. will be doubling trade missions and offering export companies across the Island the ability to join those missions. 

She said there are strategically planned destinations that connect buyers, sellers and distributors in places like Canada, Europe, South East Asia, Mexico and the Caribbean this year. The trade mission's calendar can be found on the Innovation P.E.I. website. 

Through Innovation P.E.I., the province is also launching the export enhancement and diversification fund, Compton said. 

The fund will provide non-repayable assistance to the community affected by the changes, and will cover up to 60 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $32,000, Compton said. 

These costs will cover everything from market research, marketing and promotion, market strategies and travel costs for trade shows and other events, she said.

The province is also rolling out the tariff working capital program, which offers relief loans to businesses affected by tariffs, Compton said.

Innovation P.E.I. will continue existing programs that support Island businesses, Compton said. 

Bloyce Thompson, the provincial minister of agriculture, said the department will be increasing investments in the product and market development program, the strategic industry growth initiative and the business development program. 

It will also be topping up agriculture initiatives that apply to all programs from Innovation P.E.I., he said.

Previous version of story below

P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz and the cabinet committee on trade relations are providing an update on the province's response to U.S. tariffs.

President Donald Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on virtually all Canadian goods overnight, triggering a trade war between the two countries.

Trump has said he wants to punish Canada for a supposedly lax approach to drugs and migrants, though data shows a border crackdown is already producing results.

Lantz was sworn in as premier on Feb. 21 — just over a week ago — after former premier Dennis King resigned.

About 80 per cent of P.E.I.'s total exports go to the U.S., and King had warned before he stepped down that any tariff could have a "catastrophic" effect on the local economy, impacting the province's ability to spend in areas such as housing, social assistance, education and health care.

More to come