CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Help is coming for some essential workers in P.E.I. through $16.7 million in wage top ups.
Finance Minister Darlene Compton provided some details about the program this afternoon during a news conference meant to give an update on the province’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Compton said the wage top-up program will provide a one-time payment of $1,000 for any essential workers who make less than $3,000 in a four-week period.
The program will include about 17,000 Island workers, Compton said.
Compton also said the provincial government felt all essential workers who meet the criteria should benefit, not just those working in health care.
Fisheries Minister Jamie Fox also provided an update about two more support programs during the news conference.
Fox said an emergency loan program will provide secured, repayable loans of up to $25,000 with interest paid by his department for the first 18 months and the principal deferred during the same period.
There will also be interest relief available for some loans that those in the fisheries and aquaculture sector already have with financial institutions, Fox said.
Tourism Minister Matthew MacKay said the government is launching a workspace adaption assistance fund that will pay 75 per cent of the cost up to $2,000 for things like plexiglass dividers and gloves to help with business prepare for reopening.
On the tourism front, MacKay said all provincial day parks will open on June 5, including the mountain bike trails at Brookvale.
Provincial golf courses will open in next few weeks, MacKay said.
On June 26, provincial campgrounds will open, but only for Islanders who previously booked their seasonal campsites prior to March 31.
The government will be adding sites at some campgrounds and upgrading buildings, MacKay said.
More details to come later online and in our print and e-editions
