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What's Up PEI, O'Leary, PE (2026)

04/30/2026

🚨 DAYCARE CENTRES ON PEI FACING MAJOR STAFF CUTS

Early childhood centres across PEI are being hit with a major funding cut, reducing support staff funding by 50%.

The cut equals about $1.4 million and is already raising serious concerns from operators and educators.

Education Minister Robin Croucher says the decision comes down to budget pressure.

“Quite simply, the province can’t afford to shoulder that,” he said.

💡 What’s happening:
• Funding for support staff in daycare centres cut in half
• About $1.4 million being removed
• Operators say support staff are essential to daily operations
• Province is dealing with a projected $410 million deficit
• New federal funding agreement is still being negotiated

Daycare operators say these staff aren’t optional — they help manage daily tasks, support educators, and give children the extra attention they need.

Some say the industry is already stretched thin and this could make things worse.

“The early childhood sector is simply outraged,” one MLA said.

Others warn centres may now face tough decisions around staffing or expanding faster than they should just to stay afloat.

💬👇 What’s Up PEI, let’s talk:
How do you think these cuts will impact families and childcare on the Island?

04/29/2026

🚨 PEI PUTS ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS PLAN ON HOLD

The province has hit pause on plans to switch to an all-electric school bus fleet.

The decision is being called “indefinite,” with concerns raised about how reliable the buses are right now.

Education Minister Robin Croucher says the buses “just aren't reliable enough to justify buying any more of them.”

💡 What’s happening:
• Plan for fully electric school buses is now on hold
• PEI currently has 107 electric buses already in service
• Each electric bus costs approximately $400,000
• Diesel buses cost approximately $150,000
• Reliability issues are the main concern
• No timeline for when or if the plan will return
• Current gas and diesel buses will remain in use

Many are now asking why more research wasn’t done before investing in electric school buses at this scale.

The move comes as the province balances transportation needs, safety, costs, and environmental goals.

💬👇 What’s Up PEI, let’s talk:
Do you think PEI moved too fast on electric school buses, or is this just part of the transition to greener transportation?

04/29/2026

🚨 PEI HEALTH MINISTER REFUSES TO APOLOGIZE AFTER COMMENTS ABOUT PRIME MINISTER

Tensions are building between PEI and the federal government after recent comments made in the legislature.

Health Minister Cory Deagle is being called out by Island MPs, who say his remarks were “laden with misinformation and designed to sow fear and deflect responsibility.”

The issue centers around federal health funding, with more than $29 million in agreements being discussed.

Deagle is not backing down.

“I certainly won't apologize for standing up for Islanders,” he said.

💡 What’s happening:
• Four PEI MPs are calling for an apology
• Concerns raised about damaging federal relationships
• A key meeting between provincial and federal health officials is set for May 4
• Premier says this is just politics and not a concern

Deagle also described the situation as “theatrics on both sides.”

This comes at a time when funding negotiations are ongoing and could impact future healthcare support on the Island.

💬👇 What’s Up PEI, let’s talk:
Do you think this kind of approach helps PEI fight for funding, or does it risk making things worse?

04/29/2026

🚨 MAJOR CHANGE TO MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING ON PEI

The P.E.I. Alliance for Mental Wellbeing is shutting down, and 11 staff members are losing their jobs.

The organization, which has been responsible for distributing millions in mental health funding across the Island, will officially close on May 8.

💡 Here’s what’s happening:
• The provincial government is taking over all funding and programs
• Around $2 million in existing grants will still be honoured
• Officials say there will be no disruption to services
• All current staff positions with the alliance are being eliminated

The alliance has supported dozens of mental health projects across PEI since 2021, helping fund programs for individuals, families, and communities.

Now, that responsibility is shifting fully into government control.

💬 Some say this could streamline services
💬 Others are concerned about job losses and how this will impact support long-term

💬👇 What’s Up PEI, let’s talk:
Do you think this change will improve mental health services on the Island, or hurt them long-term?

04/28/2026

💚 A Resource Worth Sharing for PEI Families

Have you heard of Strongest Families Institute?

They offer free, evidence-based programs designed to support kids, teens, and families — from toddlers right up to teenage years.

One of the best parts? Everything is done over the phone, so you can access support right from home. They also offer flexible appointment times, including evenings (even as late as 1am), which can make a huge difference for busy families juggling work, school, and everything in between.

✔️ No doctor referral needed — you can self-refer
✔️ No current waitlist — you can get started quickly
✔️ Support available for things like anxiety, behaviour challenges, bedwetting, and parenting strategies

If you or someone you know has been looking for extra support, this could be a really helpful option to look into.

Sometimes just knowing support is out there can make all the difference 💚

04/28/2026

🚨 FRUSTRATION GROWS OVER DELAYS AT BORDEN-CARLETON FABRICATION YARD

Residents and officials are still waiting for answers on what’s happening with a major development site tied to the Confederation Bridge.

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A long-empty site in Borden-Carleton is back in the spotlight as delays continue, with questions being raised in the legislature about why progress is taking so long, according to CBC News.

People in the area are starting to lose patience.

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🏗️ WHAT’S THE SITE

The 45-hectare property was originally used to build components for the Confederation Bridge nearly 30 years ago.

Since then, it has remained vacant—despite being seen as a major opportunity for development and economic growth in the region.

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⏳ WHAT’S CAUSING DELAYS

The province launched a request for proposals, with an original goal of reaching an agreement with developers by February 2025.

Five proposals were submitted in late 2024 and later narrowed down to two, but the details of those proposals have not been made public.

More than a year later, no final decision has been announced.

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😠 GROWING FRUSTRATION

Borden-Kinkora MLA Matt MacFarlane says residents are asking what’s going on—and why it’s taking so long.

He says there’s concern that delays could cause interested businesses to walk away and opportunities to be lost.

Some residents have already voiced support for ideas like a golf course development during past public discussions.

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🏛️ GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Economic Development Minister Jenn Redmond says the process is still ongoing and being done carefully.

She says the province is working with the Town of Borden-Carleton and consulting with Indigenous communities as part of development planning.

Redmond also stated the project is not considered behind schedule, noting the complexity of the site and cleanup work involved.

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🤝 INDIGENOUS CONSULTATION

The Indigenous organization L’nuey says the site represents a significant opportunity for Mi’kmaw economic development.

They’ve requested discussions to ensure any outcome is mutually beneficial and supports long-term growth for First Nations on the Island.

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📊 LOCAL IMPACT

Borden-Carleton’s mayor says the site could play a major role in driving investment, job creation, and long-term growth for the town.

At the same time, the extended timeline reflects the scale of the project and the importance of getting it right.

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📍 ON PEI

This site is one of the biggest undeveloped opportunities in the province—and how it’s handled could shape the future of economic growth in the region.

But right now, many Islanders are still waiting to see what actually happens next.

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💬👇 What’s Up PEI, Let’s talk:
What would you like to see built on this site—something like a golf course, housing, or a completely different idea?

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04/28/2026

🚨 CHARLOTTETOWN LOSES $1.26 MILLION IN FEDERAL HOUSING FUNDING

The city is facing a major funding cut after failing to meet most of its housing agreement milestones.

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Charlottetown is losing $1.26 million in federal funding after being found non-compliant with key housing commitments, according to The Guardian.

Here’s where things stand.

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🏗️ WHAT HAPPENED

The funding comes from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, a program aimed at speeding up housing development.

Charlottetown had signed an agreement in early 2024 worth over $10 million to improve how housing gets built in the city.

But after a recent review, the city was found non-compliant—resulting in a 50% cut to its third funding installment.

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📉 HOW MUCH IS LOST

The total reduction is $1.26 million, spread over two years.

That means the city will lose $628,687 in both 2026 and 2027.

Charlottetown wasn’t alone—Markham, Ontario also lost part of its funding, while Miramichi, New Brunswick lost its agreement entirely.

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⚠️ WHY IT HAPPENED

Charlottetown failed to meet 28 out of 31 required milestones under the agreement.

Most of those missed targets are tied to a new zoning and development bylaw, which is still in draft form and going through public feedback.

The bylaw was originally expected to be completed by September 2025.

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⏳ WHAT CAUSED THE DELAYS

City officials say part of the delay came from waiting on provincial approval of a new official plan, which took about eight months.

That plan is required before the zoning bylaw can be finalized.

According to deputy mayor Alanna Jankov, the issue appears to be timing—not the content of the work itself.

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😮 NO WARNING?

Jankov said the city had no indication this funding cut was coming.

She noted that staff, council, and the mayor’s office were all surprised by the decision, which came shortly after the city passed its annual budget.

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💰 WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Despite the funding loss, the city says it will continue with all planned housing projects.

Officials expect the money will have to be found elsewhere in the budget, but no cuts are expected at this time.

There is an appeal process, but Jankov says it’s unlikely to succeed.

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🚨 RISK OF MORE LOSSES

The city could face further funding cuts if upcoming milestones aren’t met.

Officials say the focus now is on catching up and avoiding additional penalties.

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📍 ON PEI

With housing already a major issue across the Island, this funding loss could add more pressure on timelines and development plans in Charlottetown.

At the same time, the push to increase housing supply isn’t going anywhere—and expectations from the federal government remain high.

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💬👇 What’s Up PEI, Let’s talk:
Do you think Charlottetown should have met these deadlines, or is this kind of delay understandable given the process?

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04/28/2026

🚨 $40 MILLION PEI RESORT PUTS ISLAND ON THE MAP FOR LUXURY ECO-TOURISM

A new resort near Charlottetown is gaining attention for blending high-end travel with sustainability—and it could signal a bigger shift for tourism on P.E.I.

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A growing global demand for eco-friendly travel is reaching Prince Edward Island, and one new development is right at the center of it, according to The Globe and Mail.

Here’s what’s driving the buzz.

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🏨 THE RESORT BEHIND THE HEADLINES

Blackbush Beach Resort, a $40-million development located about 25 minutes from Charlottetown in Tracadie Bay, officially opened in 2024.

It was developed by APM MacLean, led by CEO Tim Banks, and features a 30-room hotel called Hotel Acadia along with beach cottages for rent.

The resort sits on historic sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic, combining modern design with the natural landscape.

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🌱 BUILT WITH SUSTAINABILITY IN MIND

The entire project was designed to reduce its environmental impact.

Developers used local timber and built sections off-site to limit disruption near the PEI National Park.

The property includes solar-powered systems, permeable roads, and drainage designed to protect the local water table by absorbing rain and snow naturally instead of redirecting it.

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🍽️ WHAT IT OFFERS

Guests can stay on-site and access a full experience without leaving the property.

The resort includes two seafood-focused restaurants, wellness services like a spa and yoga studio, curated local activities, and an event space for weddings and gatherings.

It’s designed to connect visitors with local culture, businesses, and the surrounding environment.

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📈 WHY THIS IS HAPPENING NOW

There’s a major global shift toward sustainable travel.

More than half of travellers are now thinking about the environmental and community impact of their trips, and many are actively looking for accommodations with eco-friendly practices.

Younger travellers in particular are driving demand, with sustainability becoming a key factor in booking decisions.

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🌍 A BIGGER TOURISM SHIFT

This type of travel—often called regenerative tourism—focuses on giving back to the local environment and economy, not just minimizing harm.

It’s becoming a priority across Canada, and Tourism P.E.I. is already working toward positioning the Island as a year-round destination.

Luxury eco-resorts like this are part of that strategy, and travellers are increasingly willing to pay more for these experiences.

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⚠️ CHALLENGES STILL EXIST

Seasonality remains one of the biggest challenges in Atlantic Canada tourism.

The slower months between October and May can make it difficult for resorts to stay fully operational year-round.

Still, Blackbush currently employs around 150 people, with many positions continuing beyond the summer season.

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📍 ON PEI

Projects like this could reshape how P.E.I. competes on the global tourism stage—shifting from seasonal travel to a more sustainable, year-round industry.

If successful, it could open the door for similar developments across the Island.

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💬👇 What’s Up PEI, Let’s talk:
Do you think PEI should lean more into luxury eco-tourism, or focus on keeping tourism more traditional and affordable?

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04/28/2026

🚨 PEI GROUP PUSHES TO BAN SPANKING AND ALL PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT OF CHILDREN

A new resolution backed by the P.E.I. Home and School Federation is calling for changes to federal law around how children can be disciplined.

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A major conversation is unfolding in P.E.I. after a nearly unanimous vote at a recent annual meeting, according to The Guardian.

Here’s where things start to shift.

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👨‍👩‍👧 WHAT’S BEING PROPOSED

The federation is urging the federal government to repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code.

That section currently allows parents and others to use what is considered “reasonable” force to discipline children.

The group argues this makes children the only group in Canada who can legally be physically punished.

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🗳️ STRONG SUPPORT

Support for the resolution was overwhelming.

Outgoing president David Schult said there were no votes against it, with only a small number of abstentions.

The resolution is now part of the federation’s official policy.

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🏛️ WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The federation plans to send the resolution to federal and provincial leaders, including the minister of justice and departments responsible for children and education.

The goal is to push for action as soon as possible, potentially when Parliament returns to session.

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⚖️ MIXED MESSAGES IN CURRENT LAW

While corporal punishment is already banned in P.E.I. schools under the Education Act, the federation says the broader law still sends conflicting signals.

Children are taught that violence isn’t the answer, yet the law still allows it in certain situations.

Schult noted that schools haven’t needed corporal punishment for decades, with teachers trained in alternative discipline methods.

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⚠️ CONCERNS RAISED

Some concerns came up during discussions.

Representatives from the P.E.I. Teachers’ Federation pointed out that staff may still need to physically intervene in certain situations—for example, if a fight breaks out and students need to be separated to prevent harm.

There are worries that removing Section 43 without replacement protections could create uncertainty for teachers in those moments.

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🏫 GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Education Minister Robin Croucher said he supports the intent of the resolution.

He stated that physical punishment should not happen in schools and confirmed the proposal will be reviewed, with next steps to be determined.

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📍 ON PEI

This issue is now moving beyond schools and into federal law, with potential changes that could impact families, educators, and child protection policies across the Island.

At this point, it’s a conversation that’s likely to grow as it moves through government.

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💬👇 What’s Up PEI, Let’s talk:
Do you think all forms of physical punishment should be banned, or should parents still have some discretion?

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04/28/2026

🚨 MISTLETOE MARKET IN CHARLOTTETOWN NOW UNCERTAIN

A new policy could impact whether the popular holiday market can continue at Boulder Park.

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🎄 What’s happening

A new grounds use policy tied to the PEI legislature does not allow commercial events like the Mistletoe Market within the precinct, which includes Boulder Park.

The City of Charlottetown purchased the park last year for $4.8 million, with plans to use it for public events like the market.

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⚖️ What’s been decided

While the policy restricts commercial use, it doesn’t automatically shut the door completely.

Any exceptions would need to go before a legislative standing committee, which would review requests and decide case by case.

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🚔 Concerns raised

Officials have pointed to issues around security and fairness.

The market’s structures can affect visibility and emergency access around nearby government buildings, especially while the legislature is in session.

There are also questions about using a high-profile public space for commercial activity.

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📍 On P.E.I.

For many Islanders, the Mistletoe Market has become part of the holiday season.

Now, its future at Boulder Park may depend on approvals behind the scenes—and that’s where attention is starting to build.

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💬👇 What’s Up PEI, let’s talk:

Should the Mistletoe Market still be allowed at Boulder Park?

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04/28/2026

❤️ This is what community looks like.

This morning, we shared a post about two missing youth… and within 30 minutes, something incredible happened.

Our WUP community showed up.

That post reached over 16,000 people in under half an hour — shares, tags, messages… people looking out for each other without hesitation.

And because PEI showed up?

Both youth were located in under an hour. 🙌

That’s the power of people who care.

It’s easy to scroll past things online… but today proved that when PEI comes together, it's powerful. It makes a real difference. Fast.

We say it all the time, but today you proved it:
PEI people are something special. 💚

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for showing up, for sharing, and for being the kind of community that looks out for one another when it matters most.

Well done PEI! 👏

04/28/2026

UPDATE: LOCATED

🚨 MISSING 🚨

Help the RCMP find two youth last seen in Summerside

Prince District RCMP is asking for the public’s help in locating two missing teens.

Emma Dunham, 15, is described as 5’2” with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black coat, a black shirt with an animé design, and light-coloured pants.

Dakota Doucette, 16, is described as approximately 5’ tall with blond hair and hazel/brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black suit with a vest and tie, along with a white shirt.

Both were last seen in the Summerside area on April 27 at around 3:00 p.m.

Anyone with information on where they may be is asked to contact Prince District RCMP at 902-436-9300. Anonymous tips can be provided through PEI Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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