Dennis King

He filled out his pre-travel form and checked it twice and he knows many Islanders have been very nice. Santa, you’re all clear to come to town!

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season and all the best in 2021!

The first Islanders received the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine today. The three health care workers who were given their first dose this afternoon reported feeling excited, relieved, and hopeful. I share their optimism and look forward to this next step in our COVID-19 journey. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we will get though this by working together.

9 months after declaring a Public Health State of Emergency in the fight against COVID-19, the first shipment of Pfizer BioNTech vaccine has arrived on our shores Thanks to our many partners across the Island and this great nation who have made this happen

Congratulations to PEI’s Jordan Spence and Kevin Elliot on being named to @HockeyCanada’s World Junior team! #PEIProud #WorldJuniors | IIHF World Junior Championship : Hockey PEI

Today is Human Rights Day! The PEI Human Rights Commission and many other local organizations do great work in promoting the fair treatment of all Islanders There is still more to do but by working together and looking out for one another, we will make our province a better place for everyone

One Tuna in North Lake, PEI has stepped up to provide storage for the newly approved Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine that has to be stored at a very low temperature. Throughout COVID-19 we’ve been saying that Islanders will get through this by working together, and this local business has shown the true Island spirit by stepping up and offering to help. Thank you, Jason!

This morning, our province moved into an enhanced caution phase of our COVID-19 response. This means staying home as much as possible, only going out for essentials. These 'circuit breaker' measures are the best path forward to keep our Island safe. I know that you are anxious and scared and worried, I think we all are, but Islanders have done this before, and we will do it again. We followed the Public Health Guidelines and came together by staying apart in the Spring and we... will do what it takes to do the same going forward. We also need to commend the youth of our province for their quick action. The line-ups at testing clinics across the Island was their direct response to our government's ask and I am proud of these young Islanders. We will get through this next wave by being patient, being kind, and working together.

Islanders, we can’t let our guard down now

Thanks Penny Walsh-McGuire for tagging me to take up the Love Local, PEI challenge I stopped by Receiver Coffee Co. with Minister Natalie Jameson to grab lunch and a coffee before the Legislature this afternoon I challenge Jacob Hemphill, Chief Darlene Bernard, and Chief Junior Gould to show how they Love Local on PEI and to nominate 3 others! ... Well done to all of the PEI Chambers’ for this initiative. It’s always important to support local, but especially this holiday season

There’s still a few hours left to participate in Giving Tuesday! Islanders have a long history of coming together and helping those in need during tough times. We all know 2020 has been a particularly difficult year for a lot of us, so please, if you can, donate to one of PEI’s many charities who help Islanders every single day.... PEI Gives

A message for all Young Islanders:

As part of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, the Purple Ribbon Campaign began today on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women Due to COVID-19, the traditional purple ribbons have been replaced with ribbon pins Please consider participating in this campaign by wearing a purple ribbon and showing your solidarity with survivors

Effective at midnight tonight, PEI will be limiting all non-essential off-Island travel until at least December 7th 2020. This means anyone travelling or returning to PEI during this time will be required to self isolate for 14 days This is a decision that was not made lightly. This is a proactive measure to ensure we can continue to keep our kids in school, our businesses open and protect our health resources... Life on our Island has been relatively normal compared to the rest of the country, and by taking this step while continuing to follow the advice of our Chief Public Health Office - we will get through this together Find more details about changes to travel restrictions here: https://bit.ly/BubbleSuspension

This morning the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Darlene Compton presented our government’s Capital Budget for 2021/22 We are focused on the people of Prince Edward Island and as we have from the beginning of our mandate and this pandemic, we will continue to make meaningful investments in our schools, our communities, our wellness, and our environment to create the best future for Islanders Find the highlights here https://bit.ly/CapitalBudget

Today was a great day in the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island Our newest MLA, Zack Bell was officially sworn in and took his seat inside the rail this afternoon. He made quick work and was on his feet asking questions to Minister Myers during QP too. I know Zack will be a passionate voice for Islanders in Charlottetown-Winsloe for many years to come. ... Welcome to the Legislature, Zack!

The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign kicks off across our Island today with six locations and it will run until December 24 If you can, please consider donating to the Kettle Campaign this year. The Salvation Army in Charlottetown, PEI has been working hard to ensure there will be a safe campaign to raise funds to help Islanders, including their collectors following COVID-19 protocols and debit/credit card tap donations coming soon. 2020 has been a difficult year for all of us but the best way to ensure we get through this together is to help one another any way we can.

Lest We Forget, today and always

National Take our Kids to Work Day is yet another event that looks a bit different in 2020. Grade 9 students from across the province may not have been able to be in person at workplaces today, but they were able to participate in a Zoom conversation this morning. Dr. Morrison, Minister Trivers, myself and others were happy to take their questions. Thank you to the students for your participation and thoughtful questions, and to the organizers for adapting to make sure these students can explore the many career opportunities our Island has to offer.

Congratulations Zack Bell, welcome to the team!

This week, a new book entitled In Their Own Words: PEI’s Famous Five was published on the Island. It details the incredible journey of our very own Famous Five in 1993 when the major leadership positions in our province were all held by women. To help launch the book, Minister Natalie Jameson invited me to join her at Prince Street School to read some excerpts from the book. During that visit we announced that each young woman in Grade 7 across PEI will receive a copy ...and additional copies will be given to school and public libraries along with community groups. This totals over 700 books being given to or made available to Islanders This is a piece of Canadian history that Islanders should be very proud of, I know I am.

Stopped by the Winsloe Lion’s Club on my way home from the office to drop off some donations to the Charlottetown Y's Men's Club Annual food drive in support of the Upper Room Congratulations to the organizers of this event for adapting to a drive-thru model instead of door-to-door collecting

Advanced Polls for Charlottetown-Winsloe are open today until 7pm. Get out and Vote Zack Bell!

The COVID Alert App has now been available on PEI for 2 weeks Do you have it on your phone yet? It’s easy to download and to use. The recent situation in New Brunswick is proof that contact tracing is so important in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and keeping everyone safe. ... Find out how to get the COVID Alert App here http://bit.ly/COVIDAppPEI

Small businesses are a beacon of hope for everyone in PEI, especially over the last eight months Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Week event and took the opportunity to remind our business community that they showcase hope & optimism for all Islanders during these challenging times Listen here

Today is World Food Day Our Island produces the best food in the world and we all know it. Potatoes, shellfish, vegetables, milk, cheese, and of course - ice cream! With our farmers busy harvesting their crops, I wanted to take a moment today and thank them for generations of producing high quality, world-renowned products that showcase our province so proudly

It was less than a year ago that WestJet announced expansion of service to PEI. We were excited about the prospects for growth and greater connection to the rest of Canada. Today’s news of WestJet cutting services means Islanders are faced with limited air access, which has a direct impact on families and businesses. For several months, I have consistently raised concerns about tourism and travel with the Prime Minister and the Federal Government, and for months I ...have been assured that support would be provided to these sectors. I once again call on the Federal Government to urgently address the pressures being faced by tourism and travel businesses, which play such a vital role in Prince Edward Island. The Charlottetown Airport Authority has worked hard in the context of COVID-19 to ensure good service for Islanders. Our airport was one of a few in the region that maintained low fees for airlines and passengers when traffic decreased dramatically. We will continue to work with the Authority, as well as the tourism and business communities, to advocate for needed access to PEI. I look forward to conversations tomorrow with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, federal Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs, on how the Federal Government will commit to support air access and tourism

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving This weekend I’m thankful that in the face of all the ups and downs over the last seven months, Islanders have stayed united. It's what we do best - in times of need, we band together and help each other through.

Last October I had the honour of hosting the first all-female UPEISU Executive for lunch. We were joined by many of the female MLAs and City Councillors from across the Island. As we celebrate both International Day of the Girl today and Women’s History Month during October, it is important to reflect on the significant achievements of women and girls in our province the trailblazers, activists and advocates, including the women pictured below, who continue to make a differ...ence in the lives of Islanders every day. It is our collective responsibility to empower Island girls and all of the women in our lives to be the best they can be to help build a bright future for PEI Opposition Prince Edward Island - Green Caucus, The City of Summerside, Charlottetown - Great Things Happen Here, Darlene Compton, Natalie Jameson

2020 has been a year like no other. Together, we have faced challenge after challenge, and we are still finding our way through to a new normal while living with COVID-19. Throughout these past few months, Islanders have shown incredible resilience, kindness and courage in the face of difficult times. ... Today, on World Mental Health Day, let’s continue to be kind and accepting when someone chooses to share their story. And remember, you are never alone. Find resources here https://bit.ly/MentalHealthServicesPEI

Thanks to entrepreneur Jack Shaw for delivering some Island-grown pumpkins to my office ahead of the Thanksgiving weekend. We had a great chat about how his sales are going and how the growing season went. It’s very humbling to see Jack and the next generation of farmers take such pride in their work. Jack donates a portion of his sales to the PEI Humane Society every year. I’m told this year is shaping up to be a record one. ... Thanks for dropping by, Jack!

Teachers play such an important role in our lives and the lives of our children Happy World Teachers Day to teachers from tip-to-tip, and thank you for all that you do to help build a bright future for our Island

Special days like Treaty Day offer us an opportunity to gain more understanding and appreciation for Mi’kmaq culture and heritage. 2020 has been a year like no other, but working towards reconciliation cannot and did not take a break. This morning, we announced the development of a new Treaty Education Partnership - a collaborative initiative that will help move forward with reconciliation and our shared vision of creating the very best Island for all residents. Working alongside Chiefs Bernard and Gould, I am confident that, together, we will continue to make meaningful changes for PEI.

Today, I’m wearing an orange shirt to honour those who have been deeply impacted by residential schools. As we all reflect on our individual and collective actions from Canada’s past, we must think of ways we can work together to continue fostering meaningful reconciliation. Learn more about Orange Shirt Day here: http://www.orangeshirtday.org/

Are you ready for Hurricane Teddy? There’s still some time if you aren’t - here are a few helpful tips: - Take in or tie down your lawn furniture, trampolines, planters and other items from your lawn or deck - Make sure you have your emergency preparedness kit stocked with everything you need including COVID-19 extras like hand sanitizer and face masks ... - Follow PEI Public Safety on Facebook for up to date information from our Emergency Measures Office

Best of luck to these two teams as the Canadian Premier League final gets underway this afternoon! Tune in to CBC to see the last game of the CPL season being played at UPEI

We are in the middle of Smile Cookie Week already! Make sure you stop by your local Tim Hortons and pick up a Smile Cookie if you can. All of the proceeds go to KidSport PEI and help Island youth experience the benefits of sport

Jenene Wooldridge is a strong advocate for the Epekwitk Mi’kmaq with over a decade of experience in working with First Nations government. As a member of the Premier's Recovery and Growth Council, she wants to know what we can do to strengthen Indigenous communities and businesses. Today is the last day to submit your big ideas for how we can renew PEI, together! Submit your ideas by commenting below; online at renewpei.ca; or by emailing '[email protected]’

Congratulations Premier Blaine Higgs!

Ray Keenan of Rollo Bay Holdings Ltd. is a multi-generational farmer with deep roots in rural Eastern PEI. In Renewing PEI together, what can we do to add value to our agricultural sector and enhance sustainably for all Islanders? Comment below, send an email to ‘[email protected]’ or visit www.renewpei.ca to submit your ideas for how we can Renew PEI, together

Congratulations to Islander Linda Fraser on receiving this year’s Council of the Federation Literacy Award

Chris Matters with Llink Consulting has over 20 years of local and international experience in food processing, manufacturing and packaging. He’s looking for suggestions on what value-added products we can create in our Island’s primary industries like farming and fishing, and how do we market them to Canada and beyond? Comment below, send an email to ‘[email protected]’ or visit www.renewpei.ca to submit your ideas for how we can Renew PEI, together

On behalf of the PEI Government and anyone who calls this great province home, I want to extend my best wishes for a safe, productive, and successful school year as students head back to the classroom next week

I'd like to thank Robert Mitchell for his many years of public service representing his constituents. In the early days after the 2019 election, I worked with Robert as Interim Leader of the Liberal Party of PEI and was always impressed by his dedication to making our province a better place for all Islanders. Our two electoral districts border one another, and we have worked collaboratively on projects related to our neighboring communities for the betterment of local residents over the last 16 months. I'd like to wish Robert and Bonnie all the best in the future, and know that his family will look forward to having more time with him, especially his grandchildren.

COVID-19 has impacted parents, children, and families The Premier’s Council for Recovery and Growth’s member, Amber Jadis of Bricks 4 Kidz, wants to know how the Island can support families more as we reopen and renew Comment below, send an email to ‘[email protected]’ or visit www.renewpei.ca to submit your ideas for how we can Renew PEI, together

Our Island produces the best food in the world. So, why wouldn’t we feed our children the 5-star food we produce to help fuel their bodies and minds while they are learning? It’s common sense. This Fall, Island families can pay-what-they-can (up to $5) and get a nutritious, healthy lunch for their children made from locally sourced food.... Find out all the details here http://bit.ly/PEISchoolFood

Dr. Adam Fenech's work on climate change has earned him a Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the IPCC. He is hoping we can create a renewed Prince Edward Island that is climate-resilient. How should we create this type of community and economy, together?

I was saddened to learn of Nancy Guptill’s passing yesterday. I have always admired her deep sense of community, love of family and commitment to empowering Islanders, especially women, to become leaders. Nancy was always a fierce advocate for her adopted home community of Summerside during her years of public service. She was a leader, a trailblazer and an inspiration to so many Islanders. More importantly, she was a devoted mother and grandmother who will be forever missed by her loved ones and her friends. My condolences are with her loved ones during this difficult time

Our province is full of innovators and Jason Aspin of Aspin Kemp & Associates (AKA) is one of them. He has innovated and pivoted his whole career and as a member of the Premier’s Council for Recovery and Growth, he wants to know what opportunities are out there for innovation and how we can use our Island's advantages in this new economy Post your suggestions below or fill out the form at www.renewpei.ca

Julia Campbell of JEMS Boutique and North Shore Group is a member of the Premier’s Council for Recovery and Growth. After growing up in PEI's tourism industry, she is an advocate and ambassador for our province. Julia wants to hear your thoughts and ideas for welcoming the world back to our Island. Comment below with your idea or send an email to '[email protected]'

Thank you to everyone who made it out to the second Annual Harness Racing Appreciation Breakfast this morning at Red Shores in Charlottetown This week looks so different than previous years, but our historic, vibrant and resilient harness racing industry has found a way for the 61st running of the Gold Cup & Saucer to go ahead for 2020 I’m looking forward to an exciting evening of fast racing on Saturday!

When you’re out and about on this beautiful PEI day, stop by Tim Hortons and support #CampDay if you can. 100% of today’s proceeds from both hot and iced coffees will help change the lives of youth across Canada

A good idea can come from anywhere and we need your help as we continue to Renew PEI, Together. The Premier’s Council for Recovery and Growth wants to know your ideas for how our province can learn and grow from COVID-19. This Council is for all Islanders across our communities and our economy. We want to hear from you! Comment below, send an email to ‘[email protected]’, contact your MLA or submit your ideas online at renewpei.ca

Today our province announced its plan to reopen our Island schools, safely. We know that these changes will be difficult for everyone involved, but I’m confident that Islanders will adapt to these challenges the same way we have to so many other things in our lives over the last few months. Find PEI’s full back-to-school plan here: https://bit.ly/BackToSchoolPEI

Congrats Tyne Valley!

It’s Pride Week on the Island and flags are going up across our province. You may notice that some flags, like this one at the Prince Edward Island Legislature, look a little different from the traditional rainbow version we are used to seeing. This flag is called the ‘Progress Flag’ and has an added triangle that recognizes our Transgender and BIPOC communities and the special challenges they face when fighting for equality. I hope to see Islanders sharing their pride from tip-to-tip as we celebrate our 2SLGBTQIA+ friends. Happy Pride, PEI!

Dr Morrison is encouraging Islanders to wear non-medical masks when it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing in public spaces like the grocery store or public transit It’s important to remember that masks are not a substitute for: Washing our hands 6 ft Physical Distancing ... For more information about non-medical masks visit https://bit.ly/maskspei So, who do you mask for?

This morning, I joined Ministers MacAulay and Myers along with Pownal Sports Centre president Randy Drake to announce funding from all three partners to upgrade the centre, making it more accessible, increasing the dressing room capacity and allowing for other improvements that will benefit users and sports fans from all over. Rinks are a big part of our Island identity, and we all know how central they are to our communities. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been able to make other investments in community rinks like this one to benefit Islanders and help get PEI ready to host the 2023 Canada Games

The Spring session of the PEI Legislature wrapped up last night. This included the 20/21 budget passing with large investments in health care, social development and housing, and in getting our economy moving again while learning to live with COVID-19. I was proud to have support from all members of the Legislative Assembly for the budget during these challenging times. Over the last few months, I have never been more proud to be an Islander and as we move forward together.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting with Camdyn along with his parents Erin and Jamie. You may remember Camdyn from a recent story in the news where he woke up his family in the middle of the night so they could escape from their home that was on fire. This young Islander’s bravery is something we should all admire. Thanks for joining me for lunch, Camdyn!

Big news in North Rustico today! Thanks to investments from all three levels of government, the North Rustico Rink will be replaced with a new $10 million facility. We all know how much rinks and wellness centres like these mean to our small communities on the Island, and for those of us who have taken the kids here to play, we know this rink deserves an upgrade. Thanks to the federal government and to the municipality of North Rustico for collaborating with our Island government to make this happen. We should also give recognition to the local MLA Brad Trivers - PC Rustico - Emerald (Dist 18) who has been advocating for this project since he was elected in 2015. I look forward to seeing the first puck drop at the new rink in time for the 2023 Canada Games!

This afternoon, I joined a call with the rest of Canada’s Premiers from the PEI Legislature. We discussed many of the issues our nation is facing and how COVID-19 is impacting the way we deal with them. Important issues to Islanders like COVID-19 spending, the Canada-US border, and the recently announced cancellation of regional flights like the Charlottetown to Halifax route. Everyone is working together to help Canadians and most importantly, Islanders, navigate this pandemic.

In the last few days, we’ve been reminded that we must stay vigilant and prepared. Islanders have done so well in following Dr. Morrison’s directions and in keeping each other safe. Here’s a few reminders you can share with others that will help keep us all on track as we continue to learn to live with COVID-19, together.

Today has been one for the history books. The start of the Atlantic Travel Bubble is an important step in our recovery after COVID-19 brought the world to a halt in March. I was proud to stop by the Confederation Bridge this morning to see our Public Health officials safely and professionally screening our family, friends, neighbours, and visitors coming to PEI. Safe travels to Islanders exploring our region and to everyone else - welcome to our Island!

Happy Canada Day, PEI!

National Multiculturalism Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate PEI’s diversity, including over 50 cultures and countries that are represented on our Island. We are stronger when we work together and even more so when we take the time to recognize the role that newcomers and cultures from all over the world play in our day-to-day lives. I think all Islanders can agree that those who have made the decision to live, work and raise a family here, have made the best choice. Happy National Multiculturalism Day!

After a lot of hard work and collaboration with our Atlantic colleagues, an Atlantic Bubble will begin on July 3rd. I know Islanders are very excited to see family, friends, and neighbours from other Atlantic provinces and this decision was only made possible because Islanders and other Atlantic Canadians have followed the advice of our respective Chief Public Health Officers. However, as restrictions lift and more people come and go from our region, we must remember to keep practicing physical distancing, keep washing our hands, and staying home if we're feeling sick. We are looking forward to welcoming people across the Confederation Bridge, the Wood Islands Ferry, and via the Charlottetown Airport