Spiking cost of living on P.E.I. takes centre stage in legislature

The rising cost of living for Prince Edward Islanders topped the agenda during question period in the province's legislature Friday, as MLAs looked for ways to help make sure Islanders "are being fed and cared for."

"We have the highest inflation rate in the country, the lowest wages in the country, we have a worsening housing crisis," Official Opposition leader Peter Bevan-Baker said during an exchange with Premier Dennis King, who had told him just the day before that he needed no lessons in economics from the Green Party.  

"We have widening inequality and more Islanders — especially after the rise in gas prices yesterday — are struggling to put food on the table. Do you think that maybe you do need some economic advice?"

King said his government would immediately increase payments through social security programs in light of spiking prices, and double the funds put toward the home heating program offered in partnership with the Salvation Army while making more people eligible for help. 

He told the legislature he is looking for ways to help beyond those measures. 

"We're open to any idea that we can implement as quickly as we can, to be as nimble as we can, to cushion the blows [that this] will have on Islanders." 

The price of gasoline, diesel and home heating fuel all rose by a maximum allowable amount of 12 cents per litre overnight, with Islanders spending nearly 14 cents more per litre once taxes are added. 

Analysts blamed the jump on the invasion of Ukraine eight days ago, along with widespread sanctions placed on oil-rich Russia. Pent-up demand for travel and manufactured goods as COVID-19 restrictions ease around the world is also cutting into supply and pushing up prices.  

Finance Minister Darlene Compton said provincial officials worked late Thursday to brainstorm on ideas for helping cushion the blow. 

She said the government will be "helping seniors in whatever way we can. As far as maybe food vouchers? We're not quite sure. We've already increased some of the social services programs, making sure the food bank has plenty of food." 

Compton said those are "just a number of ways of making sure that Islanders are being fed and cared for."

The Liberals had a suggestion. 

In a motion that will be voted upon as soon as Tuesday, they're calling on King to suspend the provincial gas tax to offset the rising fuel costs, especially since gas and diesel prices can have a snowball effect on the economy. 

"It's going to affect our food prices, which are going up drastically," said interim Liberal Leader Sonny Gallant.