Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly, Tuesday 26 May 2026
The PEI Legislative Assembly met at 1:03 p.m. with tributes and condolences (including for former NHL player Forbes Kennedy and a student), members' statements, ministerial responses to earlier questions, and continued consideration of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for Education and Early Years in Committee of the Whole. Members' statements addressed the Vernon River Lions Club, oyster seed access for growers, and health promotion, while government business focused on budget estimates.
Members' Statements
Vernon River Lions Club
B. Curran
Recognized the Vernon River Lions Club, active since 1972, for its community service supporting youth, seniors, schools, and families in need in District 2.
Equal Access to Oyster Seed and Supports
H. MacLennan
Called for fair distribution of disease-resistant oyster seed and financial supports so small-scale growers aren't crowded out, urging ACOA to tailor assistance amid the MSX and Dermo outbreak.
Importance of Health Promotion
G. McNeilly
Criticized the government for lacking a provincial wellness strategy and urged reinstating health promotion funding to invest in prevention rather than crisis management.
Routine Proceedings
Response to question on shale pit violations
Hon. D. Compton
The Minister of Land and Environment responded to an earlier question from the Member for New Haven-Rocky Point, outlining excavation pit regulations, setbacks, prohibited materials, and the distinction between personal and commercial pits.
Questions by Members – Budget transparency
Hon. H. Perry
The Leader of the Opposition pressed the Minister of Finance to table a complete list of budget cuts and reductions; the Minister said the whole budget and supporting documents are tabled openly, acknowledging some programs are ended, reduced, or paused.
Tabling of Documents
Hon. E. Hudson
The Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy tabled, by leave, a response to a petition brought forward by the Member for Kensington-Malpeque, which was received and laid on the table.
Orders of the Day
Remarks on ride share program (PEILCC/Kari Rideshare Pilot)
Unknown
A member spoke in support of a provincial ride share program phased in collaboratively with the Liquor Commission, describing it as a boon for rural Islanders who bear heavy financial and carbon costs from car dependence.
Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure – Education and Early Years
Multiple
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the grant of supply, with the Minister of Education and Early Years bringing in official Chris DesRoche. Questioning by C. Simpson focused on austerity measures and departmental budget figures, with DesRoche noting the department received a $16.4 million increase.
Other business
Matters of Privilege and Recognition of Guests / condolences
Multiple
Members welcomed gallery guests including former member Gerard Greenan, and offered condolences for the passing of Isabella, former NHL player Forbes Kennedy, and a bus driver; the Education Minister acknowledged two tragic deaths affecting Island schools. Members also highlighted community events, graduations, the Special Olympics bowling championships, a UNB scholarship recipient, and other local recognitions.
This is Tabled's summary of the sitting, written from the official record; Hansard is only ever quoted at the link above. Search Prince Edward Island Hansard for the words themselves, or read this sitting in the archive.