Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly, Wednesday 27 May 2026
Members welcomed a visiting social studies class from École-sur-Mer and other guests before delivering statements marking cultural, community, and personal milestones, including East Coast Music Award winners, charity events, and a turtle-adoption update from the Minister of Land and Environment. During routine proceedings, ministers tabled estimate takebacks, and government orders continued with consideration of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy estimates. The sitting was largely devoted to debate on Motion No. 7, a private member's motion calling for equitable support for small farmers and aquaculture operators, reduced red tape, and fair access to funding, with a member from the Summerside area speaking at length on the loss of generational farmland to expropriation and the challenges facing small oyster fishers.
Members' Statements
Responsibility and leadership in government
Hon. H. Perry
The Leader of the Opposition criticized the PC government for deflecting blame on issues like health care wait times and the deficit, arguing that continually blaming others is a sign of a government in over its head.
Representing District 9
C. Simpson
The Member thanked residents of Charlottetown-Hillsborough Park for their support and reflected on the caucus's work holding government to account on schools, affordability, health care, and legislation protecting victims and children.
Routine Proceedings
Recognition of guests and Employee Recognition Awards
Hon. R. Lantz
The Premier welcomed a social studies class from École-sur-Mer and guests, recognized the Public Service Commission's Employee Recognition Award recipients, reminded drivers to watch for cyclists and motorcyclists, and congratulated UPEI alumnus Joel Ward on advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.
Welcome and Skills national championship
Hon. H. Perry
The Leader of the Opposition welcomed guests and sent best wishes to Island participants attending the Skills national championship on May 28 and 29.
ECMA winners and community events
M. MacFarlane
The Leader of the Third Party congratulated Island East Coast Music Award winners, noted the Wo He Lo Spring Clothing Sale raised a record $61,000 for the QEH, and highlighted the Kinkora Regional High School Relay for Life.
Trade HERizons graduates and family birthdays
K. Bernard
The Member congratulated four Trade HERizons alumni who graduated from trades programs at Holland College and wished her mother and daughter happy birthdays.
Welcome to students and guests
Hon. R. Croucher
The Minister of Education and Early Years welcomed the grade 9 students from École-sur-Mer and acknowledged guest George Dignan.
Birchwood semi-prom
Hon. J. Redmond
The Minister welcomed guests and noted her daughter and grade 9 colleagues from Birchwood were having their semi-prom, thanking parents and volunteers.
Welcome to guests
C. Simpson
The Member welcomed constituents and acknowledged Jennifer Poirier, an advocate for students with learning disabilities.
Welcome and constituent acknowledgements
R. Henderson
The Member acknowledged guests George Dignan and Harvey Collicutt and shared a lighthearted anecdote about a dog reacting to his appearances in the Legislature.
Welcome to École-sur-Mer class
H. MacLennan
The Member welcomed a class from his district École-sur-Mer along with teachers Jeanette and Austin.
Air Cadets ceremonial review
Hon. Z. Bell
The Minister acknowledged guests and congratulated Air Cadet award winners from the 85th annual ceremonial review at the Charlottetown Armoury.
Community events in New Haven-Rocky Point
P. Bevan-Baker
The Member highlighted the 19th annual Canoe Cove perennial sale and the Clyde River Women's Institute food-sharing stand.
Lady Ball fundraiser
S. Dillon
The Member promoted the Lady Ball at the Charlottetown Brewing Company in support of ovarian cancer, noting the Minister of Finance would be participating.
Turtle adoption update
Hon. D. Compton
The Minister of Land and Environment provided a lighthearted update that Fitz Corcoran received an adopted turtle certificate and learned about keeping turtles in their natural environment.
Tabling of estimate takebacks
Multiple
Ministers of Land and Environment, Social Development and Seniors, Health and Wellness, Justice, and the Premier tabled takebacks to questions arising from consideration of departmental estimates and Question Period.
Orders of the Day
Motion No. 7 – Supporting small farmers and aquaculture operators
Multiple
Debate resumed on Motion No. 7; the Leader of the Opposition seconded the motion, urging equitable funding and reduced red tape for small farmers and aquaculture operators hit by MSX and Dermo, and the Member from Summerside-Wilmot expressed support while raising concerns about farmland expropriation for the Cairns Boulevard development.
Private Members' Business
Motion supporting small farmers and aquaculture operators
Unknown
A member spoke in support of a motion (moved by the Member from O'Leary-Inverness) to provide equitable support to small producers, reduce red tape, and ensure fair access to funding. He cited the Reid family's expropriated generational farmland in Summerside, praised local farms like Klondike, Linkletter, Kool Breeze and Pauptit farms, and detailed the plight of the Malpeque oyster industry, arguing that ACOA-funded seed secured by the Aquaculture Alliance was not being fairly distributed and that larger operators were pushing the 'little guy' out.
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.