Premier establishes special cabinet committees in response to COVID-19

Premier Dennis King today established three special cabinet committees as part of government’s response efforts to address the impacts of COVID-19 in the province.  

The special cabinet committees are focused on responding to the community and economic challenges being created by COVID-19, ensuring that Islanders, workers and industries are supported during this challenging time and that the delivery of government’s essential services are maintained. 

The three special cabinet committees announced today are: 

• Economy and Business Supports: Chaired by Minister Matthew MacKay, other members include Minister Darlene Compton, Minister Steven Myers and Minister Jamie Fox. 
• Labour and Social Supports: Chaired by Minister Ernie Hudson, other members include Minister Brad Trivers, Minister Natalie Jameson, Minister Bloyce Thompson and Minister James Aylward. 
• Government Operations: Chaired by Minister Steven Myers, other members include Minister Darlene Compton and Minister Bloyce Thompson. 

“As a government, we are working across departments and with our agencies and community partners every day to ensure that we have a coordinated and responsive approach to addressing COVID-19,” said Premier King. “This is first and foremost a public health priority, and containing the virus and protecting Islanders is paramount; however, we also need to continue with our efforts to address the community and economic impacts of this situation in a meaningful way.”  

The three special cabinet committees are mirrored with corresponding task groups established to provide rapid response to the potential non-health related impacts of COVID-19. This is in addition to the provincial COVID-19 situation response table which has been operational for the past two weeks. 

“What’s happening right now across the country and around the world is unprecedented. We will continue to follow the expert advice of our Chief Public Health Officer as we make decisions as a government with respect to programs, services and supports we put in place to help Islanders,” added Premier King. 

Islanders with questions about COVID-19 should call PEI’s toll-free information line at 1-800-958-6400. The information line is taking messages 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Islanders who leave messages will receive a call back within 24-hours.

Islanders experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, or shortness of breath) within 14-days after international travel should call 8-1-1 to be screened and, if necessary, directed for testing. Those requiring immediate medical attentions should call 9-1-1.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Hamel
Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Office of the Premier
(902) 368-4400
ahamel@gov.pe.ca