P.E.I.’s first question period of 2020 began with a warm, polite exchange between the premier and the leader of the Opposition.
But it didn’t take long for the two to clash, exchanging sharp words about the recent controversy around the decision to allow entry to seasonal residents as of June 1.
Green Opposition Leader Peter Bevan-Baker started off question period by referring last week’s news that the RCMP were called to the home of Premier Dennis King days after the announcement. King said a neighbour had made a remark his wife had interpreted as a threat, but also said the matter was a misunderstanding.
"Nobody should be harrassed or threatened for doing their job," Bevan-Baker said to the premier, before asking how he has been doing since last week.
King responded that he has been doing fine and thanked the member for asking.
Bevan-Baker then launched into a lengthy series of questions related to the decision to allow entry to seasonal residents.
"The premier just described the decision that was made on Wednesday to open our border to non-Islanders as an informed decision. Who informed you to make that decision?" Bevan-Baker asked.
King responded that government members asked public health officials, including chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison.
"These seasonal residents are taxpayers just like everybody else. They have a right to be here," King said.
Bevan-Baker persisted, suggesting that the decision “had come out of left field” and that it had not been based on good science. He suggested the province’s plans to ease public health restrictions had been “thrown out the window.”
Bevan-Baker then asked for the evidence the decision had been based upon.
King then said Bevan-Baker had been briefed about the decision before it was announced. He also bristled at the line of questioning, suggesting Bevan-Baker was criticizing Morrison.
“This goes back to April. You know that. You're part of the whole discussion process," King said.
"We put the faith in somebody. We can't pick and choose when we have faith."
“We're going to start taking applications on June 1. And then we're going to look at where you live. Are you residing in a hot zone? Are you able to self-isolate? Do you have the supports to self-isolate? Do you actually own property?”
-Health Minister James Aylward
Bevan-Baker pressed on.
"Will you table the evidence that this move that you made last Wednesday is the safest way forward for Islanders?" Bevan-Baker asked.
"If you think you lack faith in Dr. Morrison, we certainly can believe in her science,” King responded, bristling as he went on.
"What an insult to Dr. Morrison for this gentleman to suggest to me that I would make her do something she would never want to do. That's an insult to her and it's an insult to me.”
Liberal interim leader Sonny Gallant continued the pile-on, directing his questions to Health Minister James Aylward. Gallant asked when Aylward became aware of the decision to allow entry to seasonal residents.
Aylward then responded with details on criteria for evaluating seasonal residents who wish to enter the province.
"What we announced is not opening up our border on June 1,” Aylward said.
“We're going to start taking applications on June 1. And then we're going to look at where you live. Are you residing in a hot zone? Are you able to self-isolate? Do you have the supports to self-isolate? Do you actually own property?”
The province has not yet released all criteria for allowing in seasonal residents. The premier has said these long-term seasonal residents must show they own property and must show they have a plan for a 14-day quarantine period.
Twitter: @stu_neatby
