FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 7, 2022 CHARLOTTEOWN – Sonny Gallant and his caucus are calling for an investigation by the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) into the inadequate response by the King government to help Islanders affected by Hurricane Fiona. “The people of PEI deserve some answers and transparency right now,” said Gallant. “Some Islanders are still without power a full two weeks since Fiona hit. The Premier’s response has been inadequate and we need to use all the available resources to get answers.” Under section 32 of the Electric Power Act, IRAC has the power to launch an investigation into the matter: “If it is brought to the attention of the Commission that the supply of electric energy or any service rendered by any public utility has been interrupted or is likely to be interrupted to such an extent as to be likely to cause hardship or inconvenience to consumers of electricity or other customers of any public utility” - Electric Power Act, Section 32 “While we support a public inquiry, who knows how long it would take for the Premier to decide to call for one? And frankly, the money spent on an inquiry could be better used to provide further relief to Islanders,” he said. Gallant has also co-signed a letter with MLA Robert Henderson, a member of the Health and Social Development Standing Committee, calling for an emergency meeting to determine, among other things:
detailed preparations by the Premier’s Office and the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) before Fiona arrived on the Island.
how the Department of Social Development and Housing prepared publicly funded seniors’ housing units for the hurricane, and efforts to ensure the safety and upkeep of these buildings after the storm.
oversight and accountability for supports issued through the Red Cross and the province’s plan for distributing the donated funds being matched by the federal government.
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Media Contact:
James Ip, Director of Communications
Office of the Third Party
Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island
(647) 297-7759
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