P.E.I. news: Premier criticized for health care, long-term care [Video]

A small group health-care support staff rallied outside Prince Edward Island’s legislature for higher wages Thursday, after talks between the province and union representing health-care cleaners, cooks, and porters, among others, broke down.

Premier Dennis King went out to meet with them briefly before the legislature opened.

“They are demoralized,” said CUPE representative Lori MacKay to King. “Seventy per cent of the people on that survey told us they are considering, or have considered, leaving healthcare.”

CUPE’s contact expired in 2023. P.E.I. health-care locals do not have the right to strike. They say 85 per cent of members struggle to make ends meet.

The province offered a 10.5 per cent raise over three years. CUPE is asking for a $10/hour increase over the same time.

“We want to be as fair as we possibly can. We’ve been dealing with a variety of different unions along the way, and we’ve been very, very fair,” said King. …