Charlottetown, PE (November 23, 2021) – The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce was shocked by yesterday’s announcement on the federal government’s decision to close the Canada-US border to all Island potatoes after potato wart was found this fall, noting the potato industry’s significance to the local economy.
“The potato industry touches many aspects of PEI’s economy and contributes $1.3 Billion to it each year,” said Robert Godfrey, CEO of the Chamber. “For the federal government to close the border to potato shipping will mean a loss of millions of dollars for Island farms and our local economy.”
The Chamber stands with the provincial government and the PEI Potato Board’s call for the federal government to immediately reverse this decision so that Island potato farms can once again ship their product to the United States.
“We urge PEI’s four Members of Parliament to carry this message to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau,” said Godfrey. “The Government of Canada must stand up for science-based decision making on this issue and ensure the border is re-opened without delay.”
-30-
About The Chamber:
The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce connects business and community and is PEI’s largest business advocacy organization with more than 1100 members. For more information on the Chamber, visit www.charlottetownchamber.com.
Media Contact:
Sam MacPhail
Policy and Communications Manager
smacphail@charlottetownchamber.com
(902) 628-2000 x 224