More than 900 P.E.I. customers still without power; opposition calls for inquiry on Fiona response
Nearly three weeks after post-tropical storm Fiona crashed into Atlantic Canada, downing trees, knocking out power, and leaving behind widespread damage, 919 Maritime Electric customers on Prince Edward Island were still off the grid as of 6 p.m. Wednesday.
That number is down 2,230 from Tuesday evening, when 3,149 customers were still without power, according to the Maritime Electric power outage map.
The utility says some customers, particularly those who are experiencing individual outages due to issues such as damaged masts, may not have their power restored until Friday -- three weeks after the storm hit the region.
At its peak, about 90 per cent of the electrical system -- or about 82,000 customers -- lost power due to Fiona, which hit the island on Sept. 24.
As of Tuesday, Maritime Electric said more than 260 crews were still working to safely restore power to Island residents.
The P.E.I. government has posted a list of reception centres where residents who are without power can go to charge their devices and keep warm.
OFFICIAL OPPOSITION CALLS FOR INQUIRY
P.E.I.'s Green Party is calling for a public inquiry into the province’s response to Fiona.
The inquiry would demand information from third-party organizations who played a critical role in the province's response, including Maritime Electric, telecommunications companies, and the Canadian Red Cross, among others.
P.E.I. Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker told CTV News Tuesday that without a public inquiry, it's "literally impossible" to compel all of the information required from specific entities.
Bevan-Baker added an inquiry would ensure the best possible response during the island's next storm.
“Yes, we’re calling for a public inquiry, but our primary focus here has to be getting power back to Islanders and getting the monetary supports, the compensation, the relief supports, that all Islanders desperately need,” he said.
P.E.I. Premier Dennis King says he is open to having someone review how the province and Maritime Electric responded, but did not commit to what he called a "full-blown inquiry."
CALLS FOR CONTRACTORS
P.E.I. is looking for more support for residents whose homes or businesses were damaged in post-tropical storm Fiona.
The Construction Association of PEI is putting a call out to contractors on the island, and across Canada, to register with the organization so it can connect them with Islanders in need.
Repairs could include water damage, leaking roofs and electrical damage, among others.
P.E.I. says it will assist in covering travel expenses and accommodations for those who are willing to come to the province to help contractors make repairs.
Contractors must supply their business number, proof of liability insurance, and proof of workers compensation coverage.
They can contact the Construction Association of PEI by emailing contractors@capei.ca.
Islanders who are struggling to find a contractor to complete repairs can register with CAPEI by calling 1-902-370-4357 or emailing fionahelp@capei.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Halifax police confirm body of Walmart employee was found in walk-in oven
Police have confirmed the body of an employee who died at a Walmart in Halifax over the weekend was found in a walk-in oven.
PM Trudeau doesn't think his leadership is in danger, as ministers voice confidence in him a day before key Liberal meeting
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he doesn't think his leadership is in danger, one day before a highly anticipated Liberal caucus meeting where his future at the helm of the Liberal party is expected to be up for discussion.
Butter shoplifters strike again! Two more large-scale thefts reported in Guelph, Ont.
At least seven large-scale butter thefts have been reported in Guelph, Ont. over a 10-month period, including two hauls in just the last month.
Asian American boba brand finds opportunity after Simu Liu sparks cultural appropriation debate
The Asian American boba milk tea brand, Twrl, have a chance to pitch a pretty well-known investor -- actor Simu Liu. The irony is that it came about after the owners posted a video on TikTok in support of Liu calling out the white owners of a boba drink brand for cultural appropriation on "Dragons' Den," the Canadian version of "Shark Tank."
Hoard of 1,000-year-old coins unearthed in a farmer's field sells for US$5.6 million
Adam Staples knew he'd found something when his metal detector let out a beep. And then another. And another.
What is 'pink cocaine'? Designer drug linked to Liam Payne and named in Diddy lawsuit
A partial autopsy has revealed that former One Direction singer Liam Payne had multiple substances in his system when he plunged to his death from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
W5 Investigates You donated clothing to needy Canadians. So how did it end up in Africa?
In the first of a four-part investigation into the seedy underbelly of the lucrative clothing donation bin industry, CTV W5 puts a spotlight on how some of the clothes Canadians donate to charity end up in markets in Africa.
Former volunteers search for missing, dead cats linked to an eastern Ontario cat rescue
Former volunteers with Eastern Ontario Cats (EOC) are working to track cats they say are either dead or missing after allegations of abuse, neglect and falsified medical records surfaced in recent months.
Giant fish thought to be extinct is spotted in the Mekong River
A huge fish in the Mekong River thought to be extinct has been spotted three times in recent years.