This is PEI
Your home, in less than 20 minutes a week. Host Mitch Cormier brings you the stories The Island is buzzing about. Every Thursday.
Thu, April 10, 2025
Menopause is having a minute on PEI
Mitch meets two women who aren’t afraid to talk about menopause in public. They’re also working to build community and safe spaces on PEI to navigate the inevitability of hormonal change.
Thu, April 03, 2025
What more privatized health care could mean for Islanders
The P.E.I. government says it plans to expand the private delivery of health care for Islanders. As long as you don't pay out of pocket, does it matter if the clinic you go to is privately run? We'll take a dive into that issue with CBC P.E.I. legislative reporter Kerry Campbell.
Thu, March 27, 2025
How a P.E.I. farm equipment mechanic served his country as a spy
Charlottetown’s Cliff Stewart swore an oath, and he kept it. Until the laws changed and he could share his story of living in the shadows as a war-era spy. As CBC’s Laura Chapin retires after a long career, this week we’re sharing her documentary, A Man Most Ordinary, that originally aired in 2009.
Thu, March 20, 2025
What can we learn from P.E.I.’s COVID-19 response?
Five years later, we reflect on a COVID anniversary with two people who worked to keep Islanders safe and healthy: Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.’s Chief Public Health Officer, and Dr. Michael Gardam, the former CEO of Health P.E.I.
Thu, March 13, 2025
A massive year for P.E.I. musicals
Two musicals that were created on P.E.I. are heading to Toronto with Mirvish Productions: Inside American Pie and Tell Tale Harbour. Mitch sits down with the creators of both shows to talk about how we got here — and why this is a banner year for P.E.I. theatre. Music from Tell Tale Harbour is courtesy of the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
Thu, March 06, 2025
How much land do Buddhist groups own on P.E.I.?
There have long been accusations that two Buddhist groups control more land than they’re allowed to on P.E.I. The government is now investigating the land holdings. Reporter Kerry Campbell talks about the rumours and rhetoric.
Thu, February 27, 2025
Same Day, Different Premiers
Last Thursday was a wild day in P.E.I. politics. In less than 24 hours, one premier stepped down and a new one was sworn in. We chat with the former and the current premier about what went down.
Thu, February 20, 2025
Welcome to P.E.I. where everything’s expensive
For newcomers on P.E.I., the rising cost of living can be particularly hard to deal with. Reporter Steve Bruce finds out how people are making it work — and what more could be done to help.
Thu, February 13, 2025
The iconic Peter Pan burger is back
One of Charlottetown’s best burgers is back — from the Peter Pan drive-in that stood on University Avenue for more than 40 years. The Blue Goose restaurant is adding the Peter Pan burger basket to the menu, and they’re not the only ones reveling in the nostalgia. Mitch learns why a burger with its own identity is having a minute.
Wed, February 05, 2025
How to create more affordable housing on P.E.I.
Housing expert Steve Pomeroy looks at the latest P.E.I. housing numbers, and explains some of the ways we got into this situation and how we might get out of it.
Mon, February 03, 2025
How P.E.I. will respond to U.S. tariffs
P.E.I. depends on the U.S. market for much of what we grow and fish. Those markets could disappear overnight if the 25 per cent U.S. import tariffs are imposed on Tuesday. Mitch asks Premier Dennis King how P.E.I. can fire back, and some growers how they’re feeling.
Thu, January 30, 2025
P.E.I. is getting a lot of new housing. Who will be able to afford it?
One way to take the pulse of housing in a community is to look at how many new units are under construction — also called housing starts. But when we look at that number, what are we not seeing? Mitch sits down with the mayors of Charlottetown and Summerside to talk about a record number of housing starts in 2024, and what else needs to be done. This is part one of a two-part series about housing on P.E.I.
Thu, January 23, 2025
Are we asking the right questions about lobster fishing?
In the closest U.S. state to P.E.I., new research into the lobster industry is going beyond price and stocks. Mitch checks in with three people at the University of Maine’s School of Marine Sciences about why it’s important to ask fishermen about their health and their communities.
Thu, January 16, 2025
Having trouble keeping your New Year’s resolutions?
Many of us make New Year’s resolutions — and often that resolve only lasts a few weeks. Mitch speaks to a psychologist, a dietitian and a mental performance consultant about how to make your goals stick.
Thu, January 09, 2025
Forever young: How the P.E.I. Symphony is aging backwards
From a new young conductor to going viral on TikTok, this orchestra is hitting all the right notes when it comes to reaching new audiences. Mitch chats with some of the people who are keeping the symphony young.
Thu, January 02, 2025
A look back on 2024 with P.E.I. Premier Dennis King
From our limited access to health care, to worries about how the U.S. will treat us under a new president. Premier Dennis King talks about the issues P.E.I. faced in 2024.
Thu, December 19, 2024
Santa’s Angels are creating Christmas magic on P.E.I.
Meet the Santa strike force that’s bringing Christmas right to the door of hundreds of families that could use a hand. Mitch speaks to the founder and some of the volunteers.
Thu, December 12, 2024
What makes P.E.I.’s craft fairs special
You could call it P.E.I.’s fifth season: craft fair season brings a six-week storm of wooden elves, hand-knit mittens, and home-cooked goods to Islanders. Josefa Cameron weathered the season to learn about this unique part of Island life and meet the people creating the crafts.
Thu, December 05, 2024
How a food bank donation is making a big difference
The Canadian Automobile Association recently donated a fully tricked-out electric cargo van to Charlottetown’s Upper Room Food Bank. Mitch talks to both the food bank and the CAA about why this kind of donation matters.
Thu, November 28, 2024
How to beat the seasonal blahs
Non-stop rain on P.E.I. leaving you feeling blah? You’re not alone. We talk about how to deal with the emotional toll of the changing season and shorter days with someone who deals with Seasonal Affective Disorder and a person who helps treat it.
Thu, November 21, 2024
These experts can help you navigate P.E.I.’s health care system
It’s a complicated health care world. Before giving up, you should know there’s extra help. Meet P.E.I.’s patient navigators and find out they help make sense of a complicated and complex system.
Thu, November 14, 2024
Does the early bird catch the doctor?
It’s 4:45 in the morning and, as always, there are cars outside the Sherwood Medical Centre, filled with Islanders desperate to see a doctor. We talk to some patients who are having to get up in the middle of the night to get the care they need.
Thu, November 07, 2024
The cold reality of community fridges
Community fridges on PEI are supposed to help hungry Islanders — but some volunteers are seeing cracks in this approach. We speak to food security experts about what’s going on, and what can be done to help those in need.
Thu, October 31, 2024
Why do the Irvings own so much land on P.E.I.?
P.E.I. limits who can own land, and how much. But are the rules being followed? Reporter Kerry Campbell discovered corporations with ties to the Irving family own more than four times what’s allowed. This week, we dig into, whose land is this land?
Trailer · Thu, October 24, 2024
Reintroducing: This is P.E.I.
New name, same must-listen podcast. This is your connection to the stories P.E.I. is talking about. Hosted by proud Islander Mitch Cormier.
Wed, June 26, 2024
How do we divide up P.E.I.?
We venture out to answer how our counties got their names, but end up with a stickier geography lesson. Can Islanders come to a consensus? And who has the final say?
Wed, June 19, 2024
The dairy bar episode
Islanders love their ice cream. To celebrate summer, we're talking about what makes us go nuts for dairy bars. And as it turns out... business is booming!
Wed, June 12, 2024
Are community schools a P.E.I. thing?
We’re going to school this week... community school. So what is it? Who can attend? And how has it lasted almost 60 years?
Wed, June 05, 2024
How did the Buffaloland buffalo end up on P.E.I.?
Eastern P.E.I. is home to a herd of bison, but how did they get here? Who takes care of them? And is it true people used to eat them? We share the tale.
Wed, May 29, 2024
Can P.E.I. stop today's kids from being able to smoke, ever?
P.E.I. could ban today's children from EVER buying cigarettes. Does that include vapes and nicotine pouches too? How would it even work? The CBC's Laura Meader walks us through the plan.
Wed, May 22, 2024
Does P.E.I. have venomous spiders?
Wait a second, I thought we didn't have those!? But now some are saying there are poisonous brown recluse spiders on the Island, and this week, we get to the bottom of that mystery.
Wed, May 15, 2024
Who grows more potatoes? Alberta and P.E.I. face off
The mighty spud is synonymous with P.E.I., but now Alberta may be coming for our crown. What will it mean if the P.E.I. potato is no longer number one? Host Nicola MacLeod and This is Edmonton host Clare Bonnyman join forces.
Wed, May 08, 2024
Who is ‘affordable housing’ affordable for?
With rising rents and a low vacancy rate, many Islanders feel rental housing within their budget is becoming harder to find. But do affordable units still exist? And who are they affordable for? We speak with renters, advocates and the province.
Wed, May 01, 2024
Why do we talk like that?
The P.E.I. accent is distinctive and unique, but have you ever wondered why we say ‘worsh’ and not ‘wash’ or ‘slippy’ instead of ‘slippery’? The answers might surprise you. ‘Magine!
Wed, April 24, 2024
Why does our food cost more all of a sudden?
Sticker shock got you down? You’re not alone. But where is the money from our purchases going? And does it make a difference if you buy local? Farmers, grocers and shoppers weigh in on P.E.I.’s food system.
Wed, April 17, 2024
All about that bass (the fish kind)
P.E.I.'s recreational striped bass fishery has taken off, but why? And where did the fish come from? We'll reel you in.
Wed, April 10, 2024
Could P.E.I.'s trains get back on track?
The story of P.E.I.’s (disastrous) railroad is intrinsically linked to our place in Canada, but could moving toward greener transportation bring us back to the almighty train? Guest co-host Travis Kingdon hopes so.
Wed, March 27, 2024
What do you want to know about P.E.I.?
We are taking a short break and coming back with new episodes in two weeks. In the meantime - send your questions to goodquestionpei@cbc.ca
Wed, March 20, 2024
What should we do to help our forests recover from Fiona?
It's hard to find any corner of the Island not touched by post-tropical storm Fiona. Especially in the woods. Replanting has started, but what should we be planting? And can the species we choose help P.E.I. build resiliency against climate change?
Wed, March 13, 2024
Why is Anne of Green Gables so famous?
She's a legend, she's an icon. Anne (with an 'E') needs no introduction for most Canadians, let alone Islanders. But how did Lucy Maud Montgomery's books and characters become so popular? And why do people come here from all over the world? We hear from Islanders and an expert on Anne and Montgomery's legacy.
Wed, March 06, 2024
Public park prohibition: Why can't I drink alcohol?
Lots of other provinces allow it. People are certainly asking for it. So, what's preventing us from enjoying a beer or a glass of wine at a picnic? We talk about the influence of prohibition, culture, and the pandemic, and how they flow into our current rules here.
Wed, February 28, 2024
What's the BIG idea on basic income?
The idea of a basic income guarantee — making sure everyone has enough money in their bank accounts to live — has been floated on P.E.I. for years. A recent report says the Island is the perfect trial ground for the rest of the country. So what's the holdup? Trish Altass is here to explain how it would work and bust some myths.
Wed, February 21, 2024
Question Period: How does P.E.I.'s house work?
Calling all political nerds! This one is for you. The P.E.I. legislature opens for the spring sitting next week. CBC's Kerry Campbell stops by to break it down and answer your questions about the room where it happens.
Wed, February 14, 2024
Why am I paying to cross the Confederation Bridge?
Anyone who crosses the bridge has to pay at least $50, but is that fair? Should Islanders get to come and go for free, or at least at a discount? We look at the complicated relationship Islanders have with the Confederation Bridge, and how the bridge has changed Island life.
Wed, February 07, 2024
When is P.E.I. getting a supervised consumption site?
Didn't the government promise one years ago? And what's the deal with harm reduction? The opioid crisis has made its mark on the Island, and the CBC's Tony Davis explains why it's been so difficult to do anything about it.
Wed, January 31, 2024
Will P.E.I. ever get a Costco?
Debating upgrading to that executive membership? We're finding out why Costco, and big box warehouse stores like it, haven't set up shop here on the Island yet. Will we ever get one? And would it be a good, or bad thing for P.E.I.?
Tue, January 23, 2024
How do you get a family doctor?
Are you struggling to get a family doctor? You’re not alone. There are 36,000 Islanders on the waitlist. So, what’s the problem, and what can we do to land a spot in a practice? We get advice from a family doctor and find out what's really going on with the registry.
Trailer · Wed, January 17, 2024
Introducing: Good Question, P.E.I.
Whether you’ve been an Islander for six months or sixty years - you'll know there's just something special about this quirky little place. In our new podcast, we're answering your questions on this giant sandbar we call home. It can be about anything - big or small, serious or silly. We'll use our sources, the archives and hit the streets to find the answers.
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