Question Period Note: Storybook Adventures and Nature Retreat Inc.

On April 22, 2022, a number of Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) projects were announced in PEI. Subsequent media coverage primarily focused on one of the recipients, the PEI Premier’s partner, who owns and operates Storybook Adventures and Nature Retreat Inc. Following the media coverage and criticism raised in the PEI Legislature, media reported that the funding recipient indicated they would decline the ACOA contribution. Contract was formally cancelled as of September 8, 2022.

• Storybook Adventures and Natures Retreat Inc. has confirmed the withdrawal of the project with ACOA and the funding agreement has been cancelled.
• No funding was disbursed to the recipient for this project.
• ACOA evaluates all funding applications on their own merits at the time of application. ACOA has appropriate internal controls and safeguards to ensure the integrity of its processes.

• On April 22, 2022, Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, announced total investments of $1,296,598 for 13 projects through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF).

• Subsequent media coverage primarily focused on one of the recipient, the PEI Premier’s partner, who owns and operates Storybook Adventures and Natures Retreat Inc. The project proposed to construct a 70x150 foot indoor riding pen to allow additional capacity at their facility. ACOA approved $100,000 in non-repayable funding under the Tourism Relief Fund for this project. The approval of this project was consistent with other TRF projects.

• Following the media coverage and criticism raised in the PEI Legislature, media reported that the funding recipient indicated they would decline the ACOA contribution.

• On September 8, 2022, the client formally confirmed their interest in withdrawing this project and ACOA has now cancelled the offer of assistance. No funding was disbursed.

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