Premier Seeks Reversal Of Eaton's Decision

Premier Pat Binns has been in contact with officials of Eaton's Canada regarding the announcement that the Charlottetown store will close.

"We are obviously concerned about the impact of the planned closure on the employees, customers, retail sector and city core. I spoke this morning with Eaton's officials to outline our concerns and to open the door in terms of dialogue about ways to resolve this matter," stated Premier Binns. "I found them to be open to hearing our concerns and our ideas and we have agreed to have more discussions next week."

Premier Binns says, "Discussions have also been held with some members of the business community, and my office has been in contact with the Mayor of Charlottetown so that we can co-ordinate our approach and efforts. We certainly aren't accepting this as a final decision on the part of the company."

Premier Binns says the company has been a part of the Island business community for many years; it enjoys loyal support, is a good employer, and he believes it has a future here. "I know the company is going through a restructuring, but the Charlottetown location has been profitable and I believe it can continue to be."