Information Technology Week 2000 was launched in PEI today with a ceremony that recognized how information technology is being used to connect Prince Edward Island to the world and the world to Prince Edward Island.
The Premier was accompanied by host partners, the Information Technologies Association of Prince Edward Island and the Knowledge Economy Partnership, represented by the Government of Canada, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College.
IT Week 2000 in PEI will highlight the growing importance of the Information Technology industry to PEI's future and showcase how Island businesses, education institutions, governments, communities, and individuals are using Information Technology in innovative applications and to improve their communication abilities.
At the IT Week 2000 launch, Town Crier Rick Green welcomed all to the ceremony. Later in the program, Premier Pat Binns sat down to a laptop to receive more electronic messages of congratulations from well-wishers across the country. This exhibition reflected the development of communication from the age of the town crier whose message was limited geographically to an age of information technology without boundaries.
Throughout the week, many Island businesses and Community Access Program sites will open their doors for demonstrations and open houses. A highlight of the week will be the four-day "Island Connections" IT Expo at the UPEI Young Canada Games Sports Centre.
Further information about IT Week 2000 can be found by visiting IT Week 2000 website at www.itweek.itas.net or by calling 1-877-7IT-WEEK (toll free) or 368-9004 (local).