A new partnership of governments, educational institutions and the private sector has been formed to advance a knowledge-based economy for Prince Edward Island. The "Knowledge Economy Partnership" (KEP) has a mandate to encourage technological innovation and new approaches in public service, education and commercial enterprise on Prince Edward Island.
One million dollars has been earmarked for projects to be approved this year under the partnership. Partners include the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Veterans Affairs Canada. Also involved are the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College.
"This agreement represents an exciting new partnership in maximizing the opportunities offered to Islanders by the developing knowledge economy," stated the Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island. "Through this partnership, we will improve service delivery, expand business opportunities, enhance skill levels and position the Island to be a leader in the information technology age."
"The changing landscape of business development now includes the use of new technologies of every type," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Secretary of State, (Veterans) (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). "This partnership is expected to result in better, faster and more effective services to clients; enhance Islanders' information technology skills; and stimulate job creation in knowledge-based industries."
The partnership will focus on three priority areas: Enterprise Development, Service Delivery and Knowledge Transfer. Enterprise Development will emphasize the development and adoption of information technologies for global marketing and commerce. Under Service Delivery, ways to reduce duplication will be explored, and new methods of sharing information and resources to deliver programs will be examined. The Knowledge Transfer element will focus on research and education as tools to attract knowledge industries to Prince Edward Island.
Premier Binns and Secretary of State MacAulay today announced the first two projects approved under the partnership. The Atlantic Veterinary College will receive $62,000 to establish APHINet, a computer-based animal and fish health information network for producers. "APHINet services now will be offered globally to the agri-food industry through the Internet," said Premier Binns. The project, valued at almost $400,000, will provide clients with interactive production information and extension services via the Internet.
The second project, called "Software Education for the Year 2000 Problem" will receive $30,000 in funding for the training of computer technicians to assist the federal and provincial governments in reprogramming their computers, as many current versions of computer programs only recognize years up to and including 1999, but do not recognize the year 2000 and beyond. This project will focus on training youth to help solve the problem for the two levels of government. "The objective is to train and employ Island youth so that they can begin their careers in information technology by helping to solve this year 2000 problem in Prince Edward Island," explained Secretary MacAulay.
The Knowledge Economy Partnership was made official by the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Prime Minister Jean Chretien and Premier Pat Binns. Both levels of government anticipate major projects to result from the partnership that ordinarily may not have been possible. It is expected that activity under the partnership will significantly enhance the province's competitive position in the areas of education development and business advancement.
For more information, contact: Maurice Rodgerson, Premier's Office, (902) 368-4400; or Lynne Sherren, ACOA, (902) 566-7485.