A Provincial Anthem For Prince Edward Island

Almost one hundred and two years to the day since it was first performed in public, The Island Hymn will be the provincial anthem of Prince Edward Island.

Premier Ghiz first introduced the Provincial Anthem Act on April 29 and took it through its third and final reading today in the Legislative Assembly. “The Island Hymn is an important part of the Island’s culture and heritage,” said the Premier. “It was already considered by many as our anthem so it made sense to take the last step to finally make it official.”

Lucy Maud Montgomery was already a prolific author of stories and poems when she was commissioned to write The Island Hymn in 1908. Her words were then put to music by organist Lawrence W. Watson to a tune he called “Insula Beata” – the “Blessed Island.”

This current effort to have an official provincial anthem was spearheaded by members of the Acadian and Francophone community. The Act includes a French version of the The Island Hymn called L’hymne de l’Île. This French version was adapted by Raymond J. Arsenault of Abram-Village.

PEI statutes can be found on the Legislative Assembly website at www.assembly.pe.ca.