The Government of Prince Edward Island has released its vision and plan for economic development in the province for the next five years. "Bridging Tradition and Technology" is intended to set the direction both for increasing prosperity and preserving the province's quality of life.
The document represents a comprehensive approach; rather than examining each economic sector in isolation, it sets out a plan which will encourage growth in the economy as a whole. The strategy also spans all departments of government. It recognizes the connection between healthy communities, healthy people, a healthy environment and a strong economy.
"What we are trying to do is build on our strengths and our traditional industries, while at the same time positioning ourselves to take advantage of the new economy," said Premier Pat Binns. "Enhancing knowledge, entrenching quality, adding diversity and generating wealth -- all of these factors play an important part in this strategy."
"Bridging Tradition and Technology" looks at the challenges of the new economy and sets out a strategy to position the province to face them.
"The role of government in the twenty first century is to create an environment where the economy can prosper and job creation can occur," said Development Minister Don MacKinnon. "This strategy lays out conditions which will give this province a strong competitive edge in the global marketplace."
"Bridging Tradition and Technology" lays out eight economic challenges which the province will face:
- Selling globally
- Developing modern infrastructure
- Educating, training and attracting workers
- Caring for a healthy population
- Securing competitive energy
- Supporting research and development
- Preserving the environment
- Enhancing communities
The strategy proposes continued reliance on the province's traditional industries, but with a new emphasis on technology, research and development. It also recognizes the growing importance of PEI's manufacturing sector in developing new products and services for markets around the world.
"Because of our traditional reliance on the land, the forests and the sea, Islanders have knowledge which is valuable to the rest of the world," said Premier Pat Binns. "Our goal is to turn PEI into a place the world turns to for information about the things we know best."
The development of new technology will also aid in the marketing of PEI products. The strategy places more emphasis on sustainability and diversification in the province's resource based economies. The development of the PEI Brand will reflect the growing importance the province will place on sustainable agriculture, tourism, energy sources and development.
The strategy brings together a number of initiatives that are already underway as well as a number which will be instituted over the next five years. In that time, government will emphasize:
- Promotion of PEI as a producer of high quality, environmentally friendly, sustainable products.
- The development of infrastructure to support business growth.
- Education and training for a skilled workforce.
- Continued support of a healthy population through expanded services.
- Bringing natural gas to the province to provide a more environmentally friendly energy source.
- Increased emphasis on innovation and growth in partnership with the private sector, primary producers and the province's research facilities.
- Even greater emphasis on stewardship over the land, water and air.
- A recognition of the important role rural Island communities play in the development of prosperity for the whole province.
Taken together, these plans represent a comprehensive strategy for development for the next five years. The province will work in partnership with all levels of government, business and community groups to carry through the vision.
The report is available to the public at Island Information Service, 11 Kent Street, Charlottetown, at Access PEI sites across the province or on our website at www.gov.pe.ca.