Premier Pat Binns and the Provincial Cabinet, today, completed its 2001 schedule of meetings held in communities around Prince Edward Island. Binns and the Cabinet are meeting with community leaders in Kinkora.
This is the fifth year that the Cabinet of Premier Pat Binns has held a number of its regular weekly meetings outside the capital region. These meetings are designed to afford the opportunity to discuss community objectives, activities and accomplishments with those directly involved.
"From government's point of view, this is an extremely valuable process, offering the chance to learn first hand about the needs and strengths of our Island communities from those who are dedicated to working for their continued development," noted the Premier.
The format usually allows time to deal with regular Cabinet business, then follows with presentations and discussions involving two or three groups representing the interests of one or more communities in the area. During these discussions Cabinet is often joined by the district MLA and the regional Community Development Officer.
Many common themes crop up, and government is generally able to address issues on behalf of communities.
There is often an emphasis on the need for infrastructure maintenance or replacement such as roads, schools, and water and sewer systems. Many communities are interested in exploring ideas to better promote their area or to develop a focus or theme that would attract tourists and residents alike.
Other communities are interested in initiatives to support population growth - attracting and retaining families who want to enjoy the many benefits of rural living, and being able to provide the kind of high quality services and conveniences and employment opportunities that influence sustainable community development.
"The creativity and enthusiasm, and the degree of community pride we have seen over and over again from one end of the province to the other, is simply amazing and quite gratifying," said Binns.
This year, Cabinet started the season with a return visit to O'Leary, followed by sessions in Montague, Summerside, Morell/St. Peters Bay, Mont Carmel, Lennox Island and Kinkora.
"Our discussions with community leaders help us continually refine, in partnership, the direction for the future of this province. This is a partnership our government takes very seriously, and I look forward to next year's meetings," stated the Premier.
The Binns Cabinet is the first in Island history to regularly schedule Cabinet meetings outside of Charlottetown. It is just one initiative in this government's plan to partnership with communities, and involve as many Islanders in the governance process as possible.