Statistics Canada has released the findings of a new report, "The Health and Vitality of the Cultural Sector in Prince Edward Island" which profiles the economic value of culture in this province. Commissioned by a consortium, consisting of the four Atlantic Canadian provinces and the Department of Canadian Heritage, Atlantic Region, the report measured the sector's continued growth and significant contribution to the Island economy between 1990-95.
According to Statistics Canada, the value of the direct impact of the cultural sector in Prince Edward Island reached almost $64 million (or 2.98% of the Island's economy) in 1994-95, providing employment for over 2400 Islanders. This accounted for almost 5% of the jobs. Furthermore, the Traditional component in the sector sustained, and created, 1800 jobs, culminating in a $54 million dollar injection into the local economy.
Honourable Chester Gillan, Minister responsible for Culture says that while he is very pleased with the study's results, he is not surprised. "It is most satisfying to have the Statistics Canada report validate the vital role the cultural sector plays in our everyday lives, said Gillan." The cultural community has become an integral, and invaluable, body in P.E.I., and this report reinforces the resounding manner in which it contributes to our economic well-being. The fact that the number of individuals
employed in the culture sector between 1990 and 1996 increased to 14.8%, almost twice the rate of the overall employment picture during the same time period, signifies its profound strength and increased relationship to long-term prosperity in our province."
The rise of the culture sector on the Island has also had a positive effect on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Considering the total impact is well over $90 million dollars, and the corresponding jobs numbered close to 3,400, culture has become an indispensable element in the economic landscape. "Not only are more people working in this area, than ever before, but more tourists are coming to Prince Edward Island to experience the wide range of cultural activities and products we have to offer," said Minister Gillan. "Cultural tourists are drawn to the high quality of attractions, events, and cultural products available here. The continued growth of this industry also serves as an educational tool through which many will learn more about the multitude of treasures waiting to be discovered. Regardless of the perspective, culture is presenting unique opportunities and opening new gateways to a successful 21st century."
The study, one of four such reports in Atlantic Canada, was funded, in part, by the federal-provincial COOPERATION Economic Diversification Agreement. Sub-sectors include written media, film, broadcasting, music, stage, heritage, visual arts and crafts, festivals, arts and culture education, architecture, design, photography, advertising, government and multidisciplinary activities. In each of these categories, the economic impact of all the functions, including the production and distribution, manufacturing, wholesale and retail of cultural goods and services has been assessed.
The cultural bodies initiating the Statistics Canada report included the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Province of Nova Scotia, the Province of New Brunswick, the Province of Newfoundland, the Province of Prince Edward Island, and the Cultural Federations of Nova Scotia.