The Honourable Don MacKinnon, Minister of Development, announced at a press conference today that an Employment Summit is to be held next month. This is an all-party initiative to suggest ways to increase employment in Prince Edward Island. The initiative is being coordinated by the Institute of Island Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island, whose mandate is to assist in developing public policy in PEI. A five-member independent panel has been appointed to meet with Islanders and groups across the province. They will gather their views and advice on strategies and practices to improve the employment situation in PEI. The panel, which will operate under the auspices of the Institute of Island Studies, is to report back with its findings by mid-December.
The Employment Summit project resulted from a resolution of the Legislative Assembly in April of 1998, moved by the Dr. Herb Dickieson, Leader of the NDP, and supported by both the government and the Official Opposition Liberals. It called for an Employment Summit to be held in the fall of 1998, to involve all sectors of society in seeking solutions to these problems.
"I am pleased that this initiative will involve meetings in all counties of PEI," said Minister MacKinnon, whose department is sponsoring the project. "It ensures that Islanders across PEI can participate and be heard, and allows us to gather a broad range of views and ideas. As a result, the final report should reflect the circumstances and respond to the needs and opportunities of communities in every part of PEI." The minister commended the all-party committee which developed and planned the project.
"UPEI has a critical role to play in contributing to PEI's social and economic development," said Acting UPEI President Larry Heider. "We are placing growing emphasis on that role. I am pleased that the Institute of Island Studies is able to lend its expertise to an issue of such importance to the province."
The priority of improving the employment situation on PEI was stressed by all three party leaders, who were also present at the announcement. "I believe that every Islander should have the opportunity to work, to be trained for work, or to contribute to their communities," said Premier Pat Binns. "In many ways, the prospects of achieving that goal are greater than ever before. We need to build on the strengths of our long-established sectors and small businesses and develop the new opportunities which are emerging. I look forward to hearing the ideas of Islanders as to how that can best be done."
The Honourable Keith Milligan lent his support to the venture. "I believe that the Employment Summit is an important initiative," stated Mr. Milligan. "Job creation is a big issue in Prince Edward Island, and I hope that this Summit will provide the Legislature with innovative ideas on how to address this problem." Dr. Herb Dickieson strongly supports the Summit, stating "The Employment Summit is an opportunity for Islanders from all walks of life to express their solutions toward alleviating the unemployment crisis of the province, and for a productive and cooperative effort to be brought forth by government, labour, youth, business and the unemployed in finding the right solutions to the ongoing problem of unemployment and underemployment."
The panel is chaired by Ian MacDonald, former Director of Extension at UPEI. "I am honoured to have been asked to take on such an important task," said MacDonald. "I look forward to hearing the views of Islanders, and to working with the outstanding people who have been appointed to this panel." The panel members are from across PEI and feature diverse backgrounds and expertise. Olive Crane is currently Director of Income Support , Employment Enhancement and Job Creation Programs of the Queen's Region - Health and Community Services. Justin MacLeod owns and operates a growing software business in Belfast PEI and he is the founding President of the PEI Youth Council. Andrew Robinson is Office Manager and Director in the family farm of Eric C. Robinson Inc. in Albany, near Summerside, and a director of the venture capital company PEI Capital Inc. Joanne Wallace is the General Manager of the Western Development Corporation, and is also active in a variety of community development and volunteer activities in the West Prince area.
MacDonald noted that the task they had been set was very broad. "I welcome any views and ideas that Islanders wish to contribute," said MacDonald. "I hope, however, that people will give us guidance on some particular questions. We need to hear advice on goals, priorities, and strategies for employment in PEI. What level and type of jobs should be developed? What are the most pressing concerns about the present situation? What opportunities exist to build employment opportunities in PEI? What changes if any need to be made, and what action needs to be taken to realize those opportunities?"
"I hope to hear from a broad range of groups and individuals," stated MacDonald. "All interested Islanders are encouraged to take part in this process."
Detailed information will be published soon regarding full-day meetings in West Prince on Thursday November 19, in the Charlottetown area on Monday November 23, and in Kings County on Wednesday November 25. These meetings will be followed up with videoconferenced hearings in Wellington, Souris and Charlottetown to allow further opportunities to presenters. Written briefs and submissions as well as communication by e-mail are welcome. For those who wish to register their intention to present to the panel, or to provide their views, the panel's coordinator, Sasha Mullally, can be reached at 566-0377, at smullally@upei.ca, or by mail at the Institute of Island Studies, 550 University Avenue, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, C1A 4P3.