Information Technology is the fastest growing industry in the world today and PEI is well on its way to playing a key role. Information Technology (IT) Week in Prince Edward Island, slated for November 23-28, will highlight the advances of information technology in community development, business, education and government and the impact these advances have on our daily lives.
"Now that PEI is the most connected province in Canada, the next step is to help Islanders increase their skills and awareness of the use of Information Technology," says Mitch Murphy, Minister of Technology and Environment. "The Knowledge Worker Demand Survey conducted in 1997 clearly demonstrated that the information technology sector in PEI is in a tremendous period of growth and can support up to 900 new IT workers. That survey alone demonstrates our need to promote IT in PEI and this special week represents an excellent opportunity to do just that."
IT Week in PEI is hosted by the Information Technologies Association of PEI (ITAP) in partnership with the Veterans Affairs Canada, Technology PEI, Holland College, and the University of Prince Edward Island. IT Week will showcase IT businesses, educational institutions, and governments and facilitate discussions using key speakers on topics such as partnering, IT careers, business, education and training opportunities, industry's needs, as well as, future IT products and services.
"The Federal Government is committed to providing Canadians with faster and more effective delivery of services and benefits," says Keith Hillier, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services, Veterans Affairs Canada. "Federal Departments and Agencies, both here in PEI and across Canada, are using the latest, most powerful IT tools available today to live up to that commitment."
IT Week will offer activities for everyone from the most novice IT users to experts in the wired world of IT. Highlights of the week include a gala dinner featuring bestselling Internet author and keynote speaker Jim Carroll who will inspire and encourage with advice on how to survive and prosper in the information age; various IT organizations across the province will be hosting open houses to give people the opportunity to develop hands-on experience in Internet surfing, and see Information technology at work; an on-line discussion forum and 1-800 number will be available to answer IT questions; UPEI will host an Internet Café with demonstrations on databases and searching techniques; ITEC@UPEI will provide guided tours of the Internet; a Holland College Open House will feature many of the programs that use information technology in training; and there will be special events planned to put youth in touch with IT professionals to talk about IT careers and training opportunities.
"Information technology presents numerous exciting new teaching, learning and research opportunities for the University," says Dr. Lawrence Heider, Acting President of UPEI. "Students in all faculties have access to technologically-advanced facilities and innovative programs. For example, the new four-year degree in computer science will graduate skilled technology professionals who also possess the broader academic knowledge needed to assume leadership positions."
"IT Week as a public awareness initiative is indicative of the growing role that Information Technology is playing in the growth of the local economy. At the heart of that awareness is training," commented Bill MacPherson, Director, Business Development/Information Technology at Holland College. "Holland College is proud to be both a partner in IT Week and a participant in informing the public about our many fine training programs that are supporting the growth of the IT industry and the adaption of that technology by business and industry."
The week will commence with a three day "Wired for the Future, Information Technology Fair" in Charlottetown. "Wired for the Future" will feature senior members of the information technology community sharing their expertise on everything from how to surf the Internet and buy computer software to building a career in the IT industry, web site design and E-commerce; and the Drill Queens comedy troupe will entertain as they expose the hilarious side of life in the wired world of Internet, E-mail, cell phones and other modern oddities.
"The Information Technologies Association of PEI (ITAP) is pleased to be playing a key role in IT Week in PEI. The week promises to provide many opportunities for the general public and businesses to witness first hand the knowledge and skills our members have to offer," says Ed Lawlor, President of ITAP. "An important step in building and strengthening the IT industry in PEI is to increase awareness of the technologies that have been developed and are available in PEI."
Additional information about IT Week in PEI activities, can be found on our web site at www.itweek.itas.net.