The agri-food, fish processing, tourism and small business sectors will all play a role to further enhance the rural economy of Prince Edward Island.
Premier Catherine Callbeck provided an overview of the provincial government's strategy for rural development during a multi-media presentation as part of a speech to the South Shore Chamber of Commerce's Spring Dinner today in Crapaud.
"Strong communities are founded on the participation of the people in the community. The provincial government will continue to create a climate for communities to take control of their own future," said Premier Callbeck.
"One of our key roles is to foster rural development by focusing on small business. To help fulfill this role we have worked to strengthen the community economic development organizations, maintain efficient transportation links, decentralize government services and develop partnerships with local groups where possible".
Premier Callbeck noted that during the fiscal year 1995-96, approximately 270 small businesses or individuals had received approximately $2.4 million of assistance under the programs offered by the Development Division of Enterprise PEI.
In the agri-food sector, the province's strategy is to continue to emphasize value-added processing and expand production of primary products where market demands warrant such as aquaculture and blueberries. New product development utilizing the resources of the Food Technology Sector will also be a priority.
Priorities for the tourism sector are to aggressively promote PEI, increase the quantity and quality of high-end accommodations, emphasize quality service and strategic development initiatives such as the Confederation Trail, as well as develop tourism opportunities associated with the Northumberland Strait Bridge and Greenwich which is an ecotourism project.