The Sport and Recreation Sector in Prince Edward Island accounts for $43.5 million in total expenditures according to a recent study presented to the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister Responsible for Recreation and Sport for PEI.
The report was presented by Brian Chambers, President of Sport PEI and Frank Quinn, Past-President of the PEI Recreation and Facilities Association.
"This report clearly demonstrates the significant role of sport and recreation to the economic growth and development of Prince Edward Island," says Minister MacFadyen. "The Government of PEI is committed to promoting the health and well-being benefits of being physically active, and now this report gives us a better understanding of the important impact of sport and recreation on our economy and labour force."
The report includes four major conclusions on the economic impact, labour force and volunteer commitment associated with the sport and recreation sector.
1. The direct impact of the PEI sport and recreation sector is $43.5 million in total expenditures.
2. The total economic impact of the PEI sport and recreation sector is $32.6 million in household income and $47.4 million in provincial GDP. This represents 2.2 per cent in wages and salaries and 1.9 per cent in provincial GDP in 1999.
3. Occupational data provides an estimate of total sport and recreation occupation employment of 340 persons as of 1996.
4. Volunteers play a significant role in the sport and recreation sector with an estimated contribution of 533 annual person years of employment.
The Economic Impact of Prince Edward Island Sport and Recreation report was commissioned by Sport PEI and the PEI Recreation and Facilities Association and conducted by CANMAC Economics Ltd.
"This report demonstrates that, through the work of many sport and recreation organizations and countless volunteers, our sport and recreation communities are thriving across the province," says Brian Chambers, President of Sport PEI. "The report identifies the important role of sport and recreation to the economic activity of this province while recognizing the critical role of the labour force and volunteers in our success."
"Sport and recreation facilities continue to be important focal points in our communities," says Frank Quinn, Past-President of the PEI Recreation and Facilities Association. "Through this report, we now have an economic measure of the role of sport and recreation in our communities and how this sector contributes to our overall economic well-being and development."
Copies of the report of the Economic Impact of PEI Sport and Recreation are available through Sport PEI, 40 Enman Crescent, (902) 368-4110.