The Honourable Kevin J. MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Environment, outlined government's commitment to the advancement of a knowledge-based industrial sector on Prince Edward Island in his announcement today of Technology PEI. Technology PEI will coordinate the collective information technology (IT) efforts of government, building on a growing momentum to create an environment for continued development of an information and technology culture on Prince Edward Island.
"Innovative ideas and solutions to the IT challenges of government are not limited to a single ministry," said Mr. MacAdam, Minister Responsible for Technology PEI. "We do recognize however that to be able to capitalize on every possible opportunity, there needs to be leadership and a designated resource of individuals acting on behalf of all government to ensure we leverage our efforts."
Technology PEI will be responsible for the strategic direction and providing leadership to the many information technology infrastructure projects, applications, operations and enterprises the province is developing either independently or in partnership with other levels of government, education institutions and the private sector. It will promote information technology advantages and opportunities for PEI, aid in achieving IT human resource development goals and foster an information technology-friendly environment in the province.
"One of the key tasks of Technology PEI will be to facilitate the continued development of a state-of-the-art data and telecommunications infrastructure in the province. We now have all 66 schools and 24 public libraries on Prince Edward Island directly connected to the world wide web via our broadband network; and as early as the spring of next year, Prince Edward Island will have established 41 of our targeted 45 Community Access sites on PEI," said Mr. MacAdam. "There is tremendous potential for extending this network throughout government, the business community and into the homes of Islanders."
Initiatives such as the Knowledge Economy Partnership, Community Access Program, Knowledge Worker Supply Strategies, and Atlantic Canada On-Line will fall under the Technology PEI management mandate.
"This consolidation of effort and resources under the virtual umbrella of Technology PEI has the full endorsement of my cabinet colleagues," stated Minister MacAdam, "and, in particular, Provincial Treasurer Pat Mella, who has supported the effort through the transfer of Des Lecky to the position of Director, Technology PEI, for this critical first year of operation. Mr. Lecky has 27 years experience in the information technology field and has held a number of management positions in government, including the Director of Computer Services and Director of Supply and Services. Mr. Lecky's technical background, management experience and proven ability to develop and nurture partnerships within government and the private sector made him the logical choice to coordinate this activity."