Labour Market News

Want to find out more about local or provincial labour market history? The labour market news archive may be a good place to start.

In this section, you can browse archived news titles, whose links are no longer functional, for up to one year from the current date. The archived news can help you understand the labour market trends in geographic areas and industries that are of interest to you.

• Week of 2026-06-26 to 2026-07-02

  • Saint John-based Cooke Inc. has struck a $225M deal to acquire the salmon farming assets of Mowi Canada East, which involves operations in N.B., P.E.I. and N.L. Cooke Inc. says the deal represents an exciting growth opportunity and will add 250 employees to its staff.

    ctvnews.ca

  • A $65M social housing building in Charlottetown has opened with 82 new apartment units available to Islanders who are on the social housing registry. Tenants are expected to pay 25% of their income toward rent, while the rest will be covered by the province.

    cbc.ca

  • Prince Edward Island’s economy remains among the strongest in Canada, with GDP growth of 2.8% last year. However, the pace of economic expansion has moderated in recent years. The province has experienced a decline in newcomer arrivals, continued demographic pressures from an aging population, and ongoing challenges within its food and agriculture sectors.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-06-19 to 2026-06-25

  • Three tourism businesses in Eastern P.E.I. will receive over $1.5M in federal money. Rodd Brudenell River Resort will get over $800K, Oyster Creek Chalets will receive $400K, and 45 Steps - the Culinary Beachside Inn will get over $300K to upgrade and expand its operations.

    canada.ca

  • UPEI-based Atlantic Veterinary College is expanding its capacity from 70 seats to 95 seats, to help address the need for veterinarians. A 2025 study found the country needs about 4,000 veterinarians and there are only five veterinary schools across Canada.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. French school board is faced with a shortage of qualified educational assistants (EAs). Schools are experiencing a growing need for EAs, especially those that can speak French. Some of the biggest challenges are pay, working hours and workload.

    cbc.ca

  • The City of Summerside is proposing to spend $1M to revitalize its downtown, renovate its buildings, and attract more businesses and people to the city's core. Funding would be delivered through a mix of grants and partnerships with downtown businesses.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-06-12 to 2026-06-18

  • Strawberry farmers on P.E.I. are dealing with rising labour and operating costs this summer. Growers state that this year's crop is looking better, but struggle to find workers and face higher prices for cardboard flats, fertilizer and other supplies.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. and federal governments will invest $3.4M to support the construction of 680 metres of new streets, along with wastewater and storm drainage in Alberton. Upgrading the infrastructure will allow the construction of much-needed housing in the town.

    canada.ca

  • Ottawa is expected to have a licence buyback program for P.E.I.'s wild oyster harvesters up and running by September 1. The program will allow older fishers to get out at a reasonable price, reduce participants, and improve the viability of the industry.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-06-05 to 2026-06-11

  • The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) has closed its physical location in Charlottetown, but states it will continue its programming on the Island. It will also mean the loss of the CNIB store, which sold items such as canes and eyewear.

    cbc.ca

  • Charlottetown city staff state that the city does not have the water capacity to allow an AI data centre to be set up in the area. Electricity demand is also a concern. Canada only has five hyperscale data centres, but there are nearly 100 proposed or being built.

    cbc.ca

  • Aquaculture company Amar Seafood plans to begin the expansion of its fish farm operation in Victoria, P.E.I. by this fall or in the spring of next year. A new building will be built that will be 62 by 125 metres and 10 metres high and will have aquariums for visitors.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-05-29 to 2026-06-04

  • Wild oyster fishers in PEI say their spring season is becoming unsustainable as oyster populations in local rivers decline sharply. Many report that oysters are now extremely scarce and some are considering leaving the fishery altogether. Despite these challenges, fishers show little interest in a federal government buyback program.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I. farm income dropped 34%—from about $108.6M in 2024 to $71.5M in 2025—due to a historic drought and rising costs, with expenses climbing to roughly $683.8M and hitting potato farmers especially hard.

    cbc.ca

  • PEI is considering a biodigester facility to convert animal, seafood, and other food waste into energy, which could reduce costs and emissions while allowing waste to be processed locally instead of sent to Quebec, though the project is still in early planning and may take a few years to complete.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I.’s nurses have been without a collective agreement for more than a year, and P.E.I. Nurses’ Union is concerned that the lack of a deal will affect retaining and recruiting nurses. On the table are wages, working conditions, retention, and recruitment.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I. is facing a projected shortage of workers in key sectors and could need an additional 6,000 skilled workers by 2035 across bioscience, construction, manufacturing and digital and technical services. The Island is faced with an aging population and declining workforce.

    ctvnews.ca

  • P.E.I.’s beef sector states that the industry is in one of its strongest periods in years, with record-high cattle prices and growing herd numbers. There are concerns about rising costs, aging demographics and a proposed trade agreement with South America.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-05-22 to 2026-05-28

  • Demand for dental cleanings and care on P.E.I. is exceeding what the existing supply of dental hygienists can keep up with. The P.E.I. Dental Hygienists’ Association says the number of hygienists hasn’t kept up with population growth or increased demand.

    cbc.ca

  • Ottawa has introduced the In-Canada Workers Initiative, a program that could ease seasonal worker shortages in Atlantic Canada. The initiative aims to better align immigration with the needs of key sectors that are facing labour shortages, especially thhose in rural and remote communities.

    yoursaintjohn.ca

  • Holland College has received a $15 million gift aimed at strengthening P.E.I.’s workforce by supporting job creation, advancing research, and expanding learning opportunities for students. The money will fund a multi-year initiative called FutureWorks P.E.I.

    cbc.ca

  • A U.S. lobby group is calling to reinstate a ban on P.E.I. potatoes after a case of potato wart was detected in a new field on the Island—despite the fact that the farm in question does not export potatoes south of the border. The U.S. accounted for 92% of the Island's total potato exports in 2024.

    null

  • P.E.I.’s opposition parties have petitions calling for the P.E.I. government to restore $1.4M in funding to early childhood centres. There are concerns about the impacts on recruitment and retention of staff, as well as the impact on service quality.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-05-15 to 2026-05-21

  • A survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business shows that larger businesses are more likely to use multiple recruitment methods compared to smaller firms. Retail, hospitality and the arts are more likely to accept unsolicited applications and walk-ins.

    globalnews.ca

  • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has detected potato wart for the first time on a P.E.I. farm since 2023. CFIA conducts potato field testing on an annual basis and only detected potato wart in one field and found no evidence of spread.

    cbc.ca

  • There are concerns that youth employment could be negatively impacted this summer as businesses face economic uncertainty. P.E.I.’s youth unemployment rate was only 8.7% last summer, well below national levels, thanks to the Island’s tourism-driven economy.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. government says it will meet with producers to discuss possible financial support for a Netflix production set to be filmed in Toronto and on P.E.I. It is estimated that the 10-episode series could generate $20-$30M in direct economic activity.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-05-08 to 2026-05-14

  • Charlottetown council is allowing patios along Victoria Row to stay open past midnight permanently during the summer season. Patios elsewhere in the city will still have to close by midnight.

    cbc.ca

  • Prince Edward Island has unveiled its new Oyster Industry Relief Program, designed to help the sector adapt and recover from challenges caused by rising costs associated with MSX and dermo. One measure will provide wage assistance and the other will provide interest relief.

    cbc.ca

  • The Charlottetown Airport saw fewer passengers in 2025 but also earned $15M in revenue which was a record amount. There were about 391,000 passengers in 2025, a 4.8% dip from the previous year, but still better than pre-pandemic figures.

    cbc.ca

  • Negotiations with PAL Airlines are still underway to help restore a regional air service among the Maritime provinces. Last August the governments of P.E.I., N.S., and N.B. announced a $9M investment to ensure daily flights connecting five Maritime cities.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal government is investing $14.3M into green shipping in P.E.I., including a project that allows vessels to connect directly into P.E.I.'s electrical grid while docked. The funding will help the cruise industry to reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-05-01 to 2026-05-07

  • P.E.I.’s landfill could last about 22 more years thanks to a $180‑million expansion of the Charlottetown waste‑to‑energy plant, set to open in 2028. The upgraded facility will burn up to 90% of the Island’s burnable waste.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I.’s oyster industry, hit hard by MSX and dermo diseases, is turning to disease resistant oyster seed from the U.S. Atlantic Aqua Farms is importing up to 50 million seed from Rutgers University and expects high demand from Island growers facing massive losses.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. government has announced that it will cut support staff funding by 25% ($1.3M) in early childhood learning centres. There are concerns about the childrens' education, as well as the risk of extra stress and staff burnout due to reduced support.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-04-24 to 2026-04-30

  • The construction industry is welcoming the $6B in funding that the federal government says it will spend to get more people trained, certified, and working in the trades. P.E.I. is faced with an aging workforce and needs workers to keep up with demand.

    cbc.ca

  • The Confederation Bridge will undergo significant roadwork over the next 2 months. The resurfacing project will begin May 2 and the work is expected to be done by the end of June before traffic picks up. The bridge will remain open, but delays are expected.

    cbc.ca

  • Rogers Communications Inc. is offering voluntary departure packages to about 10,000 employees, in an effort to cut capital spending by 30% and boost cash flow. The company employs about 25,000 people, but its unsure how many workers will take the offer.

    cbc.ca

  • Statistics Canada says P.E.I.’s potato production fell 15.9% in 2025, the largest provincial drop in the country. Farmers were hit by drought conditions last year and are faced with higher costs for fuel and fertilizer, due to oil supply disruptions in the middle east.

    ctvnews.ca

  • Over 100 tradespeople are involved in the final stages of construction at the $40M Cleantech Innovation Centre, in Georgetown. The centre will be an educational and business hub for clean technology, where businesses can utilize the space to develop their ideas.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. Francophone Economic Development Council is offering help to bilingual students to find summer employment. The council selects 15 bilingual post-secondary students out of those that apply and helps them find work in their field of study.

    cbc.ca

  • The Prince County Hospital in Summerside is building a new Innovation and Learning Centre, which is expected to help recruit and retain healthcare workers. Once built, the 48,000 ft2 space will include learning facilities, a daycare, and temporary housing.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-04-17 to 2026-04-23

  • Ottawa will be cutting more than $29M in P.E.I. health-care funding over the next three years. Areas impacted included prescription drug co-pays, mobile mental health units, drugs for rare diseases, palliative and long-term care, contraception and diabetes.

    cbc.ca

  • Health P.E.I. says the Island's health backlog is improving, but its hospitals are still over capacity. This means that there are more people in the hospitals than there are spaces allocated for them. Health P.E.I. is working on building long-term capacity.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I. is updating its Veterinary Profession Act to better reflect a modern veterinary practice. The proposed law would allow vet techs to maximize their skill set, to better support veterinarians and ease their workload, as well as govern how clinics operate.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I.’s cruise ship season has begun and Charlottetown expects to have 79 ships visit this season, bringing about 160,000 cruise passengers and guests. Besides having visitors support local businesses, many ships stock up with local P.E.I. food products.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-04-10 to 2026-04-16

  • The Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. is concerned about the supply of skilled workers to work in tourism and hospitality now that Holland College has suspended many of its tourism programs. Roughly 90-100 students graduate each year, with many hired.

    cbc.ca

  • UPEI's Health Sciences says that ten of its newly graduated nurse practitioners will begin working across the province with various health care teams. Most will work in primary care and the rest will work in seniors care, acute care and specialty care services.

    null

  • The latest quarterly estimate from Statistics Canada has P.E.I.’s population at 182,001, 0.7% higher than a year earlier, but growth rates are declining. The Island has seen fewer newcomers, resulting in less workers, spending, and slower economic activity.

    cbc.ca

  • Some P.E.I. exporters are looking at the Asian markets to sell their products, as businesses look to diversify. Innovation P.E.I. has led trade missions abroad and are seeing Island exporters from fruit to fish getting their products on Asian shelves.

    ctvnews.ca

  • The Maritime provinces are working together to establish a regional public travel-nurse agency, due to the high cost of private contracts. Some regions have relied on private travel nurses, but had issues because they were paid far more than staff nurses.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-04-03 to 2026-04-09

  • MRSB, a P.E.I. consulting firm, has been awarded a $181,484 contract to develop an oyster industry adaptation strategy to assist the Island’s $54M industry. Wild fishers, growers and processors have all been impacted by MSX and dermo but have different needs.

    null

  • Maritime maple syrup producers state that a colder-than-usual spring is reducing sap production, leading to lower yields. Less syrup can lead to decreased sales, which can impact some producers looking to upgrade equipment or make other investments.

    ctvnews.ca

  • Family doctors on P.E.I. say that the time spent on paperwork is on the rise. A recent report from the Canadian Medical Association found that Canadian doctors spent about 9 hours a week doing admin tasks and half of that time is dealing with red tape.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. government is looking at retiring the old turbines at North Cape wind farm and replacing them. The site has 16 aging turbines that have seen increased downtime. It’s hoped that the wind farm can be overhauled and operational by 2029 or 2030.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. College of Nursing and Midwifery was launched this month, bringing together LPNs, midwives, nurse practitioners, RNs and registered psychiatric nurses into a single organization. The new unified college will allow better sharing of resources.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-03-27 to 2026-04-02

  • The Island’s wild oyster fishers are feeling anxious as the oyster season approaches, with the industry dealing with MSX and dermo diseases, which can kill oysters. Federal help is coming, including buyouts for fishers who want to get out and support for those who remain.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I.’s minimum wage increased from $16.50 to $17.00 an hour on April 1, 2026. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is concerned about minimum wage increases and the impact on small businesses and their ability to hire, invest, or expand.

    cfib-fcei.ca

  • The Charlottetown City Council has passed an $118.3M operating budget, which includes $25M in infrastructure upgrades, $6M to construct a new fire station, $3.3M for a new artificial turf field, and $1.1M to build a multi-sport outdoor facility.

    ctvnews.ca

  • The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) states that since 2024 there have been more business closures than there have been businesses starting up. Since January 2024, there were 1,700 businesses that closed and only 1,300 businesses created.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I. veterinarians are concerned about N.B.’s decision to phase out its public veterinary services, especially its provincial lab in Fredericton. The Fredericton lab is the only lab in the region certified to test for certain diseases such as avian flu.

    cbc.ca

  • Biovectra, a pharmaceutical developer with locations in P.E.I. and N.S., has said it will be making as many as 45 job cuts. The company created 91 new jobs in P.E.I and another 34 in N.S. back in 2021, but it's unsure how these cuts will be distributed.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-03-20 to 2026-03-26

  • NAV Canada, who trains and employs air traffic controllers, states that Canada is short about 200 air traffic controllers. Training can take 10-18 months for a tower controller and 20-27 months for an ACC controller, with many not finishing the program

    globalnews.ca

  • The federal minimum wage in Canada will go up on April 1, from $17.75 to $18.15 an hour. Workers in federally regulated industries such as air transportation, banking, ports, telecommunication, and most federal Crown corporations are among those affected.

    globalnews.ca

  • UPEI's medical program has 20 students currently undergoing training to become doctors at the Island’s new medical school. It takes six years to become a fully trained doctor, four years on their degree and two years of medical residency.

    cbc.ca

  • Porter Airlines has announced that it will offer daily non-stop service between Charlottetown and Montreal from June 18 to Sept. 7. The seasonal service will support both business and leisure travel to and from the Island.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-03-13 to 2026-03-19

  • P.E.I.’s Health Minister has announced that the province will add 200 private long-term care beds, at a cost of about $100M. The beds are expected to be ready in the next 18 to 24 months.

    cbc.ca

  • Restaurants Canada says that the federal change to allow rural businesses to employ more temporary foreign workers will help P.E.I. restaurants to stay open. Rural areas have found it particularly hard to find labour and this will help operators fill critical roles.

    cbc.ca

  • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has come to an agreement with its Mexican counterpart that will allow fresh Canadian potatoes to be shipped to Mexico for consumption or processing. P.E.I. growers will benefit from expanded market access.

    cbc.ca

  • Island farmers say that the rising cost of fertilizer shouldn’t impact the upcoming season, as they are using previously purchased fertilizer. However, future costs will likely be higher, due to the war in Iran and surrounding areas, as a lot of fertilizer comes from the Middle East.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-03-06 to 2026-03-12

  • Work is underway on an $8.8M breakwater being installed in North Rustico, with the project expected to be completed by August 2027. It has been a challenge for fishermen to enter the harbour safely due to a shallow channel and high winds.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I saw record-breaking tourism numbers in 2025. The Island welcomed 10% more tourists than it did in 2024, with 1.87M visitors in 2025. Spending rose 12.4%, while hotels and inn stays were up 7% (+1.1M).

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I. farmers are welcoming the $27M in funding that will be issued over two years through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's youth employment and skills program (YESP). The program provides students with work opportunities and assists farms in hiring them.

    cbc.ca

  • The non-profit organization Santa’s Angels is looking to purchase a building and 125 acres of land for its new headquarters at a cost of about $2.2M. The space will operate as an education, training, and event centre, and will offer workforce skills and job training.

    null
• Week of 2026-02-27 to 2026-03-05

  • P.E.I.’s Auditor General states that Health P.E.I. spent about $28.5M on travel nurses in the 2024-25 fiscal year. Travel nurses are employed by private agencies and are typically paid more than P.E.I.’s salaried nurses, to fill vacancies temporarily.

    cbc.ca

  • Health P.E.I. says wait times for non-urgent mammograms have increased due to the Island's growing population. There are 10 medical radiation technologists on the Island, and Health P.E.I. states that recruitment is ongoing for additional technologists.

    cbc.ca

  • UPEI’s one-year French second-language Bachelor of Education program has seen its enrolment double, as a result of word of mouth and with the help of financial incentives. Schools across Canada have struggled in recent years to find French teachers.

    cbc.ca

  • A federal investment of $8.5M will fund 40 AI projects throughout Atlantic Canada. Many of the companies are located in N.S. and N.B., however Wellfish Tech in Charlottetown will receive $50K to engage expertise in AI training and validation.

    canada.ca

  • P.E.I.’s minimum wage will increase from $16.50 an hour to $17 an hour on April 1, 2026. The increase is established annually by the Employment Standards Board.

    princeedwardisland.ca

  • Three P.E.I. doctors have told Health P.E.I. that they are closing their practices, leaving 4,500 patients without primary care. The president of the Medical Society of P.E.I. said that Island doctors are being pushed and asked to do more with less.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-02-20 to 2026-02-26

  • APM Group is expecting to begin construction on a 49-unit apartment on the Charlottetown waterfront by mid-May, after a permit appeal was denied. The $34M seven-storey structure will be built at 15 Haviland St. and will take about 20 months to complete.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I. restaurant owners have struggled to find chefs and cooks in recent years but say that new immigration rules are making it even harder to find staff. It is particularly difficult in Atlantic Canada, with more rural areas and an older population.

    cbc.ca

  • Renovations to the Veterans Affairs Canada office in Charlottetown are slated to be ready for staff by 2027, at a cost of more than $100M. The newly renovated building will have a higher capacity than before, capable of handing 1,000 workers.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-02-13 to 2026-02-19

  • Innovation P.E.I. is creating a defence strategy advisory panel to help industry on the Island to capitalize on over $80B in defence funding. The federal priority is to buy mostly from Canadian defence manufacturers, while investing in jobs and the economy.

    cbc.ca

  • A CFIB report found that 41% of Canadian owners plan to leave their businesses within five years, with the top reason being retirement. More businesses are closing down than are being created, with factors like insurance costs, rising wages, and higher building and product costs having an impact.

    null

  • P.E.I. home sales are down 20% in January, compared to the same time last year, and new home listings are also down 12.5%. Meanwhile home prices have levelled off, with the benchmark price of a home being $371,700, compared to $365,500 last year.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture is welcoming an announcement by Farm Credit Canada that 20 groups will invest $5B in Canadian agriculture and food innovation by 2030. The money could result in new technologies and tools, as well as value-added processing.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-02-06 to 2026-02-12

  • A donated parcel of land has been rezoned to residential to allow Holland College to set up a living lab. The college plans to renovate a barn in order to set up some indoor labs, office space and accommodations.

    cbc.ca

  • A Summerside convent is looking to expand their daycare spaces from 13 up to 50. The Sisters of the Sacred Heart state that the renovation will begin in the spring at a cost of about $2M, and will add another two rooms, a playroom, and an elevator.

    cbc.ca

  • Fusion Charlottetown says it has concerns that P.E.I.'s aging population will place an economic burden on younger Islanders. StatsCan projects a 10% drop in the population under 40, while faced with a rising share of older people who need health and social services.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-01-30 to 2026-02-05

  • A recent study by Statistics Canada reveals the demographics most likely to experience consistent low income. Those most at risk were female lone-parent families (23%), those without a high school diploma (21%), and people with limitations in their daily activities (18%).

    globalnews.ca

  • A new program on P.E.I. called Grow the Herd has added 800 cows across Island farms. The program’s aim is to increase the number of cattle in the livestock industry, which struggled following the discovery of mad cow disease. There were 75 applicants during the program's first year.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I. businesses that deal in hair and nail care, esthetics, piercings and tattoo services, and other personal services are subject to new regulations focused on standardizing infection-control practices. The new rules come into effect on Feb. 1, 2026.

    cbc.ca

  • The RCMP is seeing better recruitment numbers, as it attempts to staff vacancies in over 150 municipalities. Last year the RCMP had over 20,000 applications and 895 graduates. The goal is to streamline the onboarding process and to add 1,600 grads per year.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-01-23 to 2026-01-29

  • The New Brunswick-based brewery and bar, Holy Whale, has taken over the former Upstreet Craft Brewing site in Charlottetown. Renovations are underway and Holy Whale is expecting to open in a month or two.

    null

  • The 2026 Canadian State of Restaurants Report shows that the ongoing trade war with the U.S. has resulted in Canadian restaurants spending 37% more on food. Restaurants are also under pressure due to rising staff costs and labour shortages.

    null

  • Tasiang Kitchen & Taps has opened a new restaurant in Miscouche, serving a mix of Canadian pub food and traditional Chinese dishes. The establishment is located in the Prince County Guest House.

    null

  • The Cavendish Beach Events Centre is hoping to build a multi-level, open-air amphitheatre with a capacity for 1,500 people. The wooden structure would operate year-round and could be used for music festivals, comedy, theatre and community events.

    cbc.ca

  • A new report from the International Monetary Fund says if Canada eliminated provincial trade barriers, it could increase its real GDP by about 7%. The report says that smaller provinces would gain the most, with P.E.I. potentially seeing a 40% jump in its GDP.

    globalnews.ca

  • Some family physicians believe that P.E.I.'s new agreement on doctor workloads may drive physicians out of P.E.I. The agreement would require family doctors to see 24 patients a day and have up to 1,600 people on their patient roster.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-01-16 to 2026-01-22

  • The federal government will spend $10M on a proposed Stratford wellness centre, which has an expected cost of $67M for the first phase of the project. Work is being finalized, but plans are to have a rink, indoor turf field and a youth centre.

    cbc.ca

  • The Town of Three Rivers states that 2025 was a strong year with a total of 220 projects approved, worth over $60M in estimated construction value. Residential growth accounted for 78% of the applications, but the area has also seen industrial growth.

    cbc.ca

  • The Community Foundation of P.E.I.’s 2025 Vital Signs report shows that P.E.I.’s rapid population growth has put pressure on public services and infrastructure. There has been a growing need for housing and 27% of Islanders don’t have a health-care provider.

    ctvnews.ca

  • Statistics Canada reports that P.E.I. potato production was down in 2025, after the Island experienced a record drought last summer. The yield from P.E.I. fields was about 18% less on average, while potato prices have also dropped, resulting in lower revenue.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-01-09 to 2026-01-15

  • Ellis and Birt Ltd. have asked the City of Charlottetown to rezone a piece of property along Mount Edward Road in order to build three apartment buildings, totalling 87 units. The proposed development would have to undergo public consultation then council debate.

    cbc.ca

  • Health critics are urging the P.E.I. government to add more long-term care beds. The province is planning to add more than 200 beds, but tenders haven’t been awarded yet. There are currently 20 public and private care homes with 1,325 beds across the Island.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. government will spend $1.67M over four years to support skills training and employment for Indigenous Peoples. It includes development of transferable skills through mentorship and hands-on experience, as well as a Workforce Essential Skills program.

    ctvnews.ca

  • Restaurants Canada reports that about 41% of Canadian restaurants are losing money or just breaking even. Factors include inflation, rising costs, labour shortages, and less dining out. With food prices expected to rise by 4-6% and higher minimum wages, 2026 could also be difficult.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal and P.E.I. governments will spend nearly $4M to help P.E.I.’s Atlantic Beef Products produce halal meats. There has been growing demand for meat processed according to Muslim law. The investment will allow for upgrades at the plant.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-01-02 to 2026-01-08

  • CMHC data shows that P.E.I.’s rental vacancy rate in October 2025 rose to 2.1%, up 0.8% up from a year ago. Despite efforts to increase rental housing supply, apartment prices surged by as much as 9.4%.

    null

  • Ottawa will continue to reduce Canada’s immigration numbers into 2026, when it is expected to admit 380,000 permanent residents and 230,000 temporary workers, while issuing 155,000 student visas. Experts contend that immigrants bring necessary skills and resources.

    citynews.ca

  • In preparation for the May 2026 census, Statistics Canada plans to hire 32,000 workers. Enumerators will earn $25.87 per hour to collect data, while crew leaders will be compensated $31.32 per hour to supervise workers.

    canada.ca

  • The Charlottetown Farmers’ Market has closed after its building was damaged in a fire, which has displaced vendors who rely on the market for their livelihood. Over 60 vendors operate out of the market year-round and for many it’s their main income source.

    ctvnews.ca
• Week of 2025-12-26 to 2026-01-01

  • Last summer’s drought resulted in many Maritime farmers experiencing lower yields and now have new challenges ahead. Farmers are reporting fewer crops in storage than normal, less water for irrigation, and potentially worse growing conditions this season.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-12-19 to 2025-12-25

  • One of Summerside’s largest housing projects, at 415 Granville St., is nearly complete, with 47 of the 89 units being subsidized public housing. The first residents will move into Earle and Marilyn Banks Place at the end of February.

    null

  • P.E.I. oyster harvestors, which have been hit hard by the MSX parasite and dermo, are expected to receive federal aid in the new year. The federal government's plan may include a buyback program and financial assistance to clean up beds where oysters have died off.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal and P.E.I. governments will spend over $8.6M on the infrastructure needed for a 525-unit housing development in Charlottetown. Funding will support essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure needed for the project.

    null

  • The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has reached a tentative 5-year agreement with Canada Post and its urban and rural workers. Highlights include enhanced benefits and wage increases of 6.5% in year 1, 3% in year 2, and years 3-5 indexed to inflation.

    citynews.ca

  • The federal government will invest over $2.1M in seven P.E.I.-based IT companies, to support their growth and development. Recipients include Discovery Garden, Stemble Learning, Tracktile, Thinking Big, Iron Fox Games, Causable, and 3 Pie Squared.

    canada.ca

  • The P.E.I. government is introducing policing standards to make police services more consistent, transparent and better supported. The framework includes protocols on intimate partner violence, use of force, officer wellness, as well as training and equipment.

    cbc.ca

  • The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association states that there were over 610 cruise ship vessels with 845,000 passenger visits to the region in 2025. The cruise association states that the numbers are strong and similar to those seen prior to the pandemic.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-12-12 to 2025-12-18

  • P.E.I. has a new accountability framework for family medicine to ensure equitable workloads and consistent care on the Island. The framework offers four models, providing flexibility to ensure it meets physicians, the health system and patient needs.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. government has launched a new low-interest loan program to help young farmers getting started and expanding its Future Farmer program to include those already working on a farm. Young farmers can now access up to $1M in infrastructure support.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal government’s “Buy Canadian” policy for procurement for large infrastructure and defence projects is now in effect. The policy will apply to government contracts valued at $25M or more but will expand to contracts valued at $5M and over in 2026.

    globalnews.ca

  • A national housing report says it’s easier to find an apartment in P.E.I., but affordability is still an issue. P.E.I.’s vacancy rate in 2024 was 0.8% and is now at 2.1%, while the average rent on P.E.I. in 2025 was $1,247 compared to $1,134 in 2024.

    cbc.ca

  • For the first time since the U.S. trade war began, Canada exported more than it imported. Total exports rose by 6.3% in September, while imports fell 4.1%, resulting in a trade surplus of $153M. The largest exports were in metal and non-metallic mineral products.

    globalnews.ca

  • After facing some uncertainty at the beginning of the year, P.E.I.’s employment is now relatively stable. Health care has grown by 18% over the last year, while declines were seen in agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, as well as transportation and warehousing.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-12-05 to 2025-12-11

  • An annual study by the Fraser Institute reports that medical wait times in 2025 were higher in Atlantic Canada than the other provinces. The Canadian median wait time was about 29 weeks, while N.B. was 60.9, N.S. - 49.0, P.E.I. - 49.7, and N.L. was 43.5 weeks.

    yourcharlottecounty.ca

  • The Government of Canada is hoping to attract more international doctors by offering a faster path to being a permanent resident. Eligible doctors would need one year of Canadian work experience as a general practitioner, surgeon, or clinical and laboratory medicine specialist.

    yourcharlottecounty.ca

  • P.E.I. has a new agreement with Dalhousie University which will give Island students priority admission to 50 first-year seats in 11 high-demand fields over two years. Most seats are in pharmacy, medicine, occupational therapy and physio, and dentistry.

    cbc.ca

  • Ottawa has granted P.E.I. an additional 575 permanent residency nominations this year, which would bring the Island’s total to 1,600. The extra spots will be focused on international student graduates and industries facing labour shortages.

    cbc.ca

  • Officials with the Halifax Grain Elevator are uncertain if its pier berth at the Port of Halifax will be renewed in 2026. P.E.I. ships about 30,000 tonnes of soybeans and wheat from Halifax. The Island is looking to expand its own storage and shipping capacity.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal government will invest $38.2M over 3 years to help small and medium defence businesses in Atlantic Canada to grow and modernize. Atlantic Canada directly employs about 10,000 people in the aerospace and defence industry, with over 200 firms.

    canada.ca

  • A new report done for the Eastern P.E.I. Chamber of Commerce says that a reliable N.S.-P.E.I. ferry is vital to exports and jobs in the area. An eastern P.E.I. trucking company estimates that going by ferry instead of the bridge saves about $30-40K per truck annually.

    cbc.ca

  • About 68,000 federal public servants have received early retirement package information, as the federal government begins the process of cutting 40,000 positions. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year the federal public service peaked at about 368,000 staff.

    vocm.com
• Week of 2025-11-28 to 2025-12-04

  • The Island’s wild blueberry growers will vote on a proposal to create a marketing board that would have the power to negotiate prices with processors. There are over 130 growers who are eligible to vote and if approved the board could be set up by mid-2026.

    cbc.ca

  • As certain industries hire temporary foreign workers to address labour needs, there are concerns it can result in a heavy reliance of these workers, impact local workers, and suppress wages. P.E.I.’s agriculture and seafood workforce are comprised heavily of foreign workers.

    cbc.ca

  • The Canadian Dental Care Plan has reached a new Atlantic Canada milestones with over 370k people now covered under the Plan. The Government of Canada has also recently announced over $4.7M in funding over 3 years for five projects in the Atlantic region that will improve training for dental students.

    canada.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced continued investments of $12.6M in Atlantic Canada’s network of Community Business Development Corporations to help entrepreneurs obtain financing and know-how to help them expand, hire, and grow.

    canada.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced over $7.1M in support for 68 projects through the Tourism Growth Program to help strengthen Atlantic Canada’s tourism ecosystem. The projects include infrastructure upgrades, new visitor experiences, and marketing initiatives to attract more travellers and extend the tourist season.

    canada.ca

  • The P.E.I. government has drafted regulations to establish routine inspections of facilities that provide hair care, esthetics, nails, piercings, tattooing and body-modification services. The regulations would also include standards on hygiene and cleaning.

    cbc.ca

  • The Holland College has upgraded its dental clinic after it received $1.7M over three years through the federal Oral Health Access Fund. It is hoped that the newly renovated clinic with upgraded equipment will attract even more dental assistant students to P.E.I.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-11-21 to 2025-11-27

  • The P.E.I. government recently announced new support to help the struggling wild oyster industry. The P.E.I. Shellfish Association says it may benefit the younger fishermen to be retrained, but more needs to be done to support the industry going forward.

    cbc.ca

  • ACOA will invest over $2M in seven Island agri-food businesses in order to modernize their equipment and facilities. Funding went to East Point Potato, Hakkers Produce, Nabuurs Gardens, PEI Mussel Farm, Power Farms, P.E.I. Potato Institute, and Victoria Potato Farm.

    canada.ca

  • CBDC Central PEI and Futurpreneur held a workshop in Charlottetown to help potential entrepreneurs to start their own side hustle. The workshop provided participants with tips and tricks for starting their own business.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-11-14 to 2025-11-20

  • Roughly half of the potato fields that were infected with potato wart will be bought back from the P.E.I. government through a new $10.5M program. There were 37 fields impacted by potato wart, which distorts the potatoes and makes them unable to be sold.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. government announced that it will spend $1.3M on two new assistance programs to support oyster fishers on the island that are affected by MSX and Dermo. One program is to retrain fishers and the other will provide wage reimbursement to employers.

    ctvnews.ca

  • Canada Post expects to lose up to 30,000 employees to retirement or voluntary departure over the next 10 years as it tries to control costs. The crown corporation had management layoffs earlier this year. The union that represents 55,000 mail carriers is still doing rotating strikes while in mediation.

    citynews.ca

  • A new P.E.I. resident has launched a healthy snack business called Nutty Golac. The product has sold so well that it has been hard to keep up with production. Nutty Golac’s products have no added sugar or preservatives and are vegan and gluten-free.

    cbc.ca

  • The Atlantic Police Academy has opened a new $5M Atlantic Tactical Training and Innovation Centre at its facility in Summerside. The training centre is designed to mimic real-life scenarios to train both police and fire cadets in a hands-on environment.

    cbc.ca

  • Christmas tree farmers on P.E.I. report that despite the summer drought there will be a good supply of healthy trees this season. Drummond's Christmas tree farm says it lost about 30-40% of its seedlings this summer, which take about 10 years to mature.

    cbc.ca

  • A proposed 9-hole golf course in Monticello has garnered community support but will need to pass an environmental impact assessment to proceed. If approved the course is expected to create 8 jobs and attract people to the quiet community.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I. is increasingly using nurse practitioners to deliver primary care, as their duties have expanded. The Island has at least 17 Patient Medical Homes, where nurse practitioners work with family doctors, and other health providers to offer team-based care.

    ctvnews.ca
• Week of 2025-11-07 to 2025-11-13

  • Charlottetown’s city council has voted to approve a new collective agreement for striking Charlottetown water and sewer workers represented by CUPE. The new 4-year contract is backdated to Jan. 1, 2023 and expires on Dec. 31, 2026. It includes a 2% annual pay raise along with back pay and a cost-of-living allowance. Council also voted to create 3 new positions: utility foreman, field supervisor and GIS co-ordinator.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I.’s Atlantic Aqua Farms is seeking approval to import disease-resistant oyster seed and broodstock from the U.S. as the industry has suffered from MSX and dermo. The P.E.I. Shellfish Association has concerns that could bring new diseases to Island waters.

    cbc.ca

  • Monaghan Farms in Norboro, P.E.I. is one of 70 farms that have applied to the P.E.I. government for approval for irrigation wells to deal with drier conditions. P.E.I. has to balance the needs of farmers while ensuring Islanders have enough drinking water.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I.’s first private magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clinic opened in Summerside. The Summerside Diagnostic Imaging Centre is located at 107 Walker Ave. Health P.E.I. doesn’t have an agreement with the clinic, so patients will have to pay out of pocket.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-10-31 to 2025-11-06

  • P.E.I. announced plans to spend $1.6B on major infrastructure projects such as a new hospital, elementary schools, bridges and roads over the next five years.

    ctvnews.ca

  • Parks Canada and the company that operates Dalvay By the Sea announced that 12 new winterized cottages will be built among the eight existing cottages. It is hoped that it will expand the season and increase revenue that can be reinvested into the hotel.

    cbc.ca

  • Ottawa announced that there will be a tax credit for personal support workers in the new budget. Eligible workers will be able to claim up to $1,100 per year for the next five years. It will be available in areas without a federal bilateral agreement like P.E.I.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I.’s Holland College is projecting a $4M loss due to a 47% drop in enrolment by international students and a 10% drop overall. New rules require international students to complete studies in fields linked to labour shortages, reducing eligible students.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced over $8M for 9 projects under the Substance Use and Addictions Program to respond to critical needs related to substance use and addictions in communities across Atlantic Canada.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2025-10-24 to 2025-10-30

  • P.E.I.’s Cavendish Farms estimates it will have to ship in 200 million pounds of non-P.E.I. potatoes after this summer’s drought resulted in smaller yields. The company is offering $100K grants to P.E.I. growers to install irrigation systems.

    cbc.ca

  • Provinces across Canada are under threat as U.S. and Chinese tariffs are being imposed across various industries. N.B.’s main priority is the $15B lumber industry, while the rest of Atlantic Canada has concerns about the impact on its seafood industry.

    cbc.ca

  • Health P.E.I. reports that it is seeing results from its recruitment, training and service improvements. The ICU at the Prince County Hospital was re-opened, the cataract wait list is almost eliminated, and 6,500 Islanders are now off the patient registry.

    null

  • P.E.I.'s Red Shores Racetrack and Casino had a profit of $2.5M in 2024-25, which was 35% less than the previous year. The ALC CEO states it was a tough year for Red Shores which was under renovation and had regular visitors but just spent less per visit.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I. potato farmers are increasingly looking to add irrigation systems after this summer's drought impacted their crops. Many growers will invest millions over the next couple of years. The drought resulted in fewer potatoes and poorer quality.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-10-17 to 2025-10-23

  • The Montreal Economic Institute issued a report that shows that for every 100 nurses under 35 years old who started in P.E.I. in 2023, there were 47 who left. The union says nurses are feeling overburdened and are facing an increase in workplace violence.

    cbc.ca

  • Charlottetown council has awarded a nearly $1.7M contract to CP Construction to redevelop the old Irving Gas station at 85 Euston St. in Charlottetown. The plan is to redevelop the site into a community centre and an electric vehicle charging station.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. Pharmacists Association states that the need for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in P.E.I. has never been higher. An internal survey estimates that vacancies at Island pharmacies will double in the coming years.

    cbc.ca

  • The Hermanville wind farm will soon have all nine turbines fully operational after experiencing repeated damage, faulty parts and manufacturing problems. In a good year the wind farm turns over $3M in profit and all the electricity produced is used on P.E.I.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal and provincial governments will provide $32M over four years to invest in French education on P.E.I. The main focus will be on recruitment and retention of French educators, to help provide more stability and allow French language to grow.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. government has set up a $3M aquaculture fund to help the oyster industry, which has been hit hard by disease. It is calling on Ottawa to provide additional funding for up to five years to help support fishermen who have been struggling.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-10-10 to 2025-10-16

  • A lack of rainfall this summer has resulted in a 20-30% smaller yield of P.E.I.'s wild blueberries. Growers added seaweed and mulch to help retain moisture. Both N.S. and N.B. had higher crop losses than the Island, which has resulted in higher prices.

    cbc.ca

  • The Future Farmer Program has been revamped to better help new P.E.I. farmers establish or continue profitable and sustainable farm businesses. The program helps through mentorship, project funding, training, and helps farmers set business goals.

    canada.ca

  • International student enrolment across Atlantic universities has declined by 36% since a cap was imposed in January 2024 by the federal government. The Association of Atlantic Universities says it has had an impact on the economy and population growth.

    ctvnews.ca

  • The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) will provide $2.2M to help renovate 56 affordable rental units across P.E.I. Nanegkam Housing Corp will manage and update various duplexes, apartments, and single-family homes located across Charlottetown, Cornwall, and Summerside.

    newswire.ca

  • Two farm organizations have started a fundraising campaign to help Atlantic farmers who are struggling from losses or poor yields and don’t have crop insurance. The fund has raised about $4,500 so far and eligible farmers will initially receive $500.

    cbc.ca

  • Summerside is set to pass a new bylaw to create more housing units in the city. The bylaw will provide financial incentives to homeowners and small-scale developers to build affordable housing, backyard suites, semis, modular units, and property redevelopment.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-10-03 to 2025-10-09

  • Health P.E.I. says it has increased the total number of doctors in the province from 292 to 320 over the past two years. The province’s roster of nurse practitioners has grown by 28% since 2023, with about 60% working in a primary care setting.

    cbc.ca

  • Island oyster fishers are facing hard times as buyers have either stopped buying oysters or are buying less due to the mortality rate from MSX. Some P.E.I. fishers have stopped fishing early and are worried about qualifying for employment insurance.

    cbc.ca

  • The Charlottetown Airport Authority says that passenger traffic was down 16% in August and 8% overall so far in 2025. Main factors in the decline were the Air Canada strike, as well as the loss of seasonal flights by Flair and WestJet.

    cbc.ca

  • Some P.E.I. child-care centres are concerned about meeting staffing demands, due to changes in immigration that could limit the number of international workers. P.E.I.’s association is looking to train and recruit more staff as demand for child-care grows.

    cbc.ca

  • Charlottetown's 28 water and sewage employees are demanding better job security and wages after being without a contract for more than two and a half years. Workers have been on strike for over two months and the city is now looking to hire private contractors.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-09-26 to 2025-10-02

  • Tourism P.E.I. reports that vehicular traffic was up 25% compared to the same months in 2024, due mainly to recent reductions in ferry and bridge tolls. Cruise ship visitors also increased by 3%, while airline visitors over this period fell by 16%.

    cbc.ca

  • Port Charlottetown’s CEO says that P.E.I.’s cruise ship season experiences its highest volume of ships and passengers between October and early November. Roughly 98% of P.E.I. cruise visitors depart from the ship, which benefits local businesses.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I.'s oyster fishery representatives are worried that MSX and dermo could spell the end of the industry in the absense of government supports. The industry would like help developing oyster seed that is tolerant to MSX or dermo, developing new hatcheries, and providing financial relief for impacted growers and fishers.

    null

  • A new report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) says that P.E.I. workers need to earn $19-$23 an hour to afford rental accommodations on the Island. According to CCPA, an affordable rental wage is 30% of gross income with a 40-hour week.

    cbc.ca

  • The minimum wage will increase in P.E.I. and N.S. at the start of October. P.E.I.’s minimum wage will rise from $16 to $16.50 on Oct 1 and then increase to $17 on April 1. N.S. is raising its minimum wage to $16.50, while N.B. and N.L. ‘s will stay unchanged at $15.65 and $16.

    globalnews.ca
• Week of 2025-09-19 to 2025-09-25

  • A one-year funding agreement has improved access to allied health services within P.E.I.’s private long-term care homes. The support allows regular visits from allied health workers, including dietitians, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists.

    princeedwardisland.ca

  • Shaddy's Restaurant on Great George Street in Charlottetown is closing its Lebanese restaurant after 35 years in business. Although the restaurant will close on Sept 27, Shaddy’s will still be a regular vendor at the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.

    saltwire.com

  • The lack of rain has been tough on P.E.I. farmers who depend on hay to feed their cattle, with a lot less bales of hay being harvested from their fields. Some farmers have had to buy extra hay, sell off some cattle or dip into their winter reserves.

    cbc.ca

  • The developer of the Mill River Resort, wants to turn 30 acres of land at the Eagles Glenn golf course in Cavendish into a condo community with 42 homes. It is hoped that with more residents it could result in more services or keep services open year-round.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-09-12 to 2025-09-18

  • The Cooper Institute says that Chinese seafood tariffs has led to more than 200 temporary foreign workers in P.E.I.'s seafood processing sector being laid-off this year or seen their hours cut. The seafood sector has faced various challenges in recent years.

    cbc.ca

  • The Cooper Institute says that Chinese seafood tariffs has led to more than 200 temporary foreign workers in P.E.I.'s seafood processing sector being laid-off this year or seen their hours cut. The seafood sector has faced various challenges in recent years.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. Housing Corporation says the affordable housing development program has been successful, with 123 units of affordable housing created and another 76 more to be built. The program helps with the cost of construction and offer reduced rent.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. Housing Corporation says the affordable housing development program has been successful, with 123 units of affordable housing created and another 76 more to be built. The program helps with the cost of construction and offer reduced rent.

    cbc.ca

  • The City of Charlottetown is increasing the tourism levy next year from 3% to 4%, which it hopes will increase money to promote events, conferences, and tourism. The levy applies to short-term rentals, bed and breakfast units, and hotels.

    cbc.ca

  • Ottawa has announced a new $13B housing agency called Build Canada Homes, with the aim to double the pace of housing construction over the next decade. Priorities include affordable housing, transitional housing, factory-built homes, and modernizing construction methods.

    thewave.ca

  • The City of Charlottetown is increasing the tourism levy next year from 3% to 4%, which it hopes will increase money to promote events, conferences, and tourism. The levy applies to short-term rentals, bed and breakfast units, and hotels.

    cbc.ca

  • Ottawa has announced a new $13B housing agency called Build Canada Homes, with the aim to double the pace of housing construction over the next decade. Priorities include affordable housing, transitional housing, factory-built homes, and modernizing construction methods.

    thewave.ca

  • Summerside hopes that a new major roadway will allow more housing to be built. The East-West Housing Corridor is expected to open this fall, creating access to about 345 acres of land and has the potential to build about 1,200 to 2,000 new homes.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. government has signed a new five-year agreement with Island EMS that aims to help modernize and improve emergency health services across the province. The deal is different than the collective agreement that outlines benefits for paramedics.

    cbc.ca

  • Stratford's council has approved the first reading of a plan that would make way for more housing and commercial development along its waterfront. The mixed-use zone will allow retail, restaurant and commercial properties as well as condos and apartments.

    cbc.ca

  • Summerside hopes that a new major roadway will allow more housing to be built. The East-West Housing Corridor is expected to open this fall, creating access to about 345 acres of land and has the potential to build about 1,200 to 2,000 new homes.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. government has signed a new five-year agreement with Island EMS that aims to help modernize and improve emergency health services across the province. The deal is different than the collective agreement that outlines benefits for paramedics.

    cbc.ca

  • Stratford's council has approved the first reading of a plan that would make way for more housing and commercial development along its waterfront. The mixed-use zone will allow retail, restaurant and commercial properties as well as condos and apartments.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-09-05 to 2025-09-11

  • Enwave Energy Corporation will build a new $180M waste processing plant in Charlottetown, which will take 90% of P.E.I.'s black bin waste to use for energy. The new facility is set to begin construction by early 2026 and is set to be functional in 2028.

    cbc.ca

  • Some Prince Edward Island businesses are pausing shipments to the U.S. after a duty-free exemption ends. Goods valued under $800 U.S. are now subject to tariff rates, which could limit small businesses and other startups.

    cbc.ca

  • Charlottetown’s water and sewer workers have been on strike since July 29, but its union has taken legal action to protect the workers' rights. Their contract expired on Dec 31, 2022 and the main contract issues are job security, seniority rights and fair wages.

    ctvnews.ca

  • Charlottetown recently lost a family doctor and another will retire and close the Queen Street Medical Centre this month, affecting about 2,000 patients in total. Health P.E.I. continues to recruit health-care workers but has no replacements currently.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I. potato farmers are predicting smaller crops following a summer of drought-like conditions. Most harvesting will begin in 2-3 weeks and potatoes need moisture to help them bulk, but non-irrigated fields could see a 30% loss in crop yield.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-08-29 to 2025-09-04

  • P.E.I. funeral directors and embalmers say that there is a shortage of workers in their field on the Island, driven in part by an aging population. The job of a funeral director can be time-consuming and stressful, with burnout being a real risk.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I. craft breweries had a big jump in sales this summer that resulted in some struggling to keep up with demand or even running out of beer. The combination of a hot, dry summer, strong tourism figures, and a push to buy Canadian has boosted sales.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal government is now accepting applications from businesses for its $450M Regional Tariff Response Initiative. The program’s aim is to help businesses deal with trade shocks, explore new markets, boost productivity, and strengthen supply chains.

    thewave.ca

  • Arlington Orchards in Western P.E.I. reports that this season’s hot and dry weather will result in a good crop of apples this year but could impact next year’s crop. Fewer fruit buds can develop when it is dry, which can result in less apples in the following year.

    cbc.ca

  • Over 150 Island companies have sought help from the province to diversify their markets away from the U.S. A number of Atlantic seafood companies will travel to Asia this month to secure new buyers. Atlantic Canada exported nearly $1.5B in seafood in 2023.

    cbc.ca

  • The Port of Charlottetown reports that 60% of the cruise ship business it sees is during the fall season. Some restaurants say they often have to double staff when a ship is in. Besides being good for tourism, the cruise lines also buy Island products as well.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I.’s health care system has recruited 20 U.S. health care professionals to work on the Island. The province made changes in 2023 which enabled physicians from the U.S. to become licensed to work in P.E.I., as well as Canadians practising in the U.S.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-08-22 to 2025-08-28

  • The P.E.I. government has released its energy review which supports a balanced approach of using renewables and fossil fuels. Maritime Electric wants to be allowed to spend $334M on two 50MW combustion turbines to generate power, which is being reviewed.

    cbc.ca

  • Halifax-based Black Business Initiative (BBI) is expanding beyond its focus on N.S. to include the rest of Atlantic Canada. BBI will offer a new program on P.E.I., which will offer more opportunities for career development, while partnering with employers.

    cbc.ca

  • The head of the Charlottetown Airport Authority is hopeful that flights will return to normal with Air Canada’s new tentative deal. The airport is also awaiting details on the return of flights between Charlottetown and Halifax, which ended five years ago.

    cbc.ca

  • With about a month left in construction on Summerside’s new eco-park, the city is looking for three to four tenants to fill the 17,000 ft2 industrial space. Summerside has limited industrial space. The new tenants would share a manufacturing facility, loading dock and office space.

    null
• Week of 2025-08-15 to 2025-08-21

  • Construction is set to begin on a new $54M French-language school in Abrams Village. The school will replace École Évangéline, which was damaged during post-tropical storm Fiona. The new school is expected to be done in 2028 and will include public space.

    cbc.ca

  • Some P.E.I. winemakers say that this summer's hot weather has led to great grapes and full vines but are hoping have a bit of rain prior to harvest time. As P.E.I.’s climate changes to warmer summers, some are switching to growing more hot weather grapes.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal government will provide $20M in funding through the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP) to build 60 new affordable rental housing units in Stratford. JCJ Properties is the developer of the project, which will be built at 13 Irving Ave.

    cbc.ca

  • T3 Transit is going to expand its service across Charlottetown, Stratford and Cornwall. The city has seen increase demand for transit and will increase the frequency of stops during weekday non-peak hours, helping people attend appointments or work.

    cbc.ca

  • A tentative agreement has been reached between Air Canada and its 10,000 flight attendants, with flights expected to start-up on Aug. 19. The deal includes immediate and yearly pay increases, as well as being paid for duties performed on the ground.

    cbc.ca

  • The P.E.I. Shellfish Association is concerned about how the parasite Dermo and MSX will affect the next oyster season in September. Dermo was also recently detected in N.L., N.S. and N.B. Fishers have been forced to find new areas and pay higher travel costs.

    ctvnews.ca
• Week of 2025-08-08 to 2025-08-14

  • The Maritime provinces have announced $9.2M in funding to boost regional air travel that includes $5M from ACOA. The program is expected to offer daily flights connecting Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Fredericton and Moncton later this year.

    citynews.ca

  • Two existing ride-hailing services on P.E.I., Uride and Kari, are expanding their reach across the Island and into smaller rural communities. The hope is to fill transportation needs, recruit more drivers in rural areas and offer income opportunities.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I. has invested over $120M to develop its own medical school, but having one on the Island can be a big recruitment tool, help improve healthcare access and produce more Canadian doctors. The Island currently has the worst access to a family doctor in Canada.

    null

  • The Government of Canada has announced $2B in funding to boost military pay and benefits. Military members will get pay increase ranging from 8-20% this year, retroactive to April. It will be a graduated series of salary top-ups and incentives that will help the lowest-ranking soldiers, sailors and aircrew the most. The Canadian Armed Forces is currently short about 13,000 troops.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-08-01 to 2025-08-07

  • The Charlottetown Fire Department has hired two new platoon chiefs, with two more to be hired by the end of August. Platoon chiefs are paid firefighters who manage operations. Nine volunteer firefighters were also recruited to the department.

    cbc.ca

  • According to the P.E.I. Potato Board, 94% of the Island’s potatoes leave by bridge or ferry, and with the new lower rates – the potato industry could save $2M in trucking bills. Farmers are also expected to save on equipment and supplies coming in.

    ctvnews.ca

  • P.E.I.’s housing starts hit a record high in 2024, with 1,684 housing starts, a 48.7% increase from 2023. The Island's construction sector employs over 8,500 people and is operating at full capacity but needs to build an average of 2,000 new homes per year.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I.’s Tourism Industry Association says that July’s visitor numbers are stronger than last year and August is already expected to be busy. Recent warm weather and free visitation to Canada's national parks and historic sites have helped boost visits.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-07-25 to 2025-07-31

  • The P.E.I. government states that it has hired 25 new doctors so far this year, with nine already practising and 16 to start later in 2025 and 2026. During this time, 8 doctors have retired or moved on. The Island hired 41 doctors in 2024.

    ctvnews.ca

  • P.E.I. and N.B. businesses are anticipating an economic boost due to the Confederation Bridge tolls being reduced to $20 on Aug. 1. Companies expect to save on the cost of transportation, which could lower the cost of goods and could help drive tourism.

    cbc.ca

  • Charlottetown’s water and sewage staff are on strike. Its union cites job security and unfair wages as the main issues. Workers haven’t had a contract since Dec. 2022. The city has offered a 2% wage increase and wants staff to do mandatory certification.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I.’s home sales saw a major increase in June, up 52% over June 2024, breaking a monthly record. While many major Canadian cities have seen sales drop, P.E.I. has a lot of inventory and comparably lower prices, with the average home price about $404K.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-07-18 to 2025-07-24

  • The Early Childhood Development Association of P.E.I. says that its initiatives to help recruit and retain staff is making a difference, but the need for workers has grown. Rural and francophone communities have had a greater shortage of staff than urban areas.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I. honey producers lost 23% of their honey bees over the winter, but at a rate much lower than the national average of 36%. The P.E.I. Beekeepers Association states that 2025 is shaping up to be a good one for beekeepers and honey production.

    cbc.ca

  • Acupuncture is now a regulated health profession in P.E.I. The chair of the new College of Acupuncture of P.E.I. states that there are now training and safety requirements in place, and practitioners will have 90 days to register and pay a licensing fee.

    cbc.ca

  • North Sun Energy, which operates North Atlantic Stores in N.L. has partnered with Little Caesars. The franchise agreement will see Little Caesar’s express outlets opened in 18 stores in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.

    vocm.com

  • An analysis of Statistics Canada data by Hill Strategies reports that there has been a sharp decrease in cultural funding in P.E.I. over the past 15 years. When adjusted for inflation, cultural spending on P.E.I. dropped by 62% between 2008-09 and 2023-24.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-07-11 to 2025-07-17

  • Charlottetown police are covering tuition for cadets who commit to serving with the police service for 5 years through a new sponsorship program. This comes amid a nationwide policing shortage. In the past year, the local police force lost 8 people to the RCMP.

    cbc.ca

  • Halifax-based renewable energy company Natural Forces, in partnership with Lennox Island First Nation, plans to build a new wind farm in Three Rivers that would see 4-5 turbines installed that could power about 11,500 P.E.I. homes. Land agreements have been secured and environmental assessment work has started.

    saltwire.com

  • The Government of Canada has announced $5.5M in funding to the Abegweit First Nation for the construction of a 2km multi-use pathway to connect the Confederation Trail to Scotchfort that will also include an active transportation visitor centre. The project will help support active lifestyles and eco-tourism in the area.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2025-07-04 to 2025-07-10

  • Some tourism-related businesses are reporting a strong start to the season. Coach Atlantic says that is bookings are strong, with many guests looking to support Canadian businesses. P.E.I.’s Ride Solar says its business has roughly doubled so far this year.

    cbc.ca

  • P.E.I.’s oyster industry is concerned that dermo disease has been identified in oysters in Egmont Bay. Dermo is a highly damaging mollusc disease. The province recently created a $3M contingency fund to help the oyster industry with the MSX parasite.

    cbc.ca

  • Compton's Farm Market and Berry Patch in Summerside has shut down its strawberry U-pick operations for the season due to a fungal pathogen that can cause the plants to rot. The owner says the fungus has not been found at his other field in Indian River.

    cbc.ca

  • Summerside city council gave preliminary approval to Traveller's Rest Mini Homes Ltd. to move ahead on a new 17-lot subdivision for manufactured homes. The mayor stated that the development will help diversify housing options and offer affordable units.

    cbc.ca