Building on the Momentum, a new five-year economic development strategy for eastern Prince Edward Island, was unveiled today by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Cardigan.

"The strategy focuses on the future, with it in hand we will continue to build on the momentum of what has been achieved with the last five year strategy," said Minister MacAulay, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "The Government of Canada is committed to continuing to work in partnership to create jobs and opportunities for eastern Prince Edward Island."

Developed based on consultation with community members, business leaders and youth, Building on the Momentum places strategic focus on tourism, innovation, community led initiatives and adding value to resource-based sectors.

Specific recommendations range from a five-point plan to build a culture of innovation, further capital investments to establish touring destinations, a "technology in tourism" pilot project, establishing a resource sector incubator facility and developing an apprenticeship initiative.

"Many ideas are captured in the strategy and I want to thank everyone who contributed their insight. I encourage people to look at the recommendations in greater detail. These are just some of the ideas and we are not limited to what is written on paper. The strategy will help to guide us, but we are only limited by our imagination," said Minister MacAulay.

The previous five-year economic development strategy for eastern P.E.I. was launched in 1995. This new strategy is the result of a commitment made by Minister MacAulay in October of 2001 to continue the strategic focus on economic development in eastern Prince Edward Island.

Building on the Momentum was funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and prepared by the consulting firms MacIssac Younker Roche Soloman and MacPherson Roche Smith & Noonan.

Copies of the strategy are available by contacting the ACOA office at 1-800-871-2596.

Executive Summary http://www.acoa.gc.ca/e/library/PEIFiveYear.pdf

Peter A. H. Graham
Office of the Hon. Gerry Byrne
(613) 957-9959

Catherine MacInnis-Gordon
ACOA PEI and Tourism
(902) 368-0502