CHARLOTTETOWN – Oct. 16, 2025 – The Prince Edward Island Business Economic Council (PEIBEC), also known as BEC, today released its inaugural annual report, Project Island, marking a major milestone in the Chamber networks ongoing work to strengthen evidence-based advocacy work and policy development.

The report was unveiled to Island Chamber members this morning during a member business meeting at the historic Rodd Charlottetown, followed by a policy briefing with Premier Rob Lantz and members of Cabinet. Economist David Campbell of Jupia Consultants Inc., who was commissioned by PEIBEC to lead the study, presented key findings and insights from the report, highlighting areas of opportunity for long-term economic prosperity across the province.

“This is the first time I’ve seen such a coordinated effort among chambers across one province,” said Campbell. “The depth of collaboration and the level of data collected sets an impressive benchmark for how local, like-minded organizations can work together to ensure the right metrics are tracked to inform decisions that will affect the Island’s economic prosperity.”

Speaking on behalf of PEIBEC, Kim Griffin – past president of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce and founding member of the Council – emphasized the importance of maintaining this data-driven annual check-in on the province’s economic health:

“We are incredibly proud to launch this first Project Island report,” said Griffin. “By reviewing and analyzing key economic indicators each year, we’re equipping both business and government with the insights needed to make sound, forward-looking policy decisions that benefit all Islanders.”

KEY FINDINGS FROM PROJECT ISLAND

The Project Island report presents a comprehensive analysis of economic trends and challenges shaping PEI’s future. Among the highlights:

• PEI’s labour force has grown faster than all other provinces over one- and five-year timeframes, and ranks second over a ten-year period.
• PEI has the second highest share of persons with disabilities participating in the workforce nationally.
• Between 2013 and 2023, PEI led the country in the growth of its exports.
• Despite recent positive trends (e.g. the median age declining), deaths continue to outnumber births, raising concerns about long-term demographic sustainability. Future population growth will rely heavily on a workforce strategy for the Island.
• Slower population growth combined with rising service demands is expected to increase fiscal pressure on the province’s tax base.
• Job vacancy rates remain elevated.
• In an increasingly competitive investment environment, PEI must expand export-focused industries to sustain economic growth.

The full report will be available for public access at www.peibec.ca starting Friday, October 17, 2025.

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PHOTO 1 : Members of the PEI Business Economic Council gathered Oct. 16 in Charlottetown to launch the inaugural version of their Project Island report. Seen from left are Bianca McGregor, CEO of Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce (GCACC); Julie Hambly, GCACC president; Janine Arsenault, spokesperson for the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI (CCAFLIPE); Ben Parsons, past president of the GCACC; Spencer Gallant, vice-president of the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce (GSCC); Kim Griffin, former president and life member of GCACC; Mitch Martin, CEO of the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce; Sandra Hodder, CEO of the Eastern PEI Chamber of Commerce; Iain McCarvill, president of the Kensington & Area Chamber of Commerce (KACC); Julie Corbett, executive director of the KACC ; and Raymond Arsenault, manager of the CCAFLIPE.

PHOTO 2: Economist David Campbell presents his findings from the Project Island report.

PHOTO 3: Representatives from the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI met with economist David Campbell (second from left) of Jupia Consultants Inc. following the launch of the inaugural Project Island report. He is pictured with manager Raymond J. Arsenault, event coordinator Alecia Arsenault, and spokesperson Janine Arsenault.

 

BACKGROUNDER

The Prince Edward Island Business Economic Council (PEIBEC) is an Island-wide partnership formed through the province’s network of Chambers of Commerce. A non-partisan, member-funded volunteer council, PEIBEC brings together business leaders from across industries and regions to provide a unified voice for economic prosperity and sustainability.

PEIBEC’s mandate is to produce annual white papers, scorecards, and data-driven insights—tools that support sound public policy, strengthen entrepreneurship, and promote a competitive, sustainable economy for all Islanders

 

Media Contact:

Madeline Biso
Policy Analyst & Media Relations Manager
Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce
mbiso@charlottetownchamber.com
(902) 628-2000, ext. 224