The board, which was formed by the Premier in March, 2015 to provide advice on economic factors and assist Prince Edward Island in advancing its economy and enhancing its ability to meet strategic targets, met recently with Premier Wade MacLauchlan and several cabinet ministers and deputy ministers.

The meeting focused on government’s plan to support growth of exports and remain fiscally prudent with expenditures. Key areas of discussion included managing health expenditures while maintaining investments in key frontline services, reducing poverty, and creating more opportunities for Islanders to enter the workforce.

“Prince Edward Island has seen above-average growth in important sectors. Government is committed to building on these successes while maintaining a commitment to fiscal prudence,” said the Premier.

Following the meeting, the board provided a letter to the Premier outlining its insights from the discussions. In keeping with government’s commitment to engaging Islanders and increasing transparency, the board’s letter to the Premier is publicly available at www.gov.pe.ca/economicadvisorsletter

Board members include:

• Tim O’Neill (Chair), of Cape Traverse, former Chief Economist and Executive Vice President for BMO;

• Elizabeth Beale, former president and CEO of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council; and

• Michael Horgan, former federal deputy minister of finance.

The board meets three times a year. The next meeting will take place in November.