"I encourage Islanders to tune into the program for an opportunity to learn about provincial government programs and to meet the people who are impacted by them," said Honourable Pat Mella, Provincial Treasurer. "Island Focus is award-winning programming that celebrates the scope of Prince Edward Island's primary sectors from agriculture, small business, culture and beyond."

The season premiere will be hosted amid the fall foliage of Glenmartin Provincial Forest. Host Gerry Birt will discuss the role of provincial forests with Manager Dan McAskill. Later in the program, Mike Butler, also of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, will explain the importance of research happening at provincial sites.

The broadcast will include segments on the Prince Edward Island litter awareness campaign and cycling the Confederation Trail tip to tip. In addition, several farmers will be featured about their efforts to reduce pesticide use on the farm as well as others who participated in the first annual open farm day tour in early October.

Weekly Focus Trivia winners have the chance to win a piece of handcrafted pottery from Stanley Pottery and Weaving Studio in Breadalbane. The draw will take place December 5, 2002 with the winner announced during the December 16, 2002 broadcast.

Island Focus is the provincial government's community outreach television program featuring the people, places and programs of Prince Edward Island. It is available to more than 220,000 EastLink Television subscribers in Nova Scotia, Sackville, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. This season, Island Focus will air Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Segments can also be viewed online at www.gov.pe.ca/focus. For more information, please contact (902) 368-6322 or send a message to focus@gov.pe.ca.