"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 Mitch Murphy, Provincial Treasurer. "Island Focus is an award-winning program that encompasses Prince Edward Island's primary sectors from agriculture, forestry and fisheries to education, small business, tourism and much more."

The season premiere will feature Special Events and is hosted from the ArtZone Gallery. Island Focus host Gerry Birt will talk to ArtZone board member Nigel Roe about the purpose of this artist-run organization and some of its programming.

This year, Island Focus will introduce a new segment, called "ExtraOrdinary Islanders," which will profile Islanders who have made significant achievements, who have an extraordinary talent, who make significant contributions to their community – or are doing something special or unusual. The premiere program will feature Charlie Sark from Lennox Island who is dedicated to carrying on the tradition of making Mi'kmaq baskets.

The broadcast will also include segments on the celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Selkirk Settlers and the 10th Anniversary of the Links at Crowbush Cove. The World Driving Championship will also be featured, along with a look at celebrations being planned for the Year of Learning & Innovation which commemorates 200 years of education on Prince Edward Island.

Weekly Island Focus Trivia winners will have their names entered to win the Grand Prize of Dinner for Two at the Claddagh Room ($75 value). The draw will take place on December 4, 2003, with the winner announced during the December 15 broadcast.

Island Focus is produced by Multimedia Services of the Provincial Treasury and is available to more than 220,000 EastLink subscribers in Nova Scotia; Sackville, New Brunswick and in Prince Edward Island. Segments can be viewed online at: www.gov.pe.ca/focus. For more information, please call (902) 368-6322 or email a message to: focus@gov.pe.ca