“Many of our numbers from 2011 are encouraging, indicating the strength of our economy,” says Minister Sheridan. “Our population growth rate was the highest in the country, farm cash receipts were at an all-time high for Prince Edward Island, we posted our highest number of housing starts since 1988 and our employment averaged the third highest growth rate in the country. These are all signs that our economy is on the right track.”

The 38th Review provides a wide array of facts and figures on the economy, population and social make-up of Prince Edward Island, as it looked in 2011. The Annual Statistical Review is widely referenced as the source for the most recent information about the social and economic situation of the province.

Highlights include:

• Island population totals 145,855, an increase of 1.7 per cent;

• 2011 population growth rate was the highest in the country;

• Economic growth of 1.1 per cent;

• Employment averaged 72,000, an increase of 1,400 jobs or 2.0 per cent, the third highest growth rate in the country;

• Farm cash receipts valued $474.5 million, an increase of 17.5 per cent and an all time high for Prince Edward Island;

• Unemployment rate averaged 11.3 per cent; • Total labour income increased by 4.1 per cent;

• Consumer price index increased by 2.9 per cent;

• Retail sales increased by 5.6 per cent;

• Housing starts totalled 940, an increase of 24.3 per cent and the highest number of housing starts since 1988;

• Value of new motor vehicle sales decreased by 0.7 per cent; and

• International exports increased by 5.5 per cent.

The document can be viewed online at www.gov.pe.ca/finance. Printed copies are available from Island Information Service, 11 Kent Street, Jones Building, 1st Floor.