The 2012 Annual Statistical Review provides a snapshot of the Island’s economy, population and social makeup, says Finance, Energy and Municipal Affairs Minister Wes Sheridan.

“As a government, we use the information found in the Annual Statistical Review to make some important policy decisions,” said Minister Sheridan. “It helps us determine where, and when, programs and services are needed.”

The minister said the information is also useful to private sector businesses and non-governmental organizations in their planning.

There are a number of interesting facts found throughout the more than 100 data tables in the Annual Statistical Review, including details of Prince Edward Island’s economic performance in 2012 and results from the 2011 Census. This information is compiled from a variety of sources including provincial government departments, the private sector and Statistics Canada.

“I remain concerned about the federal government’s decision to abolish the mandatory long-form census,” said Minister Sheridan. “This is the first year we are relying upon data gathered through the voluntary National Household Survey. The data is not as complete as it has been, and I sincerely hope that the federal government will consider reinstating the long-form version for the 2016 census.”

The Annual Statistical Review provides current, as well as historic, socio-economic information about Prince Edward Island.

The Annual Statistical Review is available on the Department of Finance, Energy and Municipal Affairs website at www.gov.pe.ca/asr.