Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island's infrastructure needs upgrades to transportation, expand broadband access, and support economic diversification for its communities.
Prince Edward Island (PEI) is a small province located in eastern Canada, with a population of approximately 157,000 people. The province's infrastructure is critical to its economic development, as it connects the island to the mainland and provides access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and transportation.
PEI's transportation infrastructure is a vital component of the province's economy, as it facilitates the movement of goods and people across the island. According to Statistics Canada, the province had 4,725 kilometers of roads in 2020, with 1,436 kilometers classified as primary highways. Additionally, the province has two airports, including the Charlottetown Airport, which serves as the primary air transportation hub for the province.
The province's healthcare infrastructure includes four hospitals and several primary care clinics. According to the Canada Health Infoway, 97% of physicians in PEI use electronic medical records, which improve the quality of patient care and reduce healthcare costs.
In terms of energy infrastructure, the province has made significant progress in recent years towards reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. As of 2021, approximately 34% of the province's electricity came from renewable sources, including wind, biomass, and hydroelectric power.
Finally, the province's digital infrastructure is critical to its economic development, as it provides businesses with access to essential digital tools and services. According to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, as of 2020, 96.2% of households in PEI had access to broadband internet, which is essential for remote work, e-commerce, and other online services.
In summary, while Prince Edward Island faces some infrastructure challenges due to its small size and isolation, the province has made significant investments in recent years to improve its transportation, healthcare, energy, and digital infrastructure. These investments are critical to the province's long-term economic development and will ensure that PEI remains a vibrant and connected community for years to come.