In this series of articles we will talk about the provinces of Canada, covering demographic, economic and climatic aspects, among others.
Located on the east coast of Canada, Prince Edward Island commonly referred as PEI, is the smallest and least populated province, with a little more than 160,000 habitants and around 5,600 km2.2The largest city and capital of the province, Charlottetown, is home for about 25% of its population, also famous for being the “Birthplace of Confederation'', a historic event in 1864 that led to the founding of Canada. Every year the province welcomes an average of 2,000 immigrants. Other great highlights of the province are the beautiful sandy beaches with red sandstone cliffs, delicious potatoes and the amazing tales of Anne de Green Gables.
Part of the Atlantic provinces of Canada (along with Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador), PEI is situated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, north of Nova Scotia and east of New Brunswickfrom where it is connected to the mainland by the Confederation Bridge, Canada’s and one of the world’s longest bridges.
Most of the island is a gently rolling plain with red soil that is good for growing crops. Numerous streams, bays, and tidal estuaries indent the irregular coastline. No spot on the island is more than 16 kilometres from salt water.
The climate in the province is moderate and receives a significant impact from the surrounding ocean. Winters are moderately cold and long but milder, and summers are moderately warm, but rarely uncomfortable. Also characterized by changeable weather throughout the year, the climate in PEI is one of the most variable day-to-day weather in Canada, in which specific weather conditions rarely last for long. The average temperature in Charlottetown in the summer is 19 °C and in the winter is -7 °C.
English is the official language of the province with more than 94% of the population speaking only English, since most of them are descended from Scottish, English and Irish origins. Government services and education are also offered in French.
The province’s economy is dominated by the industries of agriculture, fishery and tourism. It is known for growing the best potatoes in the country and accounts for a third of Canada's total potato production. Lobster fishing, along with other seafood are also very important for the economy of the island. Tourists visit year-round and enjoy a variety of leisure activities.
Over the last decade, the province’s economy has grown significantly in key areas of innovation. Aerospace, bioscience, information and communications technology, and renewable energy industries have been the focus for this diversification.
The school year in Canada starts in September and ends in June, with the months of July and August being the summer break. Like many other aspects of the country, it is the responsibility of the provinces to monitor and regulate education. In PEI, Canadian citizens, permanent and temporary residents have access to free education from Kindergarten to Grade 12, starting at 5 years old, as long as certain requirements are met. French-language education is also provided by the province.
The province has one University and two colleges. The University of Prince Edward Island is the largest and Holland College are located in Charlottetown and Collège de l’Île, a French-language institution, is located in the community of Wellington.
In addition to the immigration process offered by the federal governmentProvincial Nominee Programs – PNP) to immigrate to Canada. Prince Edward Island oferece o PEI Immigrant Nominee Program (PEIPNPwhich nominates people who have the intention to work and live in the province, to apply for permanent residency. The province's priority is to invite entrepreneurs and individuals qualified to work in areas with skill shortages in the PEI labour market to apply for the program.
The province is also part of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program – (AIPP), created in 2017 to address labour shortages in Atlantic Canada. The program allows eligible employers to hire foreign-trained workers and international graduates. Due to its success, the pilot is now a permanent program.
Prince Edward Island offers a variety of activities for the more than 1.5 million visitors that come to the province each year. From the beautiful beaches, various golf courses, eco-tourism adventures, touring of the countryside, to coastal drives and many cultural events in local communities, there is always something interesting to do around the island.
The most visited attractions are Green GablesHeritage Place, Prince Edward Island National Park, Confederation Trail, PEIWest Point Lighthouse West PointConfederation Bridge, Basin Head Provincial Park Basin Head and The Confederation Centre of the Arts.
For more information about Prince Edward Island visit princeedwardisland.ca and tourismpei.com.
By Janayna Sercheli
If you wish to immigrate to Prince Edward Island, contact Klaps Immigration Consulting for more information on immigration processes.
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