Pre-Budget Consultations 2026

Pre-Budget Consultations for the 2026-2027 Operating Budget

Pre-budget consultations are now open; this is your opportunity to get involved. 

The operating budget guides how government manages resources, including people, programs, and services, to ensure communities have the supports and tools they need while maintaining fiscal responsibility. 

Engaging Islanders in conversations about their priorities will help shape the 2026-2027 operating budget and help move us closer to a brighter, bolder, and better future for all Islanders.

PEI’s Economy Today

The Island economy has proved resilient through 2025. Trade uncertainty, geopolitical conflict, and demographic changes continue to pose risks to the Island economy into the future. Some 2025 economic highlights include:

• Population has increased by 1.6 per cent to 182,657 through July.
• Employment has increased by 1.2 per cent through October.
• International exports have increased by 12.8 per cent through August.
• Housing starts increased 8.5 per cent to total 1,451 in the first three quarters.

In 2025, tourism experienced another strong year, with total overnight stays and fixed-roof accommodations up 4.5 per cent and 7.7 percent, respectively, on a year-to-date basis through July. Due to the drought experienced on the Island over the summer, crop yields are projected to be down, with both the potato crop and the wild blueberry crop being down about 30 per cent.  While the spring lobster fishery got off to a slow start, the fall lobster season got off to a good start, with good prices and catches. Disease has been impacting the oyster industry, with both MSX and dermo being found in Island waters. Manufacturing shipments of non-durable goods, mainly food, are up 5.3 per cent, while shipments of durable goods, such as fabricated metal products, are up 15.7 per cent.

The Province of PEI’s financial statements were released on October 8, 2025, and showed a $163.9 million deficit for the year ending March 31, 2025. Net debt for that fiscal year was $3.03 billion, or 28.8 per cent of the economy’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is fifth among the provinces. 

The Finance Department website provides detailed Economics and Statistical information, as well as the Financial Statements of the province for those interested in learning more.

You can view what Islanders shared during the Pre-budget Consultations 2025. 

Survey responses, emails, and submissions will be shared with the appropriate department(s) for their consideration. 

How you can participate

Islanders are invited to get involved and share ideas for the upcoming budget through the options below:

• The pre-budget consultation survey is now closed. 

• Submit your ideas to by email

  • budgetsubmissions@gov.pe.ca

• Participate in a Virtual Consultation 

  • Present your ideas directly to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance in a five-minute virtual presentation.
  • Register for one of the two dates below with your preferred session time by emailing budgetsubmissions@gov.pe.ca
    • Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 6:00pm - 7:30pm, available with simultaneous French translation. Please indicate if you would like to participate in French.
      • Session 1: 6:00pm - 6:30pm
      • Session 2: 6:30pm - 7:00pm
      • Session 3: 7:00pm - 7:30pm
    • Monday, December 8, 2025, from 11:30am - 1:00pm.
      • Session 1: 11:30am - 12:00pm
      • Session 2: 12:00pm - 12:30pm
      • Session 3: 12:30pm - 1:00pm

The deadline to complete the survey and provide submissions was January 7, 2026.