Capital Budget investing in greater supports for Islanders

Today, Premier Dennis King and Finance Minister Darlene Compton tabled government’s capital budget that will see $156 million of planned spending on critical infrastructure through 2020-21 supporting the livelihood of Islanders and communities across the province. 

“It is because of the ambition, tenacity and creativity of hardworking Islanders that our economic situation has remained strong and healthy, allowing for meaningful investments for the long-term benefit of all Islanders. We have an opportunity to follow the lead of Islanders and be innovative and bold in how we invest in our province. This budget reflects our promise to work with Islanders so that we can build a better future for our province, together.”  

- Premier Dennis King

Government’s five-year capital plan was developed through an ambitious collaborative effort involving the opposition caucuses, as well as government and community partners. The budget outlines an unprecedented $685 million in capital spending through 2024-25 that looks to the future with investments in infrastructure and technology that center on people, communities, wellness and the environment. 

Highlights include:

Investing in our people:

• $47.5 million in additional investment for a new total of $148 million that will transform how mental health is delivered in PEI;
• $17.5 million for 100 new government-owned affordable housing units to help address the housing need across the province;

Investing in our communities:

• Over $100 million to modernize our schools through new construction, capital improvements and new technology to support a growing student population and ensure safety learning environments;
• $5 million for the creation of two new Rural Health Care Hubs, to meet the needs of Islanders, and to provide robust community-based health services;
• $42 million planned investments for next year to pave existing roadways and repair vital bridge infrastructure that connect communities and supports economic growth, with an overall five-year planned investment of $200 million; 

Investing in our wellness:

• $34.5 million for state-of-the-art health care equipment, to ensure proper and continued care of Islanders;
• $8 million for the implementation of an Electronic Medical Record system in family physician and primary care offices to support the delivery of more responsive and efficient patient care across the Province;

Investing in the environment:

• $750,000 in additional new spending for a total of $1.65 million to establish a comprehensive network of electric vehicle charging stations across the Island;
• $5.4 million in planned spending to continue with the installation of biomass heat for government facilities to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
• $1.8 million starting next year to complete a land use inventory

Through the delivery of this Capital Budget, Government continues to make significant strategic investments in critical infrastructure that is important to Islanders now and into the future – accessible health care, modern schools, affordable housing, climate change mitigation and adoption and a safer transportation network. 

“Through new and enhanced investments in health care, schools, housing, our transportation network, recreation spaces and technology we are laying the foundation for our children to have a bright future, for communities small and large to grow and prosper, and for all Islanders to continue to have access to important services close to home,” said Minister of Finance Darlene Compton.

 “Prince Edward Island has changed a great deal in recent years. We have done well, but we can do even better and we must always strive to do better for our province. With this capital budget, we are investing in our future and we are putting people and communities at the heart of the decisions that we make.”

Media contact:
Spencer Lee
Department of Finance
902-368-5501
snlee@gov.pe.ca