More job opportunities available in rural areas

The Employment Development Agency will provide funding for an additional 200 employment positions to businesses in rural PEI, through the Rural Jobs Initiative.

The Rural Jobs Initiative helps rural business owners to recruit, hire, and train staff and supports innovation in rural communities across the province.

The Rural Jobs Initiative assists workers in transition from certain industries, as well as industries being impacted by the loss of skilled workers. The Initiative supports private businesses and non-government organizations that focus on rural community economic development.

“Rural workers are very important to our Island economy and given the impact that COVID-19 has had on our businesses and workforce it is important that Islanders have as many job opportunities as possible. This increase in funding will benefit our rural businesses and our workers, so I encourage all rural businesses in the non-profit and private sectors interested in accessing funding for positions to take advantage of this great program.”

- Fisheries and Communities Minister Jamie Fox

Last year, the Rural Jobs Initiative helped employers fund 93 positions in private and non-government sectors. This year, the program will help nearly 300 Islanders find jobs in rural PEI.

“So far in 2020, we have provided funding for approximately 90 jobs in retail, farming, fishing, and trades industries across communities from Tyne Valley to Eastern Kings,” said Employment Development Agency, executive director Amie Swallow-MacDonald. “With the approved increase, that means there is funding available for over 200 more positions in our rural workforce through the Rural Jobs Initiative.” 

Media contact:    
Kip Ready
Department of Fisheries and Communities
902-314-3407
kjready@gov.pe.ca