Responsive and responsible budget delivers on Islanders’ top priorities

The provincial government has delivered a balanced budget that will invest in areas close to the hearts of Islanders. 

Finance Minister Darlene Compton presented the 2019-20 operating budget to the Legislative Assembly today.

The budget is projecting a surplus of $1.8 million and invests in priority areas including health care, education, poverty reduction and the environment. 

“Our budget is focused on responsible spending that will allow us to build long-term prosperity for all Islanders,” Minister Compton said. “The priorities outlined today draw on the best ideas we have heard from all three parties, our community partners and Islanders. We want to deliver on these priority investments while also maintaining a small surplus.”

Highlights of the budget include:

• $195 million in total new investment, with $77.4 million offset by federal program revenue, resulting in total new net expenditures of $117.6 million;
• $36.3 million in new expenditures for health care services, a 5.4% increase over last year; 
• $19.2 million in education supports, particularly for new classroom teachers and educational assistants, resulting in a 4.8% increase over last year;
• $11.3 million to address poverty and affordable housing;
• Infrastructure operating expenditure of $109.7 million offset by $98.4 million federal revenue;
• $4.1 million in new investments to combat climate change; and 
• $5.7 million to support our primary industries, particularly following the devastating growing season of 2018.

“Hardworking Islanders are the backbone of our economy and we want to see them directly benefit from our success,” Minister Compton said. “This budget plan is part of a bigger plan, one based on the shared goal that every Islander will have the ability to succeed.” 

Learn more about the 2019-20 operating budget

Media Contact:
Samantha Hughes
Department of Finance
(902) 368-5501
shughes@gov.pe.ca