Ministerial Mandate Letter - Finance and Affordability

Dear Premier,

Please accept this letter in response to your mandate letter to all Ministers, dated March 3, 2026, for the Department of Finance and Affordability.

The Department of Finance and Affordability drives the fiscal, technological, and human‑resource foundations that enable government to deliver efficient, modern, and sustainable public services. The Department provides strategic analysis, administrative leadership, and policy direction to Treasury Board; leads expenditure management; oversees taxation, statistics, federal fiscal relations, procurement, and property assessment; delivers transparent reporting on the province’s financial performance; and provides enterprise‑wide IT services that enables efficient and timely access to public services for Islanders.

As the ministry responsible for alcohol, cannabis, and gaming, the Department ensures Islanders and visitors have access to safe, regulated products through an efficient and socially responsible retail network. Through the Public Service Commission, the Department delivers strategic human‑resource leadership to government departments and agencies, including recruitment, classification, organizational development, and labour relations.

This letter reflects the Government of Prince Edward Island’s whole‑of‑government approach and the priorities set out in the Speech from the Throne. It emphasizes practical, evidence‑based action, collaboration across departments, disciplined fiscal stewardship, and measurable outcomes for Islanders.

Specific Actions for the Next 12–18 Months

• Improve forecasting accuracy, tighten expenditure control, and enhance in‑year tracking of fiscal plan performance.
• Implement a contract management system.
• Advance responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across the public service, including training of at least 25 per cent of civil service employees.
• Modernize recruitment and retention systems, including work with Health PEI on an enterprise applicant tracking system.
• Implement an Internal Audit Program.
• Modernize government procurement by updating policies to prioritize local products and services and introducing legislation for service procurement.
• Improve liquor, cannabis, and gaming regulation to ensure access to safe, regulated products, and achieve our social responsibility objectives.
• Modernize property tax and land registry processes.
• Introduce legislation to improve transparency in public‑sector compensation.
• Support colleagues across government on program effectiveness reviews that will help us collectively improve our fiscal outlook and reduce red tape for Islanders.

The Department will advance these priorities with a strong emphasis on accountability, transparency, and value for money. Progress will be monitored closely to ensure these commitments translate into tangible results for Islanders.

Sincerely,

Hon. Jill Burridge