Ministerial Mandate Letter - Fisheries, Rural Development and Tourism

Dear Premier,

Please accept this letter in response to your mandate letter to all Ministers, dated March 3, 2026. 

The Department of Fisheries, Rural Development and Tourism, which includes Tourism PEI and the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, is responsible for supporting and advancing Prince Edward Island’s fisheries, aquaculture, rural development, tourism, sport & recreation, archaeology, museums and heritage. Our mandate is to strengthen economic resilience, promote sustainable growth across rural communities, enhance cultural vitality and quality of life for Islanders, and ensure that the fisheries and tourism industries remain competitive, innovative, and well-positioned for long-term success. 

This letter advances the priorities outlined in the Speech from the Throne by focusing on practical actions to strengthen rural communities, support key industries, and deliver sustainable economic benefits for Islanders, while managing public resources responsibly.

Specific Actions for the Next 12–18 Months

• Working closely with industry and the federal government, implement an MSX/Dermo oyster adaptation strategy and provide financial supports that will support the sector in the immediate term.
• Advance seafood diversification through market expansion, species diversification, and processor modernization.
• Promote PEI seafood as a nutritious, sustainable food choice.
• Working alongside tourism industry partners, advance the Growing Tourism Together strategy to grow the industry, introduce new products and improve the profitability of tourism businesses.
• Support rural community planning through the Rural Growth Initiative.
• Advance resilience of cultural and heritage assets.
• Expand access to affordable sport and recreation programming.

I look forward to advancing this work in support of your priorities and to continuing to deliver practical, measurable progress for Islanders, our communities, and key industries.

Sincerely,

Hon. Ernie Hudson