Development & Technology
Ministry of Development and Technology
The Ministry of Development and Technology has wide and varied responsibilities.
Partnerships with the private sector to create jobs and wealth
The Food Technology Centre for instance does research on potential new food products on behalf of businesses as well as partner with companies in developing new products. The Food Technology Centre runs a federally approved and certified lab to assist in the development of new food products and to analyze existing products.
The Prince Edward Island Business Development funds diversified manufacturing industry in the province. Funding is provided to Island businesses who produce a wide range of products. In addition, the Ministry provides support for the development of the aerospace industry which is now one of the leading exporters in the province. Other sectors of excellence include life sciences, food development.
Technology PEI is responsible for the development of the information technology industry in the province. Funding is provided to Island companies seeking to capitalize on business opportunities. TechPEI also works to develop the film, television and new media industry.
The Ministry also funds development organizations such as the Charlottetown Area Development and the Summerside Area Development Corporation which work in partnership with communities to create jobs and wealth and to promote development in the area.
Another responsibility of the Ministry of Development and Technology is to create jobs and wealth through immigration and through the encouragement of investment by immigrants. The Provincial Nominee Program administered by Immigration and Investment will result in new Islanders moving here from outside the country.
Community Economic Development
The Ministry of Development and Technology works with Island communities to create a community development plan that meets the needs of the area. A detailed planning process is in place that involves the Community Development Bureau of the Ministry and members of the community working together to develop the community.
Technology PEI has also worked towards the development of local communities with the establishment of Community Access sites throughout the province which gives Islanders without access to the Internet with a place to go to access information that they require. In addition, some of the CAP sites have helped to develop web pages which further promotes the community.
Access PEI is another means of promoting communities. There are eight Access PEI sites throughout the province who deliver programs and services as well as information on behalf of the Government of PEI.. The sites had over 300,000 visitors last year and almost 300,000 phone calls which clearly shows the value Islanders place in being able to access programs and services close to their homes.
The Government of Prince Edward Island website, developed by Ministry staff and other departments, has a homepage for each Island community.
Strategic Infrastructure
The Ministry of Development and Technology also owns strategic infrastructure throughout the province. The Ministry owns Gateway Village which provides retail space for Island communities and has helped to create a shopping destination for Islanders and visitors in the Borden-Carleton area. The Ministry also supports business parks in strategic sites throughout the province. The Souris Food park, for example, provides a location that can be used to prospect new business to the area. As well, in Charlottetown the Ministry owns the trade centre portion of the Civic Centre along with the Atlantic Technology Centre.
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