Budget and Community Consultation sessions being held over the last week across Prince Edward Island are generating great feedback from Islanders about their fiscal and policy priorities, says Opposition Leader James Aylward.

“Good public engagement leads to better public policy. That’s why our caucus is hosting these sessions to listen and hear directly from Islanders about the priorities that need to be focused on to help create a more fair and more prosperous Prince Edward Island. We’ve received a lot of great feedback so far and expect that to continue as more Islanders get engaged,” says Aylward.

At the first two sessions, held in Charlottetown and Kensington, the Opposition PC Caucus heard from many social, economic and community stakeholder groups and individual Islanders. Presentations covered a diverse range of subjects such as the cost of living, poverty, tax fairness for individuals, rural infrastructure needs, tax competitiveness for business, economic growth opportunities, social inclusion, and supports for vulnerable Islanders.

“Government spends over $1.8 billion a year on programs and services with over $1 billion coming directly from taxpayers through taxes, fees, licenses and permits. That’s why the choices that are made must be prudent in order to have the greatest impact and lasting positive benefit for all Islanders. What we have heard so far is that there is room for improvement in how this government is spending tax dollars,” says Aylward.