Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island also known as PEI or just TheIt receives an average of 868mm of rainfall annually
Island is one of the three Maritime Provinces. Theand an average of 340cm of snowfall. Winters are
crescent shaped island is separated from the mainlandgenerally cold with an average of -7 degrees Celsius
by the Northumberland Strait. Its neighbours are thein January. The snow usually comes in November and
Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia both onstays until late April. Summers are usually warm, with
Canada's mainland. Its total size is 2184 square milesan average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius in July.
making it Canada's smallest province. No place in theThe Provincial Government of Prince Edward Island is
Province is more than 16 km (10 mi) from the sea.led by Premier the Hon. Patrick George Binns who is
The 9 mile long Confederation Bridge, which opened inthe leader of the Progressive Conservative Party. The
1997, joins PEI with New Brunswick and is the longestProvince is responsible for administering the Healthcare
bridge over ice covered waters in the world. There isSystem which provides a basic care system for the
a toll payable when leaving the island. The Province isPEI residents.
in the Atlantic Time Zone which is GreenwichThe Education System and the Driving Regulations are
Meantime -4 hours. Between the months of April andalso regulated by the Province and have differences
October Daylight Saving is in effect and the differencefrom other parts of Canada.
is GMT -3 hours.The Provincial Revenue Tax (PST) is a 10 per cent
There is a population of 135,294 people (2001 census).tax applied to the retail sale or rental of most goods
The Province is divided into three counties; in theand certain services in Prince Edward Island. The tax is
middle is Queens County, to the east Kings Countycalculated on the selling price, after the Federal GST
and to the west Prince County. The Provincial capital(Good and Services Tax) is applied. Residents of PEI
of Charlottetown is located in Queens County and theare subject to Provincial and Federal Taxation.
second city of PEI is Summerside located in PrinceThe Government is actively seeking new residents
County.and has a dedicated Provincial Nominee Program for
There are many smaller communities throughout theboth Business people and Skilled workers with a profile
Province. The terrain is mostly gently rolling hills, thereof high demand jobs.
are no mountains on the Island, the highest point of landThey offer a very informative section on immigration
is only 152 metres (499 feet) above sea level aton the government's Website that can offer advice on
Springton, Queens County. The Northern shores areemployment standards, minimum wages, arrival info
predominantly white sandy beaches and in the south itand assistance to name a few. The PEI Association
is mostly red sandstone cliffs. There are many smallfor Newcomers to Canada is an organization that help
lakes, rivers and Parks PEI's climate is normally milderimmigrants settle in Prince Edward Island. I'd
than the mainland due to the warm waters of the Gulfrecommend contacting them if you plan on living in PEI
of St. Lawrence that surround it.as they can offer invaluable advice and assistance.