2024 Fall Capital Budget Address

Good Afternoon. Bonjour. Kwe.

Madam Speaker, It is with great pride and a profound sense of responsibility that I rise today to present this year’s capital budget—a plan that reflects not only the needs of today but the aspirations of tomorrow. Guided by the theme “Building for Our Future,” this budget marks a pivotal moment for Prince Edward Island. It is a moment of commitment to transformative investments in the infrastructure that will carry our communities into the future.

This budget represents the largest capital investment in our province’s history, rivaled only by the sweeping changes ushered in by the Comprehensive Development Plan of 1969. For those who may not recall, that plan was a landmark initiative for PEI—a courageous step toward modernization during a time when the Island faced economic uncertainty, population decline, and limited access to critical services. That ambitious vision required significant investment and careful planning. Though not without its challenges, the results have been undeniable: the infrastructure built under that plan—our bridges, roads, schools, and hospitals—has served Islanders for more than five decades.

Today, we find ourselves in a similarly transformative moment. Once again, we are confronted with new challenges and new opportunities—challenges that include unprecedented population growth, climate change, aging infrastructure, and evolving needs in healthcare, education, and housing. The decisions we make today must be guided by a vision that reaches well beyond the present, just as those leaders did in 1969.

This capital budget is about more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about investing in people, places, and potential. It ensures that every Islander, whether from the heart of Charlottetown or the smallest rural community, has access to the infrastructure they need to thrive. It’s about ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit a province with strong schools, modern healthcare facilities, efficient transportation, and updated public infrastructure. We owe it to future generations to build a foundation that supports sustainable growth and economic opportunity while preserving the unique character and sense of community that makes our Island so special.

Madam Speaker, The investments outlined in this budget will touch every corner of our province. From new schools and health centers to improved highways and more resilient infrastructure, this plan represents a collective effort to strengthen the backbone of our society. It is designed to meet today’s challenges and lay the groundwork for a prosperous, resilient, and sustainable future.

Just as the Comprehensive Development Plan called upon Islanders to embrace change and think boldly over 50 years ago, we too must meet the challenges of our time with courage and ambition. We must invest not only in the infrastructure that serves us today but also in the innovations and systems that will serve future generations. With this budget, we are not merely reacting to current needs—we are anticipating tomorrow’s demands and preparing for the future with confidence and purpose.

This budget, being introduced today, represents a record investment in our province, with a forecasted spend of $1.65 billion over the next five years, including $483 million in fiscal year 2025-2026. This is a historic investment in our province, and it is one that we all should be proud of.

Madam Speaker, this is not just a budget; it is a blueprint for our future—a future we build today, with hope, with vision, and with the unwavering belief that Prince Edward Island’s best days are yet to come.

Building a Strong Foundation for Learning

A growing province requires growing schools, and through this capital budget, we are making significant investments in education infrastructure to ensure every Islander has access to safe, modern, and inspiring learning environments. Our commitment to Building a Strong Foundation for Learning reflects not only our response to increasing demand but also our belief that every child, no matter where they live, deserves the best start possible.

Over the next five years, we will invest $64.9 million in two new elementary schools in Charlottetown, adding capacity where it is most urgently needed. The work on the first of these schools will begin with East Royalty this fiscal year, with completion scheduled for 2028/29. To accelerate the process, we will replicate the design of Sherwood Elementary School, ensuring the new school meets the same net-zero ready standards. Each new school will provide space for 650 students, relieving pressure on existing schools and creating vibrant learning spaces that foster student success. Planning and design work for the second school in West Royalty will begin in 2028/29.

In Georgetown, we are planning to replace the elementary school, with a total investment of $10 million. This new facility will provide students and educators with a modern learning environment to support innovative teaching methods, with a target completion date of 2029/30.

In Stratford, the timeline for a new junior high school has been advanced by two years. This $70.4 million project will begin design and architectural work in 2026/27 and is expected to accommodate 750 students upon completion. We are also moving forward with major renovations at Westisle High School, by investing $16.8 million in phase one of their renovations, which will start in 2026/27.

To ensure ongoing upkeep and revitalization, we are investing $16 million over the next three years to our School Revitalization Fund, continuing the multi-year $22 million commitment we began in Fall 2023. This funding will address urgent needs — such as classroom upgrades, learning space improvements, and accessibility enhancements — ensuring that every school in PEI is a safe, modern place to learn.

We are also allocating $20 million over the next five years for annual capital repair projects, which will ensure our schools remain fully functional and efficient for future generations. The expansion of Queen Charlotte Intermediate — an $18.9 million project — will add over 20,000 square feet of learning space as well as meeting rooms, updated mechanical systems, and green building initiatives. Work on this project began this year, and construction is expected to start in late 2025, with completion targeted for 2027/28.

This capital budget also sees the completion of many ongoing new or major renovations in our education system. This budget includes $4.7 million to complete Sherwood Elementary, $54.9 million to complete Stratford High School, $53.3 million to complete Evangeline, and $21.8 million to complete the François Buote expansion project.

To meet growing capacity needs in the short term, we will invest $1.8 million in 2025/26 to acquire five mobile classrooms, providing flexibility while permanent spaces are under development. New buses are also on the way, with $43.5 million allocated over five years to purchase 131 buses and install additional fast-charging infrastructure. Finally, we are introducing outdoor learning spaces, with $300,000 allocated over the next two years. This program is being developed in collaboration with education partners and aims to promote innovative learning in outdoor environments.

Madam Speaker, our schools are the heart of our communities, and these investments reflect our commitment to providing students, educators, and families with the tools they need to succeed. From new schools and modernized facilities to energy-efficient transportation and enhanced learning spaces, we are building a foundation that will support the next generation of Islanders and beyond. With this capital budget, we are not just responding to today’s challenges; we are investing in a brighter, stronger future for all.

Building a Healthier Tomorrow

Health is the foundation of a strong and vibrant society. Through this capital budget, we are making transformative investments that will not only meet today’s needs but also ensure our healthcare system is resilient, accessible, and modern for future generations. Our vision for Building a Healthier Tomorrow will see expanded facilities, enhanced care programs, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies to improve patient outcomes across our province.

The final phase of the Mental Health Campus has begun with $205.5 million committed over the next three years. This includes building the new Mental Health and Addictions Wellness and Transition Centre, incorporating the Addiction Transition Unit currently at the Provincial Addictions Treatment Facility in Mount Herbert, and a new Mental Health Transition Unit, set to be completed by the end of 2026.

The second building to be completed in this phase is the new Mental Health and Addictions Acute Care and Life Skills Center, which will include both Mental Health Acute Care inpatient beds and the Inpatient Withdrawal Management Unit currently at Mount Herbert. Completion is expected by early 2028.

Recognizing the growing demand for long-term care, we are allocating $11 million to expand public long-term care beds in Souris and Tyne Valley, with plans to assess future expansion needs.

Our investments in community programming for seniors are also expanding. With an $18.8 million investment, we are adding new space for Adult Day Programs, with initial sites in Summerside, Montague, and Charlottetown. These spaces will offer enhanced services, including accessible bathing and dementia-friendly environments, giving caregivers peace of mind and enriching the lives of those who need these vital services.

We continue to transform primary care delivery in the province, with $70.7 million committed in this five-year plan. $21.2 million will fund a new Community Health Centre (CHC) in Three Rivers, $26 million will support a new CHC in Queens County, and $10.3 million will complete the CHC in Summerside. Additionally, $4.1 million will enable the Patient Medical Home model in South Shore, Gulf Shore, and Central Queens, creating integrated spaces for physicians and allied health professionals. In Kensington, $3.4 million will build a new Primary Care Access Clinic, increasing capacity for services such as diabetes education.

As we prepare to welcome our first cohort of medical students at the UPEI School of Medicine, we are equipping our health system to accommodate them. A new $12.3 million Medical Residency and Health Education Centre adjacent to the QEH will provide housing and childcare for medical residents, aiding our retention of future physicians. Additionally, $733,000 will be invested in necessary renovations at the Prince County Hospital to welcome medical learners.

The replacement of Kings County Memorial Hospital is underway, with site selection nearing completion. Health PEI is collaborating with the community to create a facility that meets the needs of eastern PEI. An initial $34 million will establish a campus model with expanded inpatient beds, a modern emergency department, enhanced diagnostic imaging, and connectivity to a new Three Rivers Community Health Centre.

To maintain and modernize our healthcare infrastructure, we are directing $16 million towards the next phase of the QEH Redevelopment Project. Record investments will also support infrastructure repairs, including $24.7 million for health infrastructure maintenance, $1.25 million for renovations at the Prince County Hospital, $1.8 million to expand Sexual Health Options and Reproductive Services, and $500,000 for a mobile primary care clinic. $1.2 million will expand the midwifery program into Summerside, following its successful launch.

Healthcare equipment upgrades are essential for quality care. We will replace large-volume IV pumps, purchase a new X-ray machine at KCMH, replace beds in long-term care homes, and upgrade nutrition services equipment at QEH. Air handling units, generators, and chillers at QEH will also be modernized. Over five years, more than $36.8 million will be invested to upgrade essential healthcare equipment across the province.

We are also advancing technological improvements to modernize healthcare delivery. Investments of $20 million will support IT upgrades, including a new staff scheduling solution, electronic case management for mental health and addictions, long-term care IT solutions, improved wireless networks, a Radiology Information System replacement, and new surgical waitlist management software. Additionally, $2.6 million will fund the launch of a self-service portal next year, providing clinicians and patients with easier access to vital health data.

Madam Speaker, our healthcare system is evolving to meet the demands of a growing population. With these investments, we are building more than just facilities—we are building a future where Islanders have access to the highest standard of care close to home. This capital budget ensures that our health services will be sustainable, modern, and responsive, allowing every Islander to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Together, we are building a healthier tomorrow for all.

Building Homes, Strengthening Communities

Our government is committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities across Prince Edward Island. Access to safe, affordable housing is fundamental to well-being, and we are focused on ensuring that every Islander has a place to call home. Through significant investments in housing, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and emergency preparedness, this capital budget lays the groundwork for vibrant, resilient communities that will thrive for generations to come.

In the current year alone, we forecast $31 million to complete 87 new units in Mount Stewart, Kensington, Charlottetown, Summerside, and Alberton, as well as to acquire up to 79 existing units to add to our social housing inventory and ensure they remain affordable.

Over the next five years, we will build 482 new social housing units with a total investment of $184.6 million. This includes $13 million allocated to build 30 new units at the former manor site in Montague. We are also expanding housing options through modular units and acquisitions, with $5.6 million added to reach a five-year total budget of $23 million, securing an additional 63 units. The Hillsborough Park development will see a $17.4 million boost, bringing the total investment to $84.4 million for 172 units, along with accompanying infrastructure, including roads, water, and sewer systems.

Ongoing projects, such as the Malpeque Road development, remain on track, with 145 units expected by 2026. Additional units at Richmond Street in Charlottetown and Harbourview in Borden will be completed over the next two years. These developments will offer a range of family, senior, and transitional housing options, fostering inclusion with pet-friendly policies.

A further $20 million will be dedicated to public housing renovations and repairs over the next five years. A prioritized maintenance schedule will ensure tenant needs are met, with annual inspections guiding resource allocation.

To support emergency and transitional housing needs, $1.5 million will fund a 13-unit Supportive Housing Project — Smith Lodge 2.0 — scheduled for completion next fiscal year.

Innovation in housing will continue, with $6 million allocated over five years to build tiny and small homes. In collaboration with the Construction Association of PEI, the Department of Education and Early Years, and Holland College, 47 units will be created: 12 through the Construction Association, 20 through Island high schools, and 15 through Holland College.

Supporting these smaller homes, $8 million will be spent over five years on essential infrastructure such as water, sewer, and electricity connections, expanding housing solutions in areas like Miltonvale Park, where $1.3 million will be invested in infrastructure next year.

Our government remains dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations through investments in group homes. Over the next two years, $2.8 million will build two new purpose-built group homes for children with specialized needs. Additionally, $2.1 million will fund further group homes, and $2.9 million will support capital repairs and improvements to existing group homes and visitation sites, creating safe, supportive environments for children and youth.

As youth transition from care, we are committed to their independence. A $3.7 million investment will create 10 units of supportive housing, ensuring every young person has a secure place to call home.

We are committed to sustainable communities through environmentally conscious initiatives. This budget continues our investment in the fast-charging network for electric vehicles, with $2.6 million allocated to install new chargers next fiscal year, supporting green transportation.

Our Buffer Zone Acquisition Program, funded with $2.5 million over five years, will improve water quality and expand tree planting efforts to increase carbon sequestration. We will also continue retrofitting government buildings and public housing for energy efficiency in partnership with Efficiency PEI and the PEI Housing Corporation. A $16.2 million investment over three years will support heat pump installations, renewable energy use, and building upgrades. Additionally, $10 million over five years will support shoreline protection to safeguard provincial assets, roads, and land from climate impacts.

To bolster emergency preparedness, we are investing $3.9 million in new generators for key infrastructure sites and public housing, along with $900,000 for emergency equipment in warming centers and shelters. These investments will ensure critical services are available during major weather events and emergencies.

This budget also reflects our commitment to public spaces and cultural heritage. Over five years, $9.7 million will enhance parks and campgrounds, including Basin Head, to improve visitor services and expand campgrounds in Prince County. Additionally, $1.5 million will fund capital repairs and maintenance at museums and heritage sites, with $1.8 million over two years to improve artifact storage and preservation.

Finally, $1.25 million next year will complete the $7.2 million Keir’s Shore Wharf project, supporting aquaculture fishers in Malpeque Bay and strengthening the community’s economic vitality. An additional $500,000 will support repairs and maintenance at wharves, slips, and water access points.

Together, these investments represent our unwavering commitment to building homes and strengthening communities across Prince Edward Island. By focusing on housing, sustainability, infrastructure, and support for vulnerable populations, we are laying the foundation for a prosperous and inclusive future.

Building Modern, Accessible Public Services

The delivery of public services must keep pace with the changing needs of Islanders. This capital budget prioritizes modernizing our digital infrastructure, streamlining services, and enhancing efficiency. By investing in technology, we ensure that Islanders have timely access to services, public servants are better equipped to support them, and government decisions are backed by data-driven insights.

An investment of $5.2 million over five years will launch a new Student Loan administration system that enables better coordination of federal and provincial loans. This system will provide students with seamless, one-stop access to information and streamline loan administration.

The Public Service Commission will proceed with a $2.1 million investment over the next three years to replace its manual classification system. This new system will improve recruitment and job classification efficiency, helping government attract and retain top talent.

To ensure improved functionality, security, and tracking, new case management systems will be introduced for Restorative Justice, Therapeutic Courts, and Victim Services offices, with a total investment of $463,000 over the next three years.

Next year, we will launch an online portal that allows Islanders to access government services, retrieve health test results, and more. This $5.5 million investment over five years, including a $3.3 million increase, will create a central hub for government services, offering Islanders easy access to timely information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Maintaining safe and reliable infrastructure is essential for the well-being of our communities. This budget allocates $295.6 million over five years for the maintenance of roads, bridges, and highways across the province, ensuring Islanders remain connected and safe.

And, Madam Speaker, last but certainly not least. Every member of this Chamber knows the challenges around cell phone coverage in this province. We hear it daily — not just in rural PEI, but in our urban centers as well. While telecommunications are a federal responsibility, Islanders are counting on action. It’s time we step up where the federal government has lagged behind.

To improve connectivity in our province, our government will invest $2.5 million next year to build new cell phone towers across the province. This initiative, in partnership with service providers, will address cellular coverage gaps, ensuring communities across PEI are better connected. Once the initial towers are operational, we will assess future expansion sites needed across the province.

Madam Speaker, through these investments, we are building modern, accessible public services that meet the needs of today and prepare us for the future. From improved digital platforms and streamlined processes to enhanced telecommunications and smarter infrastructure, this budget ensures government services will be more efficient, transparent, and accessible for all Islanders.

Conclusion

In closing, this capital budget is more than a series of projects and line items—it is a bold commitment to the future of Prince Edward Island. Through these investments, we are not only renewing the infrastructure that forms the foundation of our communities, but also embracing the innovation and sustainability needed to meet the challenges ahead.

Much like the visionaries of 1969 recognized the potential for growth and transformation through the Comprehensive Development Plan, we, too, are called to take decisive action. The choices we make today—whether it's modernizing healthcare facilities, expanding schools, enhancing transportation networks, or investing in more housing for Islanders—will shape not only our present but also the province our children and grandchildren will inherit.

This budget is a testament to what is possible when we look beyond short-term challenges and focus on the opportunities. By building for our future, we lay the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous PEI—one that is prepared to grow, adapt, and thrive in the decades to come.

Madam Speaker, we cannot afford to wait. The time to build is now. With the support of this Legislature, and through the hard work and determination of Islanders, this budget will set us on a path toward a brighter tomorrow. Together, let us rise to the challenge, as those before us did, and create a legacy of progress, opportunity, and sustainability.

Let us embrace this moment with the confidence that we are building not just for today, but for the generations yet to come.

Thank you. Merci. Wela'lin.