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Prince Edward Island: Maritime Provinces
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The nominal chief executive of Prince Edward Island is a lieutenant governor, who is appointed by the Canadian governor-general in council to a term of five years. The lieutenant governor represents the British sovereign and holds a position that is largely honorary. The premier, most often the leader of the majority party in the provincial legislature, is the actual head of the provincial government and presides over the executive council (cabinet). In addition to the premier, the executive council is made up of eight ministers who head the departments of agriculture and forestry, community affairs (including the office of the attorney general), education, economic development and tourism, fisheries and environment, health and social services, provincial treasury, and transportation and public works.
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In 1864, Prince Edward Island played host to the Charlottetown Conference. The choice of location was somewhat peculiar, as the members of the Island's delegation were nearly all opposed to either Maritime Union, or the larger union proposed by the Canadians. (It has been suggested that the Island government refused to attend any conference unless it was allowed to be the host.) The Island's delegates were Premier John Hamilton Gray, Attorney General Edward Palmer, Member William Henry Pope, Upper House Reform Leader Andrew Archibald Macdonald, and Lower House Opposition Leader George Coles.
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Prince Edward Island, with an area of 5660 sq km (2185 sq mi), is the smallest province of Canada. Its extreme length is about 195 km (about 120 mi), and its extreme width is about 65 km (about 40 mi). The province has a coastline of some 1260 km (some 783 mi), which is indented by many bodies of water, such as Bedeque, Egmont, Hillsborough, and Malpeque bays. Several inlets on the N coast have been largely closed off by sandbars. Some small islands, including Boughton, Lennox, and Saint Peters islands, are part of the province. Elevations range from sea level to 142 m (465 ft), near the community of Hunter River.
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Its maritime location gives Prince Edward Island a milder climate than might ordinarily be expected at its northerly latitude. The climate is very humid. In Charlottetown average temperatures range from a high of 23°C (74°F) to a low of 14°C (57°F) in July, the warmest month. In January, the coldest month, temperatures range from a high of -3°C (26°F) to a low of -12°C (10°F). The average annual precipitation is 1,200 mm (47 in), and residents can expect an average of 3.4 m (11 ft) of snow each year. About 150 days each year are free of frost.
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The smaller rural communities as well as the towns and villages throughout the province proudly retain a slower-paced, old world flavour, something that factors heavily into Prince Edward Island's popularity as a destination for relaxation. The economy of most rural communities on the Island are based on small-scale agriculture, given that the size of farm properties is small when compared with other areas in Canada. There is an increasing amount of industrial farming as older farm properties are consolidated and modernised.
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Agriculture, tourism and fishing are the main industries present in Prince Edward Island. About 30% of Canada’s potatoes are grown in Prince Edward Island, providing the most important source of income for the province's 2000 farms. Tourism in particular is on the rise as the Island’s charm, landscapes, and golf courses entice greater numbers of visitors each year. The manufacturing sector is comprised mainly of food processing. However, high-technology is becoming important, especially in the medical, electronics and agricultural fields.
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