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COMMENTARY: GDP growth isn't the same as prosperity

The province recently released its 2025 statistical review, and on the surface, the numbers are impressive. P.E.I.’s economy grew by 2.8 per cent in 2025, making us the second-fastest growing economy in Canada. Manufacturing shipments reached a record $4 billion, international exports climbed to an all-time high of $2.6 billion, employment reached another record, and housing starts were the strongest in more than 50 years.

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So why doesn’t it feel like we have a booming economy? The report focuses on gross domestic product (GDP) as its main measure of growth. Simply put, GDP measures activity, not prosperity. It tells us the economy is getting bigger. It doesn’t tell us whether businesses are more competitive, more profitable, or whether Islanders are feeling more financially secure.

It’s also important to remember that not all GDP growth is created equal. When Island businesses export more products, attract more visitors, or........

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