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COMMENTARY: Is Prince Edward Island for sale?

I’ve been asking a question lately that has generated more than a few raised eyebrows: “Is Prince Edward Island for sale?”

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Not literally, of course. No one is planting a giant “for sale” sign on the cliff by Confederation Bridge. But every year another familiar Island business quietly changes hands. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that. Owners retire, and families make difficult decisions.

Remember Paderno? Superior Sanitation? Island Construction? Diagnostic Chemicals? Sold, sold, sold and I could name 50 more.

I don’t want to look backwards. So, instead of asking why these companies were sold to off-Island groups, the better question is this: Why does it seem harder than ever for the next generation of Islanders to step in and take over existing businesses, or to start new ones?

Alex Campbell reforms

There was a time when this province believed almost anything was possible.

Much of that confidence emerged during the years of Premier Alex Campbell’s reforms. Whether you agreed with every decision or not, the message was unmistakable: Prince Edward Island didn’t have to settle. We could build successful companies, modern institutions like UPEI, and thriving communities that engaged and supported people........

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