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Pre-Budget Consultation Survey - 2026-2027 Operating Budget

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The Island economy has proved resilient through 2025, though growth is slower than the record high seen in 2024. Overall, the PEI economy is unfolding largely as forecast in April 2025, with few direct disruptions from global trade disputes, and resilience in industries such as construction and tourism. The changes in federal and provincial immigration policy are beginning to impact the Island as expected, with population growth slowing and employment growth easing allowing for a more sustainable growth path.  Trade uncertainty, geopolitical conflict and demographic changes continue to pose risks to the Island economy. Some 2025 economic highlights include:
  • Population has increased by 1.6 per cent to 182,657 through July
  • Employment has increased by 1.2 per cent through October
  • International exports have increased by 12.8 per cent through August
  • Housing starts increased 8.5 per cent to total 1,451 in the first three quarters.

The Province of PEI’s financial statements were released on October 8, 2025, and showed a $163.9 million deficit for the year ending March 31, 2025. Net debt for that fiscal year was $3.03 billion, or 28.8 percent of the economy’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is fifth among the provinces.  PEI’s net debt increased by $380.1 million from 2023-24, and since 2020-21, it has increased by $728.5 million. However, since 2021, GDP has grown by 41.0%, outpacing the 31.7% growth in net debt over the same period. 

In light on these realities, the Government is now working on plans for the 2026-2027 Operating Budget for the province. The budget estimates how much revenue the government will collect and how much it will spend on programs and services for Island residents during the year. 
 
This survey gives you an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas on what you would like to see - or not see - in the upcoming budget. If you have additional input, please email your suggestions to [email protected].
Question 1: Are you responding to this survey as:
Question 1: Are you responding to this survey as:
Question 2: Please rank the areas where you would like to see more government action, in order of your priority - from 1 (top priority) to 8 (lowest priority).
Addressing government deficit and level of debt
Improving healthcare services
Addressing housing issues
Addressing PEI's energy consumption
Improving affordability / cost of living
Improving education resources and supports for children
Fostering economic growth and business growth
Enhancing social support programs for vulnerable populations
Question 3: Please rank the areas where you would like to see government spending, in order of your priority - from 1 (top priority) to 10 (lowest priority).
Further tax reductions for individuals and families
Further tax reductions for businesses
Increased investments in affordable housing 
More investment in childcare
Further investments in primary healthcare services (family medicine, mental health & addictions, homecare, virtual care options)
Further investments in surgical services with longer wait times (joint replacement, cataract surgery, etc)
Further investments in social assistance programs and supports for vulnerable Islanders
Investments to support primary industries (e.g. tourism, fisheries, agriculture)
Investments in education, including post-secondary 
More funding for programs to combat climate change
Question 4: Please rank the areas where you would like to see government invest in healthcare, in order of your priority - from 1 (top priority) to 11 (lowest priority).
Access to primary care in health centers
Ambulatory Care services
Improving surgical wait times
Increasing programs to help seniors stay at home longer
Increase long-term care bed capacity
Training healthcare providers 
Virtual care
Decreasing Emergency Room wait times
Increasing mental health and addictions program funding
Expanding access to prescriptions and medications
Increasing EMS services (e.g. more ambulances)
Question 5: Please rank the areas where you would like to see more government investment to address housing issues facing Island residents, in order of your priority - from 1 (top priority) to 7 (lowest priority).
Emergency support and addressing homelessness (e.g. overnight shelters, shelter helpline, transitional housing)
Supportive housing to provide a safe, secure and supportive environment for those in need of affordable housing 
Subsidized social housing
Affordability supports to remain in the home (e.g. home renovation programs, energy efficiency programs, home heating assistance)
First-time homeowner supports
Preserving affordable housing 
Housing construction incentives 
Question 6: Please rank the areas where you would like to see more government action or investment to improve affordability, in order of your priority - from 1 (top priority) to 7 (lowest priority).
Public transit
Rent regulations
Social assistance support
Tax reductions
Access to affordable food
Utility costs
Broadband and digital access supports 
Question 7: Please rank areas of financial concern most important to you, in order of your priority - from 1 (top priority) to 7 (lowest priority).
High tax rates 
Cost of living (e.g. groceries, utilities, transportation)
Lack of affordable housing
Lack of supports for middle-income families
Size of public service
Government spending levels
Government debt
Question 8: Please share any ideas and suggestions you have to make life more affordable in the comment box below (optional).
Question 9: Where do you think government could raise revenue to fund new programs or services or decrease its deficit (choose all that apply)?
Question 10: If needed to help make room for funding new programs and services in upcoming budget, where do you think government should focus to improve efficiency and reduce costs (choose all that apply)?
Question 11: Please share any specific ideas or suggestions where government could save money to reduce the deficit or invest in programs in the comment box below (optional).
Question 12: If a budget includes more money for programs and services than it expects to take in, it is known as a deficit. When the government has a deficit, it has to borrow more to operate. It does not have money to pay down its longer-term debt. What would you like to see the government do in Budget 2026?

Question 12: If a budget includes more money for programs and services than it expects to take in, it is known as a deficit. When the government has a deficit, it has to borrow more to operate. It does not have money to pay down its longer-term debt. What would you like to see the government do in Budget 2026?
Question 13: When should the government plan to have a balanced budget?
Question 13: When should the government plan to have a balanced budget?
Question 14: Is there anything specific you would like to see included in the upcoming budget?  Please share your thoughts in the comment box below. If you need additional space to share your thoughts, please email [email protected].
If you are responding as an individual island resident, please answer the following optional questions. 
 

Note: Personal Information is collected by the Department of Finance under the authority of Section 31 (c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used to assist in budget deliberations.  If you have any questions about the collection or use of your personal information, contact 902-213-2137.

Question 15: Please identify the county you reside:
Question 15: Please identify the county you reside:
Question 16: What is your age group?
Question 16: What is your age group?
Question 17: What is your current gender identity?
Question 17: What is your current gender identity?
Question 18: Which race or ethnic category best describes you?
Question 18: Which race or ethnic category best describes you?
Question 19: What is your annual household income?
Question 19: What is your annual household income?
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