Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island operates as Canada's smallest province by area and population, its 170,000 residents creating an economy where individual sectors visibly matter. Agriculture—particularly potato farming—dominates landscape and exports; the Confederation Bridge (completed 1997) enabled tourism growth by eliminating ferry-only access; aerospace manufacturing provides surprising industrial diversity for so small a jurisdiction.

The potato industry demonstrates both specialization benefits and concentration risks. PEI produces roughly 25% of Canada's potatoes, with processing facilities converting output into frozen products for export. Disease outbreaks (like the 2021 potato wart discovery that temporarily halted US exports) reveal vulnerability when single commodities dominate. Diversification toward other vegetables and organic production attempts to reduce dependence without abandoning agricultural comparative advantage.

Population growth through immigration has reversed decades of stagnation, making PEI one of Canada's fastest-growing provinces in percentage terms. Housing prices, previously among Canada's most affordable, have risen sharply as newcomers compete for limited inventory. Whether the island can absorb population growth—with its infrastructure and service demands—while preserving the rural character that defines its identity tests provincial planning.