Research | PEI Well-being Project

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Background:

In fall 2021, the Institute of Island Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island embarked on a four-year project to better understand and assess the well-being and quality of life of Prince Edward Islanders.

An online survey launched in September 2021 was one of the first initiatives. In it we asked Islanders aged 18 years and older to complete answer questions that explored personal well-being while offering the opportunity to share thoughts on how island communities could be better places to live, work and play.

Societal progress is often assessed using relatively narrow economic indicators, including the Gross Domestic/Provincial Product. Over the past decade, complementary indicators have emerged in several jurisdictions that help broaden our understanding and assessment of societal well-being. The Institute of Island Studies well-being project aims to gather input from Islanders to identify these complementary components of well-being that are important to them, and which inspire civic engagement and community vitality.

The results of the survey are now available in this 36-page document that focuses on community vitality, inclusion, and belonging. Please take the time to peruse it.

If you are interested in learning more, please join us for the next stage of the well-being research: Vital Conversations, happening across the island in partnership with the Community Foundation of Prince Edward Island in May and June 2023. Vital Conversations will help focus on what people living on PEI feel is important for their well-being and quality of life, especially as they emerge from the uncertainties of a pandemic and the aftermath of a post-tropical storm. What did we learn about well-being and island life during and following the pandemic and Fiona? How did we work well together? How do we prepare for the future, so we are better equipped for the next emergency? Vital Conversations are an effective tool to bolster community engagement and well-being, as they provide an opportunity to connect local organizations and resources and build new relationships that inspire action.

Dr. Laurie Brinklow, Interim Chair of the Institute of Island Studies, notes the importance of the survey: “We would like to thank Islanders who took the time to complete the survey and to tell us how they think the province is faring in creating engaged and vibrant communities. We now look forward to taking the next step toward creating policies and practices that ensure a better quality of life for everyone.”

You’ll find the complete schedule of meetings and registration information here on the Community Foundation’s website.

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Media contact:
Dr. Laurie Brinklow, Institute of Island Studies
902-894-2881 | brinklow@upei.ca

Research Coordinator:
Dr. Phil Davison, Institute of Island Studies 
phdavison@upei.ca