Settling in Charlottetown and P.E.I. : recent settlers speak

Abstract

Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) is the only Atlantic province of Canada to register an increase in its population, albeit a slight one, in the latest intercensal period (1996-2001). Most of this demographic increase is attributable to the net influx of migrants, which includes Canadians (interprovincial migrants) and non- Canadians (international migrants). Between 2002 and 2003, the population of P.E.I. grew from 136,998 to 137,781, a net difference of +783. There were 1,374 live births and 1,246 deaths during the same period, a net difference of +132. In the same period, net international migration and interprovincial migration was +588. However, if the facts speak for themselves, settlers certainly haven’t. P.E.I. has not yet had the opportunity to mount a full-scale investigation about what settlers make out of their immigration experience to Canada’s smallest province. There exists considerable and up-to-date numerical data about immigration flows and characteristics; however, information resulting from a more qualitative study of recent immigrants, noting their stories and listening to their voices, has only been made available recently.