The capacity for sub-national island jurisdictions to increase autonomy : the example of Prince Edward Island

Abstract

This paper will attempt to explain how the Canadian Province of Prince Edward Island (PEl) can better use its jurisdictional capacity in relation to the policy area of jurisdictional autonomy. First of all, it is important to define what is meant by jurisdictional capacity and jurisdictional autonomy. Capacity refers to the ability to do something whereas autonomy refers to the ability to act alone or without interference or help from another power. Both concepts are important for the Sub-National Island Jurisdictions (SNIJs) of the international community. All jurisdictions, SNIJ or otherwise, have the capacity to act but are also affected by other entities. Sovereign jurisdictions have the most power to act alone, but many work with other entities to achieve goals across a spectrum ranging in diversity from North Korea to EU member states (Bartmann, 2000; Connell, 1993; Hache, 2001). A SNIJ's pursuit of autonomy may relate to the goals its citizens have for the SNIJ society; it may not have an interest in a great amount of autonomy, or it may require autonomy to act in key policy areas in order to achieve certain aims (Kersell, 1992; Lim, 1997; Locke & Tomblin, 2003)' Its capacity to act may help it to achieve autonomy in these areas which will lead to the achievement of its societal goals.