We feel this is inappropriate, and the key defining factors should be property values, especially considering the travel constraints, limited job opportunities and the level of services in rural PEI.  

The Island Party will review the contentious Municipal Government Act (MGA) to ensure democracy is respected and all involved will have the right to a binding referendum when restructuring is being considered for an area.  The Minister’s powers will be reduced in that they will no longer be able to create or restructure municipalities without approval of residents.  To ensure residents have a say in how money is spent within municipalities, a requirement for a vote on yearly budgets will be reinstated and expanded to include cities as well as smaller municipalities. 

The Island Party feels that regional cooperation should be promoted through the creation of economic development zones.  Representatives from community councils and industry sectors within these zones could be elected to serve on a regional board while preserving and strengthening our small communities. (Note:  this does not address unincorporated areas).