As the table shows, the broad topic of "Our Workforce" was identified as the main priority ($77.50), followed closely by "Education and Training" ($72.50), with participants repeatedly suggesting that the two issues were closely intertwined.

Within the workforce issue area, youth-related challenges (e.g., retention and repatriation, work-readiness, etc.) were deemed most important ($32.50). Participants also prioritized challenges related to older workers ($24.50), with two groups placing the emphasis here on succession planning and the value of mentorship by older workers. Some attention was paid to the challenges faced by the unemployed/underemployed, with participants emphasizing the difficulties of seasonal employment, poverty, and the perception of PEI being a "cheap" labour market. Finally, participants allocated a total of $7.00 to immigration and most felt that while immigration was important, it was not as pressing a challenge as others (most participants felt that the necessary first step was to focus on taking care of and retaining Islanders).

"Education and training" ranked a close second in terms of participants' priorities, with most of the money going towards workplace training and lifelong learning ($55.50). Here, participants generally called attention to gaps in the education system: low levels of literacy and numeracy; low number of high school graduates; the fact that credentials do not always translate in usable workplace skills. They also stressed the importance of starting career development at an early age and of good, timely, and accurate labour market information. Finally, participants focused attention on the school-to-work transition highlighting the importance of reducing the barriers and delays between school and work for youth. They discussed the importance of ensuring workers, young and old, acquire the essential skills and/or experience they require to succeed in the labour market.

While proportionately few participants allocated their funds to addressing challenges in the trades and technologies ($9.00), those who did stressed the urgency of addressing the skills gaps in this area. One group highlighted the role of educational institutions in advancing research and development (and ultimately productivity and innovation), and allocated $6.50 to strengthening capacity in this area. Only $1.50 was allocated to increasing the coordination among education and training stakeholders. However, this notion resurfaced in participants' comments on economic development.

The broader topic of economic development received $27.50. While this amount appears low, there was a sense that education and training and the makeup of the workforce underpin economic development. Participants split their money almost equally between job creation ($15.00) and productivity and innovation ($12.50). Participants also mentioned here that PEI's employment standards legislation was the lowest in the country, a situation which enhances the perception of PEI as a "cheap" labour market and which negatively impacts workers on the Island. In addition, they highlighted that creating a favourable environment for business investment in capital and training was crucial if PEI was to be competitive, especially in relation to Alberta and Asia.