Participants noted that PEI's Employment Standards legislation sets the lowest employment standards in the country.
Participants reminded each other that PEI's Employment Standards legislation sets the lowest employment standards in the country (e.g., low minimum wage, few statutory holidays, high allowable overtime, etc.) - a situation that participants felt was at the disadvantage of workers. In addition, attendees felt that this creates a perception that the province is a "cheap" labour market and attracts businesses who want to do business on the Island simply because they can pay their employees less.
With regards to wages, participants also noted that as the workforce shrinks and skills become scarce, there are wage-bidding wars inside PEI, as well as with companies outside the province. This has created a situation in PEI where the province cannot compete with higher salaries elsewhere and the structure of the economy is unable to support internal competition either.