In addition to the three topics discussed in the previous sections, a number of strategic considerations were also raised by participants at the Prince Edward Island provincial dialogue. They felt that while identifying and implementing solutions was critical, this could only be achieved if certain key strategic conditions were met. In particular, some noted that:

• To succeed, any broad strategic initiative must be supported by an owner or a structure to provide leadership, coordination and to draw people together (several participants posed the question as to what would, could or should happen after this WPP dialogue).
• It is important to take into account the broader context in which we live e.g., "think globally, act locally."
• Change requires ownership of the issue by all stakeholders and strong commitment on the part of the provincial government. It also needs greater collaboration, communication, and provincial/ regional cooperation.
• While the provincial dialogue focused on the issue of skills needs in the context of Prince Edward Island's aging workforce, it is important to keep in mind that this issue has broader social implications. The overarching goal should be about "making PEI prosperous, productive and caring."

As discussed in Section 3, participants felt that success could only be achieved through an overarching economic and labour market development vision and strategy for the province, which should in turn be built upon accurate labour market information.

However, attendees also felt that the province's ability to successfully deal with the issue of skills needs would also require a fundamental shift in attitudes: "attitudes affect the choices we make". "We need a cultural shift, a vision of what we want to be," others added. Participants highlighted the following examples of negative attitudes that undermine the province's ability to evolve and change:

• Parents and employers may tell youth they should simply "be thankful you have a job that will allow you to stay here, in beautiful PEI" and do not appreciate or understand youth's desire to seek challenging, interesting (and better paying) work;
• Some youth act as though "owes them" and who are not always willing to "pay their dues" and work their way up.