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COMMENTARY: All hands on deck

There was a time on Prince Edward Island when September and October meant more than the start of fall. It meant potato harvest, and when the crop was ready, everybody knew there was work to be done.

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For decades, Island schools actually closed during the potato harvest so students could help get the crop in. Families worked together, neighbours helped neighbours, and young people learned pretty quickly that potatoes didn’t get from a field to the kitchen table by themselves.

I’m not suggesting we send the kids back into the potato fields. Farming has changed enormously since those days, and I suspect most teenagers today would have a few thoughts about the idea (and even some choice hand gestures). But there was something about that fall routine that I think is worth remembering: When there was important work to be done, Islanders got involved. Work ethic was enforced. Folks were expected to be up at dawn and work until dusk. That’s how Islanders became tough and resilient.

Unpredictable relationsihp

We’re heading into a period when we’re going to need some of that attitude again. The trade relationship we’ve relied upon with the United States is becoming less predictable. The cost of living continues to squeeze families. Businesses are dealing with higher costs and uncertainty, while governments are dealing with budgets that leave less room to manoeuvre.

I don’t think the answer is to become frightened or turn........

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