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LETTERS: UPEI students struggle to find stable work, accommodations

Seasonal economy unstable for all

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As a student at the University of Prince Edward Island thinking about life after graduation, I often see incentives offered to graduates who choose to stay and work on the Island. For example, P.E.I. incentivizes international graduates who stay through the Study and Stay P.E.I. program. Incentives are offered in an attempt to combat our labour shortage issues. These initiatives aim to address ongoing labour shortages, while highlighting a bigger issue: the instability faced by many seasonal workers here on the Island.

Tourism, agriculture and fisheries — some of P.E.I.’s largest industries — all rely on seasonal workers. These jobs are plentiful and essential to our economy during the summer months. However, many seasonal workers face reduced hours or unemployment when the season ends. This cycle makes it difficult for Islanders to maintain stable incomes or plan for their futures.

This is not only an issue pertaining to employees; it affects businesses as well. Employers struggle to find labour each season, then have to deal with the expenses that still occur during the winter months, while workers must look for new opportunities each year.

Greater economic diversification, along with efforts to extend the tourist season, could reduce the financial uncertainty many Islanders face. These steps would also make P.E.I. a more attractive place for university graduates to start a career while helping address labour market demands. Seasonal industries are vital to P.E.I.’s identity and economy, and the workers and businesses that sustain them deserve greater stability and long-term support.

Olivia Eliopoulos, UPEI student, Charlottetown

Living independently seems unrealistic

Re: P.E.I. rental vacancy rate edged up in 2025 but so did apartment prices, Jan. 26

As a university student in my first year, this article about the cost of accommodations hits close to home. Seeing the cost of rent and housing consistently rising over the years makes me question whether it will ever slow down, or if it is going to get even worse when it’s time for me to buy my own home.

For many students and young adults, this is a common issue that we all share. We all want to live independently after graduating, but it is starting to feel less and less realistic. Luckily, I can live at home while studying at UPEI because my commute is not far, but for students with longer drives, the issue is even more prevalent.

On top of that, the cost of tuition, food, and everyday expenses are already high, and adding the high rent prices makes the situation even more difficult. Many students want to stay in P.E.I. after high school to build their careers and help the local economy, but with the continuing rise of housing costs, it could make our futures much more uncertain.

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If housing prices continue to rise at this rate, many of us young people might feel forced to leave the province in search of a more affordable future. Addressing housing affordability is not only important for young Islanders who hope to build their lives here, but also for current residents, because they need the next generation to contribute to the economy.

Evan Weeks, UPEI student, Hunter River

Islanders’ relief absent in IRAC rulings

Islanders are told time after time that IRAC exists to shield us from volatile markets, yet the system currently supports the total opposite. Instead of consumer protection, it reliably secures the profits for companies leaving Islanders with highest fuel costs in the region.

IRAC operates on a guaranteed margin formula, this ensures wholesalers and retailers receive a very predictable profit. This insulates companies from global conflicts which drive market volatility. Even though its stated as “stability,” it means us consumers absorb the impact, while companies’ returns are safeguarded. Even when oil prices decline, Islanders rarely see meaningful savings. A friend recently shared with me that despite the lower price drops last winter, her heating bill was minimally different. It is no longer consumer protection, but a structure that prioritizes corporate success over family’s affordability.

The lack of market competition can also be equally concerning with regulated pricing. No incentive exists within the market to reduce costs as why would businesses change when they have a guaranteed profit, due to consumers having no other alternatives? The “proof is in the pudding,” as one would say: Islanders pay more than residents of neighbouring provinces, even where taxes on fuel is higher. As of this letter, P.E.I. is paying 180.3 cents per litre while in Nova Scotia it’s 168.7 cpl and New Brunswick is paying 169.8 cpl.

The mandate of IRAC should be to safeguard Islanders and not guarantee corporate margins. We deserve transparency, competition and a system that cares for families.

Kurtis Jay, UPEI student, York, P.E.I.

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