CHARLOTTETOWN -- A new report says Prince Edward Island will be ahead of its Atlantic counterparts in economic growth this year.
The Conference Board of Canada ranks the Island first in the region and fourth nationally in projected GDP growth, behind British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario.
The board pegs the rate of growth for the Island at 2.6 per cent this year and 2.5 per cent in 2016.
The provincial outlook report says lower gasoline prices and a drop in the Canadian dollar are fuelling the growth.
It adds that the lower dollar will promote tourism to the Island and bolster the exports sector, while the construction industry will see an increase in housing starts.
Statistics Canada said recently that employment grew by 1,000 jobs last month.
