CHARLOTTETOWN — P.E.I. Progressive Conservative Leader Dennis King says that because the province doesn't have deep pockets, it needs to innovate as it competes to attract health-care professionals to the province.

On the first full day of campaigning ahead of the April 3 provincial election, King pointed to a provincial delegation heading to Dubai this week to recruit 35 health workers as evidence of his party's efforts to improve the province's strained system.

King says that if reelected his party would also make virtual care apps that are aimed at reducing pressure on emergency departments free for all Islanders.

Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker says a key to getting health-care professionals to stay in the province is making their wages competitive with other jurisdictions so they feel respected and valued.

Bevan-Baker says a Green government would give the province's health authority more autonomy and shield it from what he says is political interference in its operations.

Liberal Leader Sharon Cameron has an announcement planned Wednesday on her party's plan to expand Islanders’ access to physicians.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 7, 2023.

The Canadian Press