CHARLOTTETOWN, June 2, 2026 — The Independent Review of the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) is inviting residents, organizations, and interested parties to express their views on IRAC’s broad mandate, how it has delivered on that role, and what will make it effective into the future.  

“IRAC carries out a very important range of public services to residents, businesses and governments at all levels,” said Commissioner Rory Francis. “This is an opportunity to think carefully about its roles and responsibilities, as well as the efficiency and effectiveness with which it operates.” 

The Independent Review wants to ensure that there is broad public engagement in this first formal review of IRAC since its inception in 1991. 

There are two ways to take part, and people are welcome to do both should they choose. 

• Make a submission online, in writing or by audio. The deadline to submit is July 31, 2026. 

• Register to present in person to the Review Commissioner and staff at a public session in one of five communities across Prince Edward Island. Meetings will take place between June 24th and July 8th. Those who wish to present must register in advance. The deadline to register is June 14, 2026. 

“The more experiences and ideas we hear, the better our understanding will be, and the stronger the path forward. I encourage everyone to take part,” said Francis. 

The Review is seeking public input on the structure, mandate, performance, and transparency of IRAC’s processes in four areas. 

• Energy and utilities regulation: how rates and decisions are set, how petroleum products are priced, how open and predictable the process is, and how well it protects the public interest. 

• The Lands Protection Act administration: how land ownership approvals and exemptions are handled, how consistent and transparent the decisions are, and the clarity of roles, policy and procedures. 

• Appeals processes: how consistent, timely, and transparent decisions are on appeal matters such as planning, rental decisions, property and tax assessments, environment, and heritage. 

• Governance and institutional design: how IRAC is organized and held accountable, how it maintains its independence, and whether it has the tools to effectively deliver its combined role as regulator, appeals tribunal, and administrative advisor. 

Submissions may be made in English or French. One public session will offer simultaneous French and English translation so participants may present in French. 

The Commissioner will deliver a final report, which will be made public, by November 1, 2026. For full details on how to take part, visit iracreview.ca. 

 

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ABOUT THE REVIEW 

The Independent Review of the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission is a review examining the structure, mandate, performance, and quality of IRAC’s processes. It operates separately from government and from IRAC.  

WHAT IRAC DOES 

The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission is an independent tribunal and regulator established in 1991. It regulates electricity rates, petroleum prices, and certain water, wastewater, and waste management rates; advises on and administers the Lands Protection Act; hears appeals on planning, residential tenancy, environmental, heritage, and property tax matters; and advises government on municipal restructuring.