Final answer:
Prince Edward Island is the province and island north of Nova Scotia and east of New Brunswick, known for its historical ties to British colonialism and its role in Canadian history as a part of the Maritimes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The island north of Nova Scotia, east of New Brunswick, and separated from them by the Northumberland Strait is Prince Edward Island. Named after the father of Queen Victoria, Prince Edward Island stands as a testament to British influence in Canadian history.
The history of Prince Edward Island is tied closely to the British etymology, as seen in the naming of Nova Scotia, which means "New Scotland."
The island shares a maritime connection to the British colonial era, with historical ties extending back to the formation of the Province of Massachusetts Bay in 1691, which included Nova Scotia before it was split off in 1696.
Today, Prince Edward Island forms part of the Canadian Maritimes along with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is known for its agricultural lands despite the poor soil quality from glaciation during the ice ages and is a testament to the resiliency of the area under a harsh climate.
Fishing, tourism, and farming are vital components of its economy, and although it is the smallest province in terms of both size and population, it plays a significant role in the larger Canadian context.
The British North American Act of 1867 joined Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into the Dominion of Canada, with places like Prince Edward Island developing a distinct identity within this confederation.