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• Main Author: Craig Brett
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2003
• Subjects: Canada; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.507.236; http://www.gov.nf.ca/publicat/royalcomm/research/brett.pdf

The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily refl ect those of the Royal Commission on Renewing and Strengthening Our Place in Canada. Demographic Trends and Implications for Public Policy The population of Newfoundland and Labrador is declining due to falling birth rates and persistent outward migration. The population that remains is ageing and becoming more urbanised. This report examines the co-evolution of settlement, settlement policy and economic development initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is argued that out-migration is not unique to rural Newfoundland and Labrador, and that rural economic development initiatives are unlikely to result in substantial population gains in outlying areas. Moreover, there is no compelling argument that increases in rural population are desirable for their own sake, or as a way to improve overall economic effi ciency. The motivation for a policy response to demographic change is based on the entitlement of all citizens to reasonable levels of public services, even those residing in small, rural communities. If no attempt is made to alter the delivery of public programmes, it will become increasingly