The Periphery in the Knowledge Economy: The Spatial Dynamics of the Canadian Economy and the Future of Non-Metropolitan Regions in Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces

• Main Authors: Polèse, Mario, Shearmur, Richard
• Format: Report
• Language: French
• Published: Institut national de la recherche scientifique 2002
• Subjects: Peripheral regions; non-metropolitan regions; remote regions; resource regions; low population densities; absence of a large urban metropolis; remote from major markets; Québec; New Brunswick; Nova Scotia; Prince Edward Island; Labrador; Newfoundland; Canada; Norway
• Online Access: https://espace.inrs.ca/id/eprint/9517/; https://espace.inrs.ca/id/eprint/9517/1/Polese_Shearmur_2002_Report.pdf

The study focuses on the prospects of peripheral regions. Other names could apply: non-metropolitan regions; remote regions; resource regions; etc. No entirely satisfactory term exists. The regions that are the focus of this study all share certain attributes: low population densities, the absence of a large urban metropolis, distance from major markets. Taking distance as our benchmark, approximately 28% of all Canadians lived beyond an hour’s drive of a major metropolis (with populations of over 500,000 in 1996). Although the study examines trends for Canada as a whole, the focus is on Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Eleven regions were selected for in-depth analysis. The study is the result of a broad-based research effort, involving experts in Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and Nordic nations. Seventeen background studies were produced: — A review of recent literature on regional economic development, with a focus on the knowledge-based economy and Nordic nations — An in-depth statistical analysis of geographical trends in population and employment for Canada from 1971 to 1996. — Five country studies, looking at similar trends and regional policy, for Finland, Sweden, Norway and Scotland. These nations were chosen because their geography and development levels most resembled that of Eastern Canada. — Specific studies for eleven regions of Quebec and Atlantic Canada. These studies entailed statistical analysis and fieldwork, the latter based in large part on consultations with local experts, entrepreneurs, and practitioners. About 200 persons participated in focus groups. A two-day workshop was held in Montreal in October 2001 with researchers and practitioners. Findings were brought together, discussed, and digested. The study seeks to summarize this mass of information and accumulated experience. However, the opinions expressed remain the sole responsibility of the authors.