Strengthening Rural Canada is a comprehensive study of the challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s rural communities. Using the most recent Census and National Household Survey data, the initiative examines existing social and human capital dimensions in rural areas and how these factors will impact rural growth.

The three-year pan-Canadian initiative is intended to provide important information on demographic, social, cultural, economic and organizational changes happening in rural, small town, and remote communities; to highlight the various challenges that these communities are facing or will have to face in the coming years; and to provide potential solutions for these challenges.

Overall, 28 communities across four provinces were chosen to take part in the initiative, including five communities from British Columbia: Chetwynd, Gold River, Hope, Salmo, and Tumbler Ridge.

The research findings offer practitioners, researchers and policy makers important insights into the labour market and economic challenges and opportunities of rural areas in British Columbia.