This course addresses the variety of challenges facing rural and smaller communities in Canada relating to livelihood creation and maintenance, employment, investment, business development, tax base maintenance and enhancement and the associated strategies for development planning and management. The roles of various agents (public, private, community, Third Sector) are addressed through the literature and case studies. The course critically examines ‘local’ and ‘community’ economic development, and reviews the rich Canadian experience here. The structure and dynamics of rural economies are examined. The course addresses selected methods of analysis and outlines the process of planning for, and managing, economic development at the local level. Various development organizations (e.g. cooperatives, Community Development Corporations) are examined. (Offered through Distance Education only.)
