Author Description

This report documents the population decline which affected small Canadian communities between 1981 and 1986. It first reviews population trends from 1978 to 1986, noting the effect of the 1980-82 recession on the many small towns which grew during the resource boom of the 1970s. More precisely, the report reveals the decline in population in 182 communities, mainly in those having one to three thousand inhabitants. The regions of Canada most affected by this decline are noted. The second section reviews the economic conditions of the early 1980s and identifies the economic sectors responsible for population decline. The third section identifies 55 census variables which are sued to establish the relevant characteristics which make the 182 communities differ markedly from one another although they share a somewhat similar economic base. The report concludes with discussion of programs designed to alleviate regional disparities.