“ Susceptible communities may ultimately come out ahead, with a stronger economy and more skilled workforce, but the process of getting from here to there can be painful,” said Rachel Samson, the IRPP’ s Vice President of Research.

“ There are things governments can do to improve the resilience of communities and help make transformations easier.”

The communities, identified by the Institute through a first-of-its kind interactive map, are often small, rural and less economically diverse. Some, such as auto manufacturing communities, are already in the process of transformation while others, such as those producing natural gas, may have decades before transformation occurs.

In small communities, disruption can spread from individual companies and their workers and go on to affect local suppliers, services, government revenues and even housing markets.

The IRPP recommends:

• Enhancing incentives for private investment in susceptible communities: Federal, provincial and territorial governments should offer enhanced tax credits and subsidies to drive investment toward the communities that need it most.

• Empowering local strategic economic development planning: Federally funded Community Futures Organisations are based in the communities, are locally governed and could support community-led transformation strategies if they are adequately resourced.

There are things governments can do to improve the resilience of communities and help make transformations easier.

• Establishing a Canadian Centre for Community Transformation: The creation of a centralised information hub would allow for the sharing of community data, case studies and best practices nationwide, reducing the need for each community to start from scratch.

Future recommendations from the project will consider skills and training needs, adjustments to Employment Insurance, assistance for major employers and enhanced social supports. By 2026, the project will provide a comprehensive body of research and a suite of analysis, data and recommendations.

“ Canadian communities will face a host of challenges in the coming decades at the same time as governments will have to grapple with deep fiscal challenges. We need strategic, collaborative and ultimately locally driven policies and programmes that will help our communities seize opportunities and respond to disruptions,” said IRPP President and CEO, Jennifer Ditchburn.

For more information, visit irpp. org / community-transformations �

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