This research project, which examined the economic dynamics of peripheral regions in Eastern Canada in the context of a more globalized and knowledge-based economy, was undertaken by l'Institut national de recherche scientifique (INRS) in Montréal and the Canadian Institute for Research on Regional Development (CIRRD) in Moncton. The project was sponsored by both the Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Québec (CED-Q) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

Following a series of economic shocks in Eastern Canada's outlying areas, CED-Q and ACOA wanted to see if similar regions with a significant natural resource base and located far from large markets were experiencing the same economic challenges, and if different approaches to economic development being used in other areas of Canada and the world were contributing to improving economic performance in those regions.

There are five components to this project: a literature review; a statistical analysis report; an international workshop with representation and reports from Canada, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden and Finland; regional reports covering eleven peripheral regions in Quebec and Atlantic Canada; and a final synthesis report.

The final synthesis report is available at the two following web sites:

The four regional reports covering 6 of Atlantic Canada's peripheral regions can be found by clicking on the links below:

The literature review, statistical analysis, European and Québec reports are also available and can be obtained by contacting Wade AuCoin at 506-851-2576 or waucoin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca.