On February 16th, Dr. Kevin Stolarick, Research Director at the Martin Prosperity Institute, visited the Monieson Centre to discuss issues and challenges with the rural Creativity Economy (CE).  My own research has given me the opportunity to study the CE in smaller cities in Northern Ontario. 

Given the buzz over FedDev Ontario, I thought a little trip down ‘federal involvement in regional economic development’ memory lane would be appropriate.  What FedDev will mean for the future of economic development remains to be seen, although I do have a few speculations!  We do, however, know the path that federal involvement in regional economic development has traveled. 

Last week the federal government finally provided details on the new Southern Ontario Development Agency.  SODA was announced last January as part of the Conservative Government’s Action Plan for Canada.  Over the last several months, rumours and speculation passed through economic development circles across Ontario. 

Youth out-migration is a hot topic in many communities across Ontario.  At last week’s KIS Showcase the issue was raised during the Discovery Workshop testimonials.  Although most were concerned with this ongoing trend in Eastern Ontario, one participant questioned whether we should be worried about youth leaving our communities.  My answer: yes and no.