June 13, 2017 | James Cuddy & Dr. Bakhtiar Moazzami
The final report of the Northern Projects: Human Capital Series puts a spotlight on the Kenora District; a predominately rural area experiencing an aging population, challenges with education, and shifts in the economy. In 2011, 73.3 per cent of Kenora District’s population resided in rural areas, with 53 per cent of rural citizens living in areas with weak links to an urban centre, including 20 per cent in remote regions.
The report offers three key recommendations to promote the long-term sustainability of the Kenora District:
1. Respond to the needs of the Indigenous population.
2. Leverage temporary residents into immigrant attraction.
3. A rural knowledge economy and rural workforce requires infrastructure.