// INFOGRAPHIC // 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 communityled transformation strategies if they are adequately resourced .

• 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 �

THERE ARE THINGS GOVERNMENTS CAN DO TO IMPROVE THE RESILIENCE OF COMMUNITIES AND HELP MAKE TRANSFORMATIONS EASIER .

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