Assignment 3: Regional Analysis

Student’s name: Susmita Thapa

TRU ID: T00726072

Thompsons River University

GEOG 2221_SW4 : Regional Geography of Canada

Date: December 19, 2024

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Question -1

The Mary River Iron Mine, situated on Baffin Island in Nunavut, represents one of

Canada's most substantial iron ore deposits. Its development has sparked extensive

discussions concerning its economic benefits, environmental repercussions, and cultural

impacts on the Inuit communities. Additionally, the compatibility of frontier and homeland

perspectives in this context warrants examination.

The Mary River project has significantly contributed to the local and national

economy. As of 2022, the mine has provided over $120 million in wages to Inuit employees

and contractors, and more than $1.65 billion in contracts have been awarded to Inuit firms.

Furthermore, the project has facilitated over $2.8 million through various community

initiatives, indicating a positive trajectory for socio-economic growth in the region

(Baffinland, 2022). Despite its economic advantages, the mine poses substantial

environmental challenges. Increased shipping traffic associated with the mine's operations

has been reported to negatively affect the marine environment and wildlife, including species

such as whales and narwhals. These environmental concerns are particularly pressing given

the ecological sensitivity of the Arctic region (Davin, 2021). The cultural impact on Inuit

communities is profound. Traditional hunting practices, which are integral to Inuit culture

and subsistence, face disruptions due to the mine's operations. Community members have

expressed concerns that the expansion of the mine could exacerbate these disruptions, further

threatening their way of life (WWF-Canada, 2021).

Nunavut's views on the border and the homeland are not compatible, but rather

contradictory. While the concept of the land is built on the survival of independent existence,

the concept of the frontier stems from boom and bust cycles. Individuals' perspectives on the

homeland are shaped by their traditional lifestyles and affection for their place and culture.

The frontier view, on the other hand, is more intrusive and exploits natural resources with
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little regard for people or their customs. "In the essence, one point of view is indigenous and

conditioned by a relationship with the natural world, while the other is informed and

exogenous by industrial capitalism." (Kassam, 2001). The border is viewed as a hinterland

with an abundance of resources and an intense world. Individuals have occasionally studied

and used it for financial gain. The two perspectives differ in terms of sustainability, as the

notion of the homeland originated with Aboriginals. They feel that resources are justifiable

and reasonable, whereas the frontier is primarily concerned with nonrenewable resources and

their delivery to the southern market. Although the two labels, homeland and frontier,

represent very different points of view, they continue to coexist in Canada.

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References

Baffinland. (2022). Socio-Economic Monitoring Report for the Mary River Project. Retrieved

from https://baffinland.com/_resources/document_portal/Socio-Economic-Report-

2022.pdf

Davin, S. (2021). What's next for the Mary River Mine? WWF Arctic. Retrieved from

https://www.arcticwwf.org/the-circle/stories/whats-next-for-the-mary-river-mine/

Kassam, Kanm-Aly S. (2001). North of 60": Homeland or Frontier? Retrieved from

https://prism.ucalgary.ca/bitstream/handle/1880/44249/North_of_60.pdf?

sequence=1&isAllowed=y

WWF-Canada. (2021). Inuit face bigger impacts if Mary River Iron Mine doubles ore

production. Retrieved from https://wwf.ca/stories/inuit-mary-river-iron-mine-

baffinland/
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Question -2

Atlantic Canada has long depended on natural resources like petroleum and fisheries

as the backbone of its economy. However, with the decline of the petroleum industry, the

region must adapt by diversifying its economic base. Transitioning from cod fishing to

shellfish, enhancing tourism, and exploring emerging industries present viable options for

revitalizing the region’s economic prospects.

The collapse of the cod fishery in the early 1990s forced a shift toward alternative

species such as lobster, snow crab, and shrimp. These shellfish now dominate the seafood

industry and contribute significantly to exports, sustaining many coastal communities. For

instance, in Nova Scotia, shellfish account for over 80% of the landed value in fisheries

(Bradford et al., 2020). However, environmental changes, such as warming ocean

temperatures, are altering species distribution and threatening future yields. Additionally,

conflicts over fishing rights, particularly in Nova Scotia between Indigenous and non-

Indigenous fishers, underline the need for sustainable resource management and equitable

governance (Stoddart & Sodero, 2018). Addressing these challenges through adaptive

policies and collaboration will be critical for the industry’s long-term sustainability.

Tourism offers another avenue for economic growth in Atlantic Canada. The region’s natural

beauty, vibrant culture, and historical landmarks attract visitors domestically and

internationally. Tourism generates employment and boosts related industries like hospitality,

retail, and transportation. Despite its contributions, tourism is susceptible to external shocks

such as economic downturns and global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely

disrupted travel and hospitality sectors. To increase resilience, the region could diversify its

tourism offerings by investing in year-round attractions, such as winter sports and cultural

events, and improving infrastructure to enhance accessibility (Foster & Main, 2020).
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Promoting Atlantic Canada as a top-tier travel destination through targeted marketing

campaigns can also attract a broader audience and boost revenue.

In addition to these traditional sectors, Atlantic Canada has significant potential in

emerging industries. Renewable energy, particularly tidal and offshore wind, is a promising

opportunity, given the region’s abundant natural resources. Marine renewable energy (MRE)

technologies could make Atlantic Canada a leader in sustainable energy production,

providing economic and environmental benefits (Marine Renewables Canada, 2021).

Aquaculture also holds promise as a sustainable alternative to meet growing seafood demand

while reducing pressure on wild stocks. Community-based marine aquaculture (CBMA)

initiatives have shown success in Nova Scotia, offering economic benefits and enhancing

public acceptance of aquaculture (Bradford et al., 2020). Furthermore, investing in

technology-driven sectors such as biotechnology and information technology could foster

innovation, attract investment, and create high-paying jobs.

To secure its economic future, Atlantic Canada must embrace a multifaceted approach

to diversification. Addressing challenges in fisheries, strengthening the tourism industry, and

investing in renewable energy, aquaculture, and innovation will position the region for

sustainable growth. By building on its strengths and adapting to emerging opportunities,

Atlantic Canada can achieve a more resilient and prosperous economy.

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References

Bradford, J., Filgueira, R., & Bailey, M. (2020). Exploring community-based marine

aquaculture as a coastal resource management opportunity in Nova Scotia, Canada.

FACETS, 5(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1139/facets-2019-0010

Foster, K., & Main, H. (2020). Last resort: The promise and problem of tourism in rural

Atlantic Canada. Journal of Rural and Community Development, 15(2), 75-94.

https://journals.brandonu.ca/jrcd/article/view/1751/416

Marine Renewables Canada. (2021). Powering Canada's blue economy with marine

renewable energy. https://marinerenewables.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MRC-

Blue-Economy-Strategy-Submission-FINAL-1.pdf

Stoddart, M. C. J., & Sodero, S. (2018). From fisheries decline to tourism destination: Mass

media, tourism mobility, and the Newfoundland coastal environment. Mobilities,

13(1), 99-114. https://doi.org/10.1080/17450101.2017.1331015

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Question -3

Ontario and Québec, two of Canada's most populous provinces, have distinct

economic landscapes shaped by their respective industrial sectors. Ontario's economy is

significantly influenced by the automotive industry, while Québec's is notably impacted by

the aerospace sector. This essay compares and contrasts these economies, focusing on the

extent to which Ontario's reliance on the automotive industry parallels the role of the aviation

industry in Québec.

Ontario stands as a central hub for Canada's automotive manufacturing, contributing

approximately 1.4% to the province's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021 (Job Bank,

2022). The sector employs over 100,000 individuals in vehicle assembly and parts production

(Mentor Works, 2023). Recent years have witnessed substantial investments exceeding $43

billion in automotive and electric vehicle-related projects, underscoring the industry's pivotal

role in Ontario's economic framework (Expansion Solutions Magazine, 2023).

In contrast, Québec's economy is heavily influenced by the aerospace sector. The

province accounts for over 50% of Canada's aerospace production, with sales reaching $15.3

billion in 2018 (Invest Québec, 2018). The industry provides employment to over 36,000

individuals, primarily in the Montréal area, which hosts one of the world's largest aerospace

clusters (Québec.ca, 2021). Québec's aerospace sector is recognized for its innovation,

investing over $700 million in research and development annually, representing 70% of

Canada's aerospace R&D spending (Wikipedia, 2023).

Both provinces exhibit a strong dependence on their respective industries, which serve

as significant economic drivers and sources of employment. Ontario's automotive sector and

Québec's aerospace industry are both deeply integrated into global supply chains, with a

substantial portion of their production destined for export markets. For instance, 80% of
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Québec's aerospace production is exported, highlighting its global reach (Invest Québec,

2018).

However, there are notable differences in the scale and economic impact of these

industries within each province. While Ontario's automotive industry contributes 1.4% to the

provincial GDP, Québec's aerospace sector represents a more substantial portion of its

economy, with sales of $15.3 billion in 2018 (Job Bank, 2022; Invest Québec, 2018).

Additionally, the concentration of employment in these industries differs, with Québec's

aerospace sector employing a higher percentage of the provincial workforce compared to

Ontario's automotive industry.

In summary, both Ontario and Québec rely heavily on their respective automotive and

aerospace industries, which play crucial roles in their economic structures. While there are

similarities in terms of employment and export orientation, the aerospace industry in Québec

constitutes a more significant portion of the provincial economy compared to the automotive

industry's contribution in Ontario. Understanding these dynamics is essential for

policymakers aiming to foster economic growth and resilience in these regions.

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References

Expansion Solutions Magazine. (2023). How Ontario is Seizing Once-In-A-Generation

Opportunities. Retrieved from https://www.expansionsolutionsmagazine.com/how-

ontario-is-seizing-once-in-a-generation-opportunities/

Invest Québec. (2018). Touch down in the heart of the action. Retrieved from

https://www.investquebec.com/international/en/industries/aerospace/touch-down-in-

the-heart-of-the-action.html

Job Bank. (2022). Motor Vehicle, Body, Trailer and Parts Manufacturing: Ontario 2022.

Retrieved from https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/job-market-reports/ontario/

sectoral-profile-motor-manufacturing

Mentor Works. (2023). OVIN Report: Growing Ontario's Automotive Industry. Retrieved

from https://www.mentorworks.ca/blog/government-funding/ovin-growing-ontarios-

automotive-industry/

Québec.ca. (2021). The Québec Aerospace Strategy Horizon 2026. Retrieved from

https://www.quebec.ca/en/government/ministere/economie/publications/quebec-

aerospace-strategy-horizon-2026

Wikipedia. (2023). Economy of Quebec. Retrieved from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Quebec
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Question -4

Western Canada, which includes the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba,

and British Columbia, has long been an important region in Canada's economic structure,

owing to its abundant natural resources, particularly oil and gas. As the world community

ramps up efforts to battle climate change and migrate to renewable energy sources, Western

Canada's future economic position is worth considering. This essay explores whether, over

the next 25 years, Western Canada will emerge as a core economic region or recede to a

peripheral status amid the decline of the oil industry, and identifies key factors influencing

this trajectory.

The worldwide shift toward decarbonization is expected to reduce demand for fossil

fuels, negatively impacting regions largely reliant on oil extraction. In Canada, this

transformation presents considerable issues for Western provinces, particularly Alberta and

Saskatchewan, where the oil sector accounts for a sizable amount of the GDP. According to a

study conducted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), proactive

management of the oil and gas sector's decline is critical for minimizing economic shocks

and facilitating a smoother transition to sustainable industries.

The capacity of Western Canada to maintain or enhance its economic standing is

intricately linked to successful diversification beyond the oil sector. Historical analyses reveal

that regions investing in a broad spectrum of industries exhibit greater economic resilience.

For instance, British Columbia's emphasis on technology, tourism, and green energy has

contributed to a more diversified and robust economy compared to its oil-dependent

counterparts (Edgington, 2000). Alberta's previous attempts at economic diversification

underscore the complexities involved; while efforts have been made to expand sectors such

as technology and finance, the province's economy remains significantly influenced by oil

revenues (Fraser Institute, 2016).

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The global energy transition presents an opportunity for Western Canada to leverage

its expertise in energy production by investing in renewable energy technologies. Provinces

like Alberta and Saskatchewan possess substantial potential for wind and solar energy

development. Strategic investments in these areas could not only compensate for economic

losses from the oil sector's decline but also position the region as a leader in sustainable

energy, thereby reinforcing its status as a core economic area.

Government policies will play a pivotal role in shaping Western Canada's economic

future. Supportive policy frameworks that encourage innovation, provide incentives for

renewable energy investments, and facilitate workforce transition programs are essential. The

establishment of agencies such as Western Economic Diversification Canada highlights

governmental recognition of the need for economic diversification and regional development

(Voortman, 2008).

The future classification of Western Canada as a core or peripheral region within

Canada hinges on its response to the impending decline of the oil industry. Proactive

economic diversification, investment in renewable energy, and supportive policy measures

are critical determinants that will influence the region's economic trajectory over the next 25

years. By embracing these strategies, Western Canada has the potential to not only sustain but

also enhance its economic prominence in a transitioning global economy.

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References

Edgington, D. W. (2000). British Columbia and its Regional Economies. The Canadian

Journal of Regional Science, 27(3), 343-358. Retrieved from

https://idjs.ca/images/rcsr/archives/V27N3-Edgington.pdf

Fraser Institute. (2016). Four Myths about Economic Diversification in Alberta. Retrieved

from https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/four-myths-about-economic-

diversification-in-alberta-rev.pdf

International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). (2023). Setting the Pace: The

Economic Case for Managing the Decline of Oil and Gas Production in Canada.

Retrieved from https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2023-06/setting-the-pace-canada-

oil-gas-decline.pdf

Voortman, J. (2008). Adaptation and Survival in Government Agencies: The Case of Western

Economic Diversification Canada (Master's thesis, University of British Columbia).

Retrieved from https://open.library.ubc.ca/media/stream/pdf/24/1.0066423/1