140 Years Of Disparities: Regional Development In The Maritimes Past, Present And Future

Abstract

The study is an exploration and analysis of regional economic development programs and policies in the Maritimes from the start of Confederation to the present day. The study revolves around three major time periods in Canadian history and their influence on the Maritime region. By viewing the Maritimes as one region that has the comparative advantage to compete with the rest of Canada, the study asks the following question: why, after 140 years, have regional development programs failed in leading to sustained prosperity for the entire Maritime region? The study concludes that the Federal government needs to create changes in its regional development programs by implementing new policies to break the cycle of poverty.