"Canada is a country of regions....Each geographic region is defined by its particular geography and historic evolution." (Bone 2011, 2) Each region's history and geography, in turn, are inevitably linked to its problems and challenges. As regional geographers, we are interested in finding out how regions work in order to "...gain a fuller appreciation of the complexity, diversity, and interconnectivity of our world." (Bone, 2011, 3) The goal of this assignment is to better understand Canada's regions by examining some of their unique problems and challenges.

ASSIGNMENT

Suppose you are an advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada. In preparation for an upcoming round of federal/provincial meetings, the Prime Minister has requested a concise summary of a major problem or challenge facing three of the country's regions. Your task is to select one regional issue from the following list and prepare a brief for the PM using the guidelines below.

Regional Challenges

1. Ontario-Economic Revival or Continued Decline?

Question: Bone (2011, 178) depicts two possible future trajectories for Ontario's economy, noting that the province's manufacturing sector could "...become part of the adjacent US Rust Belt; or Ontario could reinvent itself." What is needed for Ontario to 'reinvent itself'? What role should the federal government play to assist Ontario's efforts to 'regain dominance'?

2. Atlantic Canada - Future Prospects

Question: Bone (2011, 363) notes that "By taking advantage of these new opportunities, Atlantic Canada may well become a more resilient and prosperous region and thus shed its moniker as a 'have-not' region'. What actions/policies might make the region more prosperous? What role should the federal government play to assist these efforts in Atlantic Canada?

3. Quebec - The Challenge of Separation

Question: Bone (2011, 120) notes that "The greatest challenge to Canadian unity comes from the cultural divide that separates French- and English-speaking Canadians and their respective visions of the country." What does the recent victory of the Parti Quebecois mean for Canadian unity? What role should the federal government play in protecting and promoting Canadian unity under these new political circumstances?

Attachment:- Assignment-Guidelines-1.ppt