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"Rural Development Policy and Practice in Canada and Ireland: Selected Comparisons and Challenges" 

Presented by Prof. David Douglas, School of Environmental Design & Rural Development, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Venue: 4.00 pm, May 12th 2008, Conference Room, Third Floor, John Hume Building, NUI Maynooth.

David Douglas is Professor of Rural Planning and Development, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph, Canada. David specializes in all aspects of community and regional development planning, management and governance, with some emphasis on rural community economic development and strategic planning and management. He conducts research and outreach projects in this and related fields, carries on a consulting practice and teaches at the graduate level. David is also an active trainer and facilitator across Canada and has conducted several international short-term assignments (e.g. Iran, China, Europe, Jamaica, Pakistan, Indonesia, Japan). He is author of The Ontario Rural Economy – Structure, Regional Patterns and Development Trends (2001), Community Futures Development Corporations in Local Economic Development in Rural Ontario (2003); and co-author (with Sandra Chadwick-Parkes) of An Integrated Analysis of Changing Municipal and Community Roles and Practices (2001), A Report on “Best Practice” in Local Economic Development in Rural Ontario (2003), and Local Economic Development in Rural Ontario: Economic Conditions, Issues and Municipal Practices (2003).
David's ongoing research interests include regionalism, regional development and planning, local governance, theoretical linkages between community development and planning, and Canada/Europe comparative analysis of rural development organisation, policy and planning practice.

Abstract

The seminar will address some comparisons and contrasts between rural development policy, programmes and practice in Ireland and in Canada; using Newfoundland & Labrador as the principal Canadian case study. Issues addressed will include the political articulation of policy, the nature of the principal programmes, organisational arrangements, the role of and relationships with local government, the use of the "regional" construct and the question of governance.