November 2017 – Rural Routes Podcasts

Forests are a part of Canadian identity and are the basis of an industry that supports thousands across the country (and has for centuries.) While forestry’s past played a significant role in the development of many rural places, major shifts, including some as a result of climate change, are shaping a future that might look quite different from what we’re used to.

Join us for a discussion of the future of forestry. You’ll hear voices (and sounds) from the Harrop-Proctor Community Forest, Greg Lay, a life-long forester, Dr. Sarah Breen, a researcher at Selkirk College in Castlegar, BC, and Dr. Philomena of the University of the Highlands and Islands in Inverness.

Rural Routes Partners:
The Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development, MUN
Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation
Rural Policy Learning Commons Partnership
The National Campus and Community Radio Association

CHMR Campus Radio

Music by Laura C. Bates performed by Trent Severn.

Access to broadband internet in rural Canada is spotty at best. However, much depends on it. From emergency communications, to economic development projects, to social cohesion, internet in rural areas can open up a myriad of opportunities. In this episode, we explore everything from the history of broadband in rural Canada, to current situation, to community-based efforts to provide broadband access. You will hear from Greg Lay, former mayor of Kaslo in BC, Bob Annis, former director of the Rural Development Institute at Brandon University in Manitoba, Wayne Kelly a researcher currently working at the RDI, Meghan Wrathall, a student at Brandon University, and Dr. Christopher Horsetief from BC who shares a personal story about the importance of broadband internet access in a rural emergency.

Resources:

Dr. Christopher Horsethief

Wayne Kelly profile

Bob Annis

Submit a brief to the Parliament of Canada on Rural Broadband Connectivity

CRTC: Closing the broadband gap

Internet declared human right

CHMR Campus Radio

Music by Laura C. Bates performed by Trent Severn.