A key goal of this project is to speak with Manitoban youth from a selection of regions to develop a nuanced and multi-perspective understanding of their experiences in rural and northern communities, their intentions to leave or stay, and the motivations for leaving, staying, or returning to these smaller communities. A case study approach was employed focusing on three regions of Manitoba: 1) francophone communities within the jurisdiction of le Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba (CDEM), 2) Northern communities, and 3) Parkland communities.