Rural Development Institute, Annual Report 2008: Providing Academic Research and Leadership on Issues Affecting Rural Communities in Western Canada

“2008 saw the completion of two multi-year projects, the Community Collaboration Model Project and the Health Care Access of Northern Residents projects. We also completed a study of youth mobility in selected regions of Manitoba on behalf of Rural Team Manitoba. In 2008, RDI actively worked to facilitate cooperation with other groups across Western Canada as they dealt with invasive plants species. RDI also undertook a project which aimed to increase the adoption of beneficial management practices to combat Leafy Spurge, an invasive plant. In 2008 the Rural Development Institute continued to study rural immigration, especially temporary foreign workers in Brandon and the western Manitoba area”.   – Robert C. Annis, PhD, Director, Rural Development Institute