Mapping the Socio-economic Diversity of Rural Canada: A Multivariate Analysis

This paper assesses the degree of spatial diversity exhibited across Canada by using 1996 Census of Population data, aggregated at the census division (CD) level. The approach taken in this research adopts a broad territorial focus, is exploratory in nature and emphasizes territorial performance in a comparative context.

The study is based on a range of commonly used and understood demographic, social and economic variables. A factor analysis was conducted in order to identify underlying dimensions that characterize each CD across Canada. The factor analysis resulted in six factors, each of which provides a profile of the CDs on a number of key attributes.

The research is primarily descriptive and will be of interest to a broad audience. It can be used to facilitate the diffusion of baseline data to a wide range of stakeholders, stimulate discussion on spatial diversity at the subprovincial level and enhance the debate on potential alternative development paths for each region. Note that this research is, in turn, constrained by the nature of the data available. The analysis is also static and focussed on a cross-section. The causes of the observed diversity are not explicitly accounted for in the study.