Case Studies on Challenges Faced by Northern Communities in Canada

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) awarded $65,200 to Associate Professor Scott Ensign through its Public Outreach Grants for the Northern Communities. Dr. Ensign’s research project is entitled “Developing Case Studies about Entrepreneurial Experience in the North”.

The research program will enable sharing with a wider audience an understanding of entrepreneurial initiatives demonstrated by individuals and enterprises facing pressures from a turbulent economic environment; struggles faced by new ventures in bringing products and services to market in remote areas (Northern Manitoba, Northern Québec, and the territories); and the aptitudes and behaviours of small business owners in Canada’s North. In order to achieve these objectives, Dr. Ensign will create six case studies for learning and instructional purposes using multimedia technologies. The materials will be disseminated to colleges, universities, and small business and economic development centres with the goal of strengthening the skills of existing and future business leaders.

The research has the support of the CAPE Funds (Capital for Aboriginal Prosperity and Entrepreneurship), a private-sector investment fund initiated by the family of the Right Honourable Paul Martin; the University of Ottawa’s Aboriginal Resource Centre; the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI); and, the School for Social and Policy Research at Charles Darwin University, Australia.