|  | In the Strait-Highlands Region, communities have traditionally worked together to better their communities by establishing community owned co-operatives, credit unions, community enterprises and community projects. Although times have changed, instilled in our communities is a sense of pride and responsibility. Some communities still rally to support each other through buying locally produced products and services and supporting community projects, infrastructure and fund-raisers.
Communities have been hit by globalization, increased competition for markets, urbanization and rapid technology change. Fewer resource-based jobs and a focus on business as the driver of the economy are forever changing our communities. An aging population, out migration of youth, growing unemployment and changing family structures are some of the demographic and economic realities we now face in this region.
CED is about people in communities responding to community challenges and needs by mobilizing and empowering the people who need and want it the most. It is a process in which a community can enhances its environmental, social, cultural and economic resources and create a diversified and sustainable local community. |