Public Policy Research
Rural research is naturally multi-disciplinary: the lines between social, economic, and environmental worlds are regularly blurred. In order to gather accurate data in areas where limited data exists, seeking the local voices are often used to validate various solutions that emerge from urban centres.
This focus on local voices supports the progression to conduct intersectional research that allows for a diversity of experiences to be heard and shared.
Previous Research
HBS has experience across a variety of disciplines in rural settings, including women’s economic security, inequitable access to active transportation, Indigenous youth mental health, housing (First Nations’ and non), diversity in government, disaster recovery, insurance industry, economic development, and health. Below are a sample of recent reports that were led by HBS.
Indigenous Youth & Mental Health
It is well known that Indigenous youth throughout Canada experience disproportionately negative mental health impacts. This report considered how COVID-19 impacted the mental health of youth for a northern First Nation and identified areas of opportunity for the Nation, partners, and senior government.
Political Diversity in Government
Despite efforts, open representation of women, gender-diverse, and those within the 2SLGBTQ+ communities in local government is low, particularly for rural communities. Power & Pride looked at the barriers and to understand what local government can do to increase representation.
Active Transportation
Rural communities have greater distances to cove, more jurisdictions to navigate, and fewer staff, resources, or expertise available. This impacts both the creation and maintenance of active transportation routes. For the public and intersecting identities, safety concerns due to lack of awareness becomes amplified.
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