Abstract

In Canada, transport policy reform has given rise to social and economic problems for regions located in the periphery. Rural communities are particularly dependent upon transport links. The town of Gaspe was chosen as a case study because it shares characteristics that are common with rural communities: the out-migration of youth, seasonal work, high-unemployment rates, and problems attracting and retaining business and industry. Furthermore, it has three modes of transport: air, rail and maritime, making Gaspe a unique case study in Canada. This study examines community attitudes to the recent policy changes, explaining how the three modes are viewed in terns of their social and economic contributions.