Contrasts in growth and development : New England versus Atlantic Canada

Abstract

This work compares patterns of development and underdevelopment in New England and Atlantic Canada. Certain similarities in history and geography have invited speculation on the cause of very different growth paths observed. This thesis examines the notion that keys to rapid growth in one region can be identified and applied in a direct way to solve the problems of an underdeveloped economy in a different region.

The methodology used to examine the validity of this proposition involves a statistical comparison of the two regions, an extensive review of theories of development and the identification of those most consistent with the pattern of growth in New England. The New England eoonomy is then analyzed in terms of certain growth factors within relevant theoretical parameters. This methodology allows for a review of the relevance of those theories and factors to the problems of Atlantic Canada. The findings point to the difficulty of attributing growth to one theory or one factor in isolation. Growth is best explained by recognizing that the various elements of growth are interdependent. In this sense, the New England economy is unique. Few direct policy applications exist for Atlantic Canada.