Chasing the Wave: An overview of the impact of demographic, economic and social trends on the future of youth in Atlantic Canada. 2000.

By Joan M. Campbell
50 pages
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Description

This 50-page report reviews existing data on demographic, economic and social trends in Atlantic Canada and speculates on the impacts of these trends on the future of young people. The purpose of the report is to promote thought, discussion and more widespread planning, both in communities and across government departments.

The organizing framework for the report is based on the population health model. According to the model, health and well-being are linked to social and economic forces - far-reaching conditions that determine the health and well-being of entire populations. The most critical issues for youth in the coming decades will revolve around these broad determinants of health: income and social status, social and economic environment, education, physical environment, employment and working conditions. Underlying these conditions are demographic, social and economic megatrends - changes over time that will shape the future.

The focus of the report is the Atlantic region as a whole. Demographic, social and economic megatrends are reviewed. Data are presented to describe relatively predictable changes over the next 10 to 20 years, including population predictions, forecasts for the economy and expected social changes. The discussion of trends is followed by an examination of the possible impacts of these changes on youth. Speculation about how these trends are likely to affect youth is organized according to the important settings in their lives: families, schools and communities. Work, peer relations, recreation, education, physical and mental health and environmental issues are examined.

The final section of the report focuses on the broad implications of the trends and their possible impacts for youth and society as a whole over the next 10 to 20 years. The possible costs of not now attending to critical issues are addressed. Finally, key considerations for planning and public policy are identified to point the way for creating a future that supports and enables youth and that balances the needs of young and old alike. The report concludes by stating that the most important priority for planners and policy makers is to listen to youth; the solutions to issues that affect youth now and in the future must include consultation with youth and the involvement of youth in the design, implementation and evaluation of policies and programs.

Credits

Chasing the Wave: An overview of the impact of demographic, economic and social trends on the future of youth in Atlantic Canada was produced by Joan M. Campbell for the Atlantic Regional Office of the Population and Public Health Branch, Health Canada.

Availability

This publication is available for download in English (405 KB) and French (483 KB). You will require the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

For more information on obtaining copies of the document, call or write

Public Health Agency of Canada
Suite 1525, 15th Floor, Maritime Centre
1505 Barrington Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3Y6
Tel: (902) 426-2700
Fax: (902) 426-9689
E-mail: atlantic-atlantique@phac-aspc.gc.ca