RESOURCE TOWN EMPLOYMENT: PERCEPTIONS IN SMALL TOWN BRITISH COLUMBIA.

This paper reports on a study of economic restructuring in the small, resource-based communities of Quesnel, Williams Lake, and 100 Mile House in British Columbia, Canada. Using survey data, the paper reviews three issues connected with household adjustment to local employment/economic conditions. The first concerns patterns of employment, and among the findings are that over half of respondents have experienced periods without employment income. The second concerns perceptions of change in local economic conditions. While recent public debates have highlighted significant regional economic pressures, the findings suggest that many respondents are still very optimistic regarding the economic vitality of their community. The final issue concerns whether residents are actively taking steps to respond to changing economic conditions. Findings suggest that while most households have engaged in educational and skills upgrading, there are potentially serious limitations to the future efficacy of some of these coping mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]