Exploring the nature, extent, and community impacts and responses to E-RGM in Long Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador and Sudbury, Ontario

Abstract

The growing prevalence of employment-related geographical mobility (E-RGM) is introducing a number of impacts on both source (e.g. places of residence) and host (e.g. places of work) communities. Understanding the nature and extent of E-RGM is, thus, becoming imperative for local, regional, and national stakeholders to mitigate challenges, build on opportunities and identify appropriate responses. This paper explores the nature and extent of E-RGM in the nickel-processing sector in Long Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador and Sudbury, Ontario, highlighting potential factors influencing mobility in these contexts. It also assesses the impacts of E-RGM on these communities and identifies respective responses to E-RGM by company officials, all levels of government, and other community organizations. To understand E-RGM in Sudbury and Long Harbour, this research uses key informant interviews and the analysis of a variety of documents including development agreements, corporate materials, media reports and other stakeholder reports. Both communities have nickel-processing facilities owned by the same company, however, they have vastly different operations that are influenced by economic history, location, industrial structure and institutional context. This not only creates variations in the nature and extent of E-RGM but also the subsequent impacts on these communities and stakeholder responses.