Canadian communities are wresting with difficult and complex economic realities that threaten their well-being. Confronting these challenges is essential to ensure a healthy and vibrant Canada in the 21st century. 

Community Economic Development in Canada, publised in two volumes, provides the most revealing, current, comprehensive and authoritative text on Canadian communities in action - urban and rural - and how their activities relate to their economic viability and quality of life.

This book is both important and timely. Written by practitioners who are also academics, the book combines solid research, observation and practical experience that speak forcefully to the need for both local place-based development and greater citizen involvement. The examples they give of successful local efforts to renew neighborhoods demonstrate that change is possible and that resources are available for such purposes. Patricia W. Murphy and James V.

Can a community-based economy be developed that adresses the social needs of low incomes communities though local economic development, and through such projects help those who are marginal to gain a voice that will allow them to have greater control over their lives?