Current Projects

Innovative Co-operatives & Rural Economic Development

Funded by the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, this project explores innovative uses of the co-operative model and their potential role in rural economic and community development.

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Exploring the Mental Health Benefits of Men's Sheds in Rural Alberta

The ACSRC has partnered with Dr. Kyle Whitfield (University of Alberta) on a pilot project evaluating the mental health benefits of Men's Sheds in Rural Alberta.

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Mental Health in the Agricultural Community

The ACSRC is a research partner in Dr. Rebecca Purc-Stephenson's (U of A, Augustana) research and outreach project on supporting mental health in the agricultural community in Alberta. 

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Exploring Social Service Delivery in Rural Alberta

In partnership with the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, the ACSRC has completed a study exploring the challenges faced by Family and Community Support Services in rural Alberta.

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Exploring Rural Development Opportunities in Dark Sky Preserves

The ACSRC, in collaboration with Dr. Glen Hvenegaard (U of A, Augustana) is researching the economic development potential associated with Dark Sky tourism for rural Alberta Communities.

More info coming soon
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Political Ethnography and Political Opinion in Rural Alberta

In partnership with Dr. Dionne Pohler (University of Saskatchewan) and funded by SSHRC, the ACSRC is utilizing "political ethnography" to better understand political opinion formation in rural Canada.

Pilot Case Study
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Mobilizing Knowledge for Co-operative Energy Success

In collaboration with Dr. John Parkins (University of Alberta) and a team of scholars from the University of Sheffield, the ACSRC is working on a project exploring avenues for success for Green Energy Co-operatives in rural communities.

More info coming soon
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Neoliberalism and the Populist Project in Rural Alberta

In partnership with Dr. Lars Hallstrom (University of Lethbridge) the ACSRC is working on a SSHRC-funded project that explores the evolution of distinct populisms, and their policy implications, for rural Alberta.

More info coming soon
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Co-creating Best Practices for Implementing Work-Integrated Learning Programs Across Rural Canada

Working with The Rural Development Network, the ACSRC is working to strengthen collaboration between post-secondary institutions and employers across Canada through illustrating best practices for rural-based Work Integrated Learning (WIL).

More info coming soon
Pathways to Energy Democracy in Canada

The ACSRC is collaborating with the Department of Resource Economics & Environmental Sociology (University of Alberta) on a new project exploring community-based renewable energy.

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Support the Centre

When you give to the ACSRC, you are investing in our future rural leaders, in research that deepens our understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges facing rural communities, in ideas that become life-changing solutions, and in collaborations that strengthen our rural experience.

Make a Gift to the ACSRC