This is a topic that’s been around for decades. And, while it hasn’t been getting much attention lately, a new report from Manitoba may stoke this conversation a bit here in Saskatchewan.
The Manitoba report looked at the question of why the province is finding it hard to retain young people. The Canada West Foundation was commissioned to look into it, interviewing nearly 1,600 young people and more than 100 local businesses.
What they found is that economic and quality of life issues are trumped by social concerns. And ranking top on their list was safety, believing Manitoba and Winnipeg have a reputation as hotbeds of violent crime.
But, when it came to economic issues, affordability topped the list of concerns with the cost of housing standing out as well as high tax rates and the cost of transportation even though the province offers cheaper housing than many cities and attractive tuition rates.And finally, there is perception. Young people inside the province have a more negative view of their home than people living outside Manitoba
