Change in the Maritimes
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This film examines the changing economy of Canada’s Atlantic provinces and the factors that contributed to the expansion of industry in the early to mid-1960s. The film focuses primarily on the choice confronting many inshore fishermen - whether to stay with the free but frugal life that their nets provide, or to move to the city. Suitable for upper primary and lower secondary levels.
Credits
- Produced by
- Joe Koenig
Complete catalog record
National Film Board of Canada, 1966. Home transfer from 16mm. Print courtesy of Niagara Artists Centre.
This documentary explores the economic divide between the traditional, resource-dependent lifestyle of the Canadian Maritimes and the modern, industrialized future envisioned by economists. Through the perspectives of Stonehurst fisherman Robert Vana and economist Professor William Weiss Smith, the film highlights the tension between a deep-rooted, stubborn pride in independent, labor-intensive coastal living and the pressing need for modernization. While the local residents express a profound attachment to their geography and traditional methods, experts argue that this reliance on dwindling natural resources perpetuates poverty. The narrative advocates for systemic change through education, the relocation of rural populations to urban centers, and a shift toward manufacturing to foster economic growth and break the cycle of stagnation in the region.
Keywords: Atlantic Canada, Maritimes, fishing industry, economic development, rural poverty, modernization, industrialization, urbanization, education, traditional lifestyle, labor, coastal geography, socioeconomic change, workforce training.
This documentary explores the economic divide between the traditional, resource-dependent lifestyle of the Canadian Maritimes and the modern, industrialized future envisioned by economists. Through the perspectives of Stonehurst fisherman Robert Vana and economist Professor William Weiss Smith, the film highlights the tension between a deep-rooted, stubborn pride in independent, labor-intensive coastal living and the pressing need for modernization. While the local residents express a profound attachment to their geography and traditional methods, experts argue that this reliance on dwindling natural resources perpetuates poverty. The narrative advocates for systemic change through education, the relocation of rural populations to urban centers, and a shift toward manufacturing to foster economic growth and break the cycle of stagnation in the region.
Keywords: Atlantic Canada, Maritimes, fishing industry, economic development, rural poverty, modernization, industrialization, urbanization, education, traditional lifestyle, labor, coastal geography, socioeconomic change, workforce training.
Sources
- YouTube channel: Canada Day Archive · video ↗ — title, description, video
- Wikidata · Q123288407 ↗ — year, country, credits
- 16mm Filmography editors — title, creator, description, catalog record
Record added 2026-07-15 12:24:16