Prof. Al Lauzon, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, spoke to TVO.org for a web article about why newcomers to Canada are reluctant to move out of large urban centres to more rural communities.

Lauzon explained that cities have more “social capital” than rural areas for immigrants.

“Social capital is really about relationships,” he says, “so having somebody that you can call up for coffee or tea or drop in and see. We’re really talking about friendships.”

Lauzon researches rural change and development, adult education and community development.

He is involved in a number of research projects, including the role of colleges in supporting rural small and medium enterprise innovation, and the development of rural social enterprises.