The four western provinces in Canada are projected to be the strongest economic performers over the next decade, according to the latest Canada West Foundation report.
Much of that strength will come from the provinces' resource-based industries, including B.C. mining, Alberta oil and gas and Western Canadian agriculture.
The report noted that all of the sectors have strong national and international growth projections between 2010 and 2020.
Much of the activity in these key sectors is rooted in the rural regions of Canada's western provinces. The report noted that their growth will depend on the ability of rural communities to provide expected levels of services like health care, education, retail opportunities and convenient transportation options.
The report said that increased investments in infrastructure and transportation networks in the provinces should increase extraction, processing and transportation of goods to regional, national and international markets.
Growth of rural communities will also be tied to the success of aboriginal communities in the rural west. Roughly 44% of First Nations in Western Canada live in rural areas, and the aboriginal community is younger and growing faster than the general population.
While the synchronized global recession and economic volatility may delay economic growth, Roslyn Kunin, director of the foundation's B.C. office, said it will not negate the trends.