"This situation poses several questions chief of which is ‘does population size matter?'" says Thraves. "Through presentation of examples, population growth can be seen as advantageous or disadvantageous depending on context. Arguably, the age and sex of a population is more important than its size alone. Similarly, population growth does not necessarily equate with improvement in social well-being and community development. Perhaps it is comforting then that some commentators anticipate that Saskatchewan's population will decline rather than grow," he says. "Does population decline have merit and should we plan for it?"
Thraves will deliver the latest lecture in the Coffee House Controversies Series on Thurs., October 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Chapters bookstore behind the Southland Mall (2625 Gordon Road).
Thraves is a graduate of Queen's University, Belfast (B.A.) and the University of Manitoba (M.A., PhD.) Before moving to Regina in 1987, he taught at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Windsor. His teaching focuses mainly on urban geography, urban planning and population geography.
Coffee House Controversies speakers give an informal 20-minute talk focusing on a controversial topic of interest to the general public. The talks are intended to encourage the open exchange of ideas. Twenty minutes of discussion follows each talk, during which members of the general public can ask questions or raise issues with the speaker or other audience members.
The events are free and open to the public. Contact the Faculty of Arts at 585-4226 for more information.