Assessing Risk Management in Small Rural Municipalities in Canada

Abstract

This paper explores both the critical success factors and barriers encountered when applying strategic risk management to predominantly smaller municipalities in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. These municipalities find themselves in uncertain times due to the impact of demographic shifts, uncertain financial arrangements, technology, and an ever increasingly pace of change. Using content analysis and semi-structured interviews from 133 municipal plans, this study collated information on public sector risk management while addressing the prevailing practice of risk management within these municipalities.