The Working Centre has reproduced two books so far that we are pleased to offer here as free downloads.

As publisher of these works, we have an open access policy which enables anyone to access the content below electronically without charge, in the spirit of a Creative Commons. We want to encourage the circulation of these works as widely as possible without affecting the ownership of the copyright, which remains with the copyright holder. Users are welcome to download, save, perform or distribute this work electronically or in any other format. If you are interested in using the work, please:

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Understanding Canada: Regional and Community Development in a New Nation - by Jim Lotz

Government intervention in the lives of Canadians has grown enormously over the past ten years, as our country and its people struggle towards a sense of identity and purpose. How much can the State help us to develop, as individuals and as citizens? And how much can each of us do on our own to achieve personal and community development?

Understanding Canada traces the concept of community development from its beginnings in colonial Africa to recent attempts at self help in Canada, and relates it to the ideas of individualism and liberalism. Focusing especially on the Atlantic Provinces, the author looks at efforts to ‘help” the poor from the top down and from the bottom up. He analyzes the successes of the approach of the Antigonish Movement which flourished in the Thirties.

Jim Lotz’ suggested models, goals and roles in community development indicate that we can meet rapid change in a positive and creative way.

Since 1960, Jim Lotz has carried out research and been active on the problems of unemployed youth, urban development, squatters, new towns, declining communities, cross-cultural education, bookselling in Canada, and the social, human and community impact of development in Canada, Scotland and Alaska. He is the author of Northern Realities (1970), and co-author of Cape Breton Island (1974). He serves in an editorial capacity with Plan Canada, Science Forum, Canadian Review and Axiom. A former federal civil servant and university professor, he now lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, earning a living as an independent research worker, freelance writer, organizer and teacher.

This book was first published in 1977 by NC Press Limited. It is reproduced with the permission of Jim Lotz by Working Centre Publications to celebrate and understand the history of community development in Canada.

Click here to download Understanding Canada (.pdf format)

The Working Centre: Experiment in Social Change - by Ken Westhues

This book explores the philosophical roots of The Working Centre, and examines the centre from a sociological perspective. It includes essays and articles written by Westhues and others.

From the first chapter: By its clasic definition, sociology has room for many kinds of linkage to social action. I have found The Working Centre an especially worthwhile linkage, because it is relatively free of sectarian, partisan, or specialized interests, and can therefore serve the goal of community development in an admirably dialogic, democratic, and holistic way.

Click here to download The Working Centre (.pdf format)

For more information, contact The Working Centre at (519) 743-1151.