Dr. Joshua Barrett is a rural development researcher, environmental professional, and municipal leader with extensive experience working at the intersection of economic development, environmental sustainability, natural resources, and community governance. He holds a PhD in Rural Studies from the University of Guelph, as well as graduate and undergraduate degrees in geography and political science from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He has research affiliations with the University of Prince Edward Island, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Grenfell Campus, and the University of Guelph.

Joshua is a Senior Consultant with Stantec, where he leads environmental assessment and permitting work in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada, working on complex projects involving governments, communities, industry, and other stakeholders. His professional experience includes work in rural and resource-based economies, socioeconomic and environmental assessment, infrastructure development, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

He is also an elected municipal councillor in Conception Bay South and serves as Past President of the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation and Vice Chair of econext. Through these roles, he has worked extensively on issues related to sustainable economic development, environmental policy, rural revitalization, and collaboration between government, industry, and communities.

Joshua’s research focuses on rural economic development, governance, resource-based economies, and place-based approaches to community development. His work brings together academic research, professional practice, and municipal experience to explore practical approaches to building resilient and sustainable communities and economies in Newfoundland and Labrador and across rural Canada.