14 COMMISSION OF CONSERVATION 



gressive country obtains surplus wealth by the barter of its surplus 

 production for things its citizens desire but cannot themselves pro- 

 duce. If we are only able to secure a surplus by withholding the 

 necessities for well-being from our own people we shall lose more 

 than we gain, in the end. 



A community exists by reason of its industry in production — 

 whether the industry be agriculture or manufacture. That is the 

 condition of its being. But in modern life it needs also healthy en- 

 vironment, efficient organization, convenience for distribution and 

 social amenities. These are the conditions of its well-being. The 

 aim of all government and all planning should be to promote, simul- 

 taneously, the being and the well-being of the community. 



Particularly in our rural districts the conditions of well-being of 

 the community have not been sufficiently respected in Canada — 

 and until they are we shall lack in the essentials of real progress. 

 Therefore, whatever scheme may be put forward to improve 

 the methods of laying out and developing land, or to in- 

 crease production, should have regard to these fundamental 

 considerations. 



