homesteading (part two)

For some time (years actually) my husband and I have been giddily (?) and nervously planning our escape into the great wilds of Northern Manitoba to homestead. Our main plan is to avoid the impending doom of the economy and lead a mainly self-sufficient lifestyle. I was hoping that the economy would hold for at least a few more years so we can make all of our preparations, but it's not looking so good. My father trades commodities and stocks for a living and as a result I get a constant update on how close the world is to financial disaster.
Anyways, my plan was to write another long homesteading post about some more specific plans but my husband beat me to it. If you are at all interested in what our family is hoping to accomplish in the next few years I would highly suggest visiting his blog and reading all about it. While, at first, it may come across as a joke, I assure you that it's not. We've actually started lists and set time frames and started reading (yes, I do read-up on how to skin rabbits). It also may come across as being a tad extreme...but I guess you can decide that for yourself. The wealth that North America has experienced since the 80's cannot last forever. Our lifestyles that we've become so comfortable with rely wholly on cheap gas and if you know anything about the Hubbert Peak Theory one can't help but be concerned. I thoroughly believe that in the next few years we will see a major shift in North America as the poor become poorer and the rich become richer. Things we once took for granted, like winter trips down to Mexico or even road trips to the States, will become increasingly difficult as we find ourselves hard pressed for even the most basic of items. A prime example of this came the other day when the Free Press ran an article about the 'Economic Doom and Gloom'. In the article Winnipeg Harvest was highlighted with the co-coordinator, David Northcroft, saying "The pressure of the food bank continues to grow rather than shrink" and that "It's worse than we thought." Winnipeg Harvest is also seeing more and more 'working poor' Manitobans come through their doors as companies are going through layoffs due to the trade issues with the States.
Both James and I are trying to expand our skills for when we make the move. I am currently learning how to knit, sew, and garden as James is about to get his PAL and Hunter's Safety and is also constantly reading up on how to build practical things (like a log cabin).
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the issue, even if you totally disagree with our plan of action. I also want to emphasize my husbands comment that any friends or family that wish to join us in this crazy adventure are welcome, after all, I will need some friends up north.