The problem is, locals are either accidental millionaires, or theiir parents are (anyone under 35 has never known anything different), or  as the Maritimers might say, they're  "come from away" who put up with it for a few years but never intend to stay forever anyway.  That you'd find ambivalence or apathy is no surprise. 

Personally, I left, and have no intent on going back. Chalk me up to "lost cause" apathy.