On June 27, 2019, Minister Bernadette Jordan released a new federal strategy called, Rural Opportunities, National Prosperity: An Economic Development Strategy for Rural Canada.
The strategy is based on consultations with the people living and working in rural communities – like forestry workers, entrepreneurs, and farmers – as well as community leaders, associations, businesses, academics, municipalities, Indigenous groups, and provincial and territorial governments. It directly responds to the input we received and puts people, places, and partnerships at the centre of rural economic development.
The strategy immediately sets in motion actions that will help remove the most pressing of challenges, such as access to high-speed broadband, to help communities take advantage of all the opportunities that the new digital and global economies offer them. Launched concurrently, High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy is the Government’s plan to ensure that, over time, all Canadians have access to affordable, high-speed internet, no matter where they live. It also commits to improve cellular access where Canadians live and work, and along major highways and roads.
Through investments in affordable housing, support for tourism and business development, investments in infrastructure and skills development, and measures to increase labour availability, we are working with communities to build their economic growth, create good middle-class jobs and ensure their sustainability.
The Rural Economic Development Strategy lays the foundation for a prosperous, competitive and thriving rural Canada where residents have the opportunity to pursue meaningful careers and experience a high quality of life for generations to come.
The Government of Canada continues to collect innovative ideas and research about additional ways to create opportunities and improve the quality of life for rural communities across Canada. Contact them by email at infc.rural.infc@canada.ca or by mail:
Infrastructure Canada, Rural Economic Development Secretariat
180, Kent Street, 11th floor
Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 0B6
