Canadian Rural Partnership
Enhancing collaboration –
A report on the Government of Canada’s rural initiatives
2003-2004

Viable and sustainable rural communities are important to the vitality and prosperity of all of Canada and the federal government is committed to the economic and social renewal of rural Canada in order to increase its vitality and prosperity. Through citizen engagement, partnerships and horizontal coordination, the Government of Canada has improved access to opportunities for citizens in rural, remote and northern Canada, helping them to benefit from and contribute to the economic and social well-being of Canada.

The Rural Secretariat has a mandate to develop, coordinate, and implement a national, cross-government approach to better understand the issues and concerns of rural communities. This is accomplished through the Canadian Rural Partnership (CRP) which is the key policy framework supporting federal rural policy efforts. The Rural Secretariat works collaboratively with 32 federal departments and agencies to assist them in developing policies, programs and services that reflect the unique challenges faced by rural Canadians.

A summary of the work of the Canadian Rural Partnership is posted on the Treasury Board Secretariat's Horizontal Results Web site at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/eppi-ibdrp/hrdb-rhbd/profil_e.asp

A summary of results are included in the Departmental Performance Report 2003-2004 Agriculture and Agri-Food which is posted on the Treasury Board Secretariat Web site: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/dpr/03-04/AAFC-AAC/AAFC-AACd34_e.asp

The information below outlines the initiatives by federal departments and agencies that contribute to the economic and social well-being of rural Canada. To some extent, these initiatives reflect the results of the Rural Secretariat's work in bringing a rural perspective to the development and delivery of federal policies, programs and services.

FEDERAL PARTNERS

AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA
http://www.agr.gc.ca

Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development (CARD):

The CARD fund is designed to help stimulate progressive change in Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector and rural communities across Canada by capturing new market opportunities and becoming more competitive. CARD focuses on six adaptation priorities including: research/innovation; human resource capacity-building; environmental sustainability; food safety and quality; capturing market opportunities; and rural development.

Note: In 2004-05 the funding previously available under the CARD Program is available under the Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) Program, http://www.agr.gc.ca/acaaf/index_e.html

Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) Program:
http://www.agr.gc.ca/caisprogram/main.html

The CAIS program integrates stabilization and disaster protection into a single program, helping producers protect their farming operations from both small and large drops in income. The CAIS program is a whole-farm program available to eligible farmers regardless of the commodities they produce.

Crop Insurance:
http://www.agr.gc.ca/progser/ci_e.phtml

Crop Insurance provides risk protection for farm production by minimizing the economic effects of crop losses caused by natural hazards. As well, complementary companion programs such as the Net Income Stabilization Account and the Canadian Farm Income program also provide risk protection for farmers or help industry development and research.

ATLANTIC CANADA OPPORTUNITIES AGENCY (ACOA)
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/index.shtml

Cod Fishery Action Plan:
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/whatsnew/measures1.shtml

Further to the closure of cod stocks in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and along the northeast coast of Newfoundland, the Government of Canada developed an action plan that will help create alternative employment opportunities, and expand scientific research into the decline of the cod stocks.

The Argentia Management Authority (AMA):
http://www.argentia.nf.ca/ama.html
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/about/programs.shtml

AMA is a not-for-profit organization established in 1994 to mitigate the economic impact of the U.S. naval facility closure at Argentia, Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Board of the AMA continues to manage a fund established by the federal government. The AMA's marketing efforts have attracted several new businesses to the area.

Interdepartmental Partnership with Official Languages Communities (IPOLC):
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/library/reports/action0204/ns.shtml

In 2001, ACOA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Canadian Heritage under the IPOLC, a five-year initiative designed to further the development of official-language minority communities in Canada.

Softwood Industry and Community Economic Adjustment Initiative (SICEAI):
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/about/profile.shtml

SICEAI is designed to address the adjustment and transition needs of forest-dependent communities across Canada. ACOA delivers and implements the initiative in Atlantic Canada.

Strategic Community Investment Fund:
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/financial/scif.shtml

The Strategic Community Investment Fund supports strategic initiatives that respond to the economic development needs of Atlantic Canada and help communities strengthen their economic base. The primary focus of this initiative will be projects in rural areas.

Cost-shared position between ACOA and the Rural Secretariat:

All costs related to a Rural Policy and Program Coordination Officer position are cost-shared on a 50-50% basis in each Atlantic province to promote the Canadian Rural Partnership initiative.

Championing the Canadian Rural Partnership in Atlantic Canada:

ACOA chairs the four Rural Teams (horizontal teams) in Atlantic Canada and participates on the Interdepartmental Working Group in Ottawa.

Collaboration on Rural Research:

ACOA collaborated with the Rural Secretariat and other federal departments on research to develop a GIS database and report outlining the impact of wharves and government support in Nova Scotia. The paper titled "Between the Land and Sea Report" is available at www.coastalcommunities.ns.ca.

Regional Economic Development Organizations (REDO):
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/about/building/section1.shtml

Covering both rural and urban areas, REDOs develop community capacity to address local needs through strategic planning; partnering with municipalities, provinces, and community groups; and delivering community projects.

Community Futures Program:
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/about/building/section5.shtml

The Community Futures Program is a national program that provides funding to over 300 community development organizations across Canada. In Atlantic Canada, these organizations are now known collectively as the Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs), a network of 41 autonomous, not-for-profit organizations that work with all levels of government and the private sector to meet the needs of small business. For further information on the programs and services provided by the CBDCs, see Community Business Development Corporations.

Aboriginal Business Development Fund (ABDF):
http://www.cbsc.org/english/search/display.cfm?code=3061&Coll=FE_FEDSBIS_E

ACOA contributed $6,000,000 to the Aboriginal Business Development Fund, and $450,000 for annual operations. The ABDF provides access to capital for small and medium Aboriginal enterprises.

Seed Capital ConneXion Program for Young Entrepreneurs:
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/library/reports/seed.shtml

The Seed Capital ConneXion Program for Young Entrepreneurs provides training and counselling to young entrepreneurs across the Atlantic provinces.

Women's Business Initiative:
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/
business/entrepreneurship/wbi/wbi.shtml

This initiative assists women across the Atlantic provinces in starting or expanding their own businesses.

CANADA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR QUEBEC REGIONS (CED):
http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/asp/General/main.asp?LANG=EN

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions contributes to the Canadian Rural Partnership by assuming responsibilities within various tables established to promote a horizontal approach to the economic, social, environmental and cultural development of rural communities.

Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs):
http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/asp/ProgrammesServices/PDC.asp?LANG=EN#CFDC

The CFDCs promote community economic development by organizing events, fostering co-operation and creating sustainable jobs and businesses. Funded by the federal government, the corporations are run by independent boards of directors made up of community, local industry and interest group representatives. The CFDCs' mandate is twofold: provide services for the community and services for businesses. The CFDCs have several community development tools: An investment fund; Youth Strategy Initiative; and Public Internet Access Centres.

Rural Enterprises initiative:

The main objective of this initiative is to support economic activities in rural communities by capitalizing on local material and human resources. The initiative is delivered on the ground through CFDC and will focus primarily on:

• Identifying and developing new ways of promoting the natural and human resources of rural communities by focusing primarily on the development of technological and niche products and services.
• Encouraging rural development and supporting rural areas in their efforts to attract technology-based businesses associated with urban areas by fostering innovation.
• Encouraging the introduction of economic activities related to the new knowledge-based economy.

CO-OPERATIVE SECRETARIAT:
http://www.agr.gc.ca/policy/coop/home_e.phtml

The Secretariat helps people develop co-ops, and to research and test innovative ways of using the co-operative model. CDI will make the co-op option more readily available to Canadians, to respond to their present-day challenges.

CDI has two main components:

1. Advisory Services, to provide expert assistance to groups who want to start new co-ops, or who need help to manage existing ones. This component is managed jointly by the Canadian Co-operative Association and the Conseil Canadien de la Coopération.
2. Innovation and Research projects, to study and demonstrate how co-ops can be used successfully in new ways. This component is managed by the federal Co-operatives Secretariat.

ENVIRONMENT CANADA
http://www.ec.gc.ca/

EcoAction Community Funding Program:
www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction/what_is_e.html

EcoAction provides financial support to non-profit, non-governmental organizations for community projects that protect or improve the environment and/or improve the capacity of Canadians to take action on environmental issues. Projects must address one or more of the following environmental priorities: climate change/clean air; clean water and nature. Resources are allocated to projects in both urban and rural areas.

Northern Ecosystem Initiative (NEI):
http://www.pnr-rpn.ec.gc.ca/nature/ecosystems/nei-ien/dh00s00.en.html

The NEI addresses ecosystem and community priorities across the Canadian North from the Yukon to Labrador and including portions of northern Ontario and Quebec. The goal is to support partnership-based activities that enhance the health and sustainability of communities and ecosystems.

EC's Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP):
http://atlantic-web1.ns.ec.gc.ca/community/acap/

ACAP is a unique community-based program initiated by Environment Canada in 1991 to help Atlantic Canadians restore and sustain watersheds and adjacent coastal areas. ACAP recognizes that local organizations are the most effective champions to achieve sustainability in their communities.

FEDERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE IN NORTHERN ONTARIO (FEDNOR)
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/infednor-fednor.nsf/en/Home

FedNor is an initiative of the Government of Canada aiming to address the economic development needs of Northern Ontario. Working with numerous partners, and through its programs and services, FedNor helps fund community projects as well as other initiatives designed to improve the economic and social well-being of the North as a whole.

Applied Research and Development Program:
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/infednor-fednor.nsf/en/fn00917e.html

FedNor is committed to supporting technological innovation, research and development, and the commercialization of new products and processes in Northern Ontario. By working with various community stakeholders FedNor will identify significant opportunities that will link traditional resource industries to a more knowledge-based product and service development. FedNor is providing additional support for early stage research and development and for pre-commercial product development.

Community Recovery Initiative:
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/infednor-fednor.nsf/en/fn00927e.html

This initiative is designed to provide special assistance to Northern Ontario communities that have been adversely affected by sudden or severe downturns in their local economy. This funding will support the development and implementation of recovery strategies. Eligible activities may include support for development and implementation of recovery strategies including economic analysis, strategic planning, feasibility studies, and other activities deemed necessary to assist in the recovery process.

Northern Ontario Economic Development Fund (NOEDF) - Capital Projects:
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/infednor-fednor.nsf/en/fn00928e.html

FedNor's NOEDF is intended to strengthen Northern Ontario communities by supporting projects that address local needs and priorities and result in long term benefits including job creation, economic diversification, and enhanced business competitiveness. Activities must demonstrate significant direct or indirect impact on the enhancement of local business; demonstrate evidence of support from the private sector, community organizations, municipalities, and/or the provincial government; and must be a key component to the successful implementation of a community's overall strategic economic development plan.

Ontario Community Futures Program:
http://www.ontcfdc.com

The Ontario Community Futures Program supports community economic development by assisting Northern Ontario and rural communities to develop and diversify their economies through the development and implementation of strategic community economic development plans with other partners.

Softwood Industry and Community Economic Adjustment Initiative (SICEAI):
http://www.ic.gc.ca/cmb/welcomeic.nsf/0/85256a220056c2a485256c94004dad36?OpenDocument

SICEAI provides adjustment assistance to eligible communities affected by the imposition of tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber exports to the U.S. Support will be made to projects in forestry-dependent communities which are experiencing long-term employment declines linked to tariffs imposed on Canadian softwood lumber. This funding will be targeted at several broadly-defined areas of eligibility including: Innovative and value added forestry initiatives; community capacity building; diversifying local economies; and infrastructure that encourages economic growth.

FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/home-accueil_e.htm

Oceans Act Programs and Canada's Oceans Strategy implementation:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/canwaters-eauxcan/oceans/index_e.asp

In January 1997, Canada enacted a law, the Oceans Act, that established a new and innovative approach to manage its oceans in the 21st century. Canada's Ocean Strategy was released on

July 12, 2002 and Fisheries and Oceans Canada has an important role to play in its implementation. The Oceans Strategy will provide policy direction, assist in building partnerships, and pursue a number of key activities, which include:

• integrating science and traditional ecological knowledge to increase our understanding of marine ecosystems;
• reducing marine pollution;
• developing a strategy for a national network of Marine Protected Areas;
• using Integrated Management to resolve conflicts and manage human activities in ocean areas where multiple interests are involved;
• promoting stewardship and public awareness; and
• promoting international collaboration to protect globally shared fisheries and ocean resources.

HUMAN RESOURCES AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CANADA (HRSDC)
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/

Office of Learning Technologies (OLT) Community Learning Networks (CLN) Initiative:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/hip/lld/olt/01_index.shtml

OLT supports pilot projects that demonstrate innovative and sustainable uses of existing network technologies to enhance learning and skills development opportunities in Canadian communities. These approaches help individuals to prepare for and keep employment and to participate in a culture of lifelong learning. As of March 2004, there were 113 Community Learning Networks (CLNs) in place in communities across Canada of which 38% involve people living in northern, rural and other non-metropolitan areas.

INDIAN AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca

Community Economic Development Program (CEDP):
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/ecd/ps/cedp_e.html

The CEDP is designed to provide long-term employment and business development opportunities to First Nations and Inuit by giving them the means to effectively manage skill development programs, economic institutions and business enterprises. This is achieved by forging partnerships among Aboriginal peoples, various levels of government and the private sector.

INDUSTRY CANADA- ABORIGINAL BUSINESS CANADA

Aboriginal Business Development Program:
http://www.abc-eac.ic.gc.ca

• Aboriginal Business Development
  To increase the number of viable businesses in Canada that are owned and controlled by Aboriginal Canadians, improve access to business opportunities, increase self-reliance and provide a supportive business environment for Aboriginal Canadians in all areas of Canada.
• Aboriginal Business Capital Corporations
  To establish, expand and diversify self-sustaining Aboriginal-owned and -controlled capital corporations that provide developmental capital in Canada and that are functionally complementary to the mainstream financial sector.
• Access to Capital
  To enhance the capacity of Aboriginal financial and business development organizations to provide financial services, business information and developmental support services.

INDUSTRY CANADA
http://www.ic.gc.ca/

Broadband for Rural and Northern Development (BRAND) program:
www.broadband.gc.ca

Industry Canada's BRAND Pilot Program is the first step toward achieving the Government's goal of ensuring that all Canadian communities have access to affordable broadband services by 2005. Industry Canada is providing funding to assist communities in developing and implementing business plans for broadband connectivity, thereby providing an incentive for private sector deployment. Over the next three years, the Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program will help to increase the number of communities with broadband access.

Canada Business Service Centres (CBSCs):
http://www.cbsc.org/english/

The Canada Business Service Centres are your gateway to government information for business. The CBSCs provide a wide range of information on government services, programs and regulations and are there to answer your questions about starting a new business or improving an existing one.

Community Access Program (CAP):
http://cap.ic.gc.ca/

The Community Access Program provides Canadians with affordable access to the Internet, as a means of ensuring that Canadians benefit from the global, knowledge-based economy and the opportunity to use its technologies, and specifically to establish universal public access sites in urban and rural communities across Canada. CAP sites provide a stable, accessible and supportive location for distance education, e-learning, e-teaching, searching for work, and skills development and training.

SchoolNet:
www.schoolnet.ca

SchoolNet facilitates the Internet connectivity of all schools, including First Nations schools and libraries. By encouraging the use of the Internet in a learning environment, SchoolNet ensures that the tremendous potential of information and communication technologies is harnessed for the benefit of all Canadian learners, enabling them to compete effectively in the new global, knowledge-based economy.

Infrastructure Canada Program (ICP):
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/icp/index_e.shtml?menu3

The Infrastructure Canada Program objective is to enhance infrastructure in Canada's urban and rural communities and to improve quality of life through investments that protect the environment and support long-term community and economic growth. It will assist in the development of long-term strategic initiatives related to infrastructure and to facilitate planning and development of infrastructure that will produce long-term benefits. ICP is cost-shared between federal and provincial governments and the project proponent with an equitable balance of funding between urban and rural communities.

Canadian Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF):
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/csif/index_e.shtml?menu3

The Canadian Strategic Infrastructure Fund is a ten-year program that targets strategic, large-scale projects of federal and regional importance in areas that are vital to sustaining growth and enhancing the quality of life of Canadians. Eligible categories under the CSIF are: highway and rail infrastructure; local transportation infrastructure; tourism or urban development infrastructure; water or sewage infrastructure; and broadband.

Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF):
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/mrif-fimr/index_e.shtml?menu3

The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund provides a balanced response to local infrastructure needs in urban and rural Canada, and will ensure that all Canadians, whether they live in large, small or remote communities, will share in the benefits of infrastructure investments. The MRIF will improve and increase the stock of core public infrastructure in areas such as water, wastewater, cultural, recreation, and those very things that make our communities vibrant and productive places to live and work and raise families.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
http://canada.justice.gc.ca/

Family Violence Initiative (Justice Component):
http://www.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/pb/familyv.html

The program is intended to promote awareness of family violence issues and the development of resource tools related to family violence in communities across Canada, including hard to reach communities such as rural communities.

Victims of Crime Initiative (VCI):
http://www.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/pb/fsvictims.html

The victims of crime Initiative is the Department of Justice response to the needs of victims in Canada. The Initiative works closely with the provinces and territories to improve the experience of the victim:

• ensuring that victims of crime and their families are aware of their role in the criminal justice system and services and assistance available to support them;
• enhancing the Department of Justice's capacity to develop policy, legislation and other initiatives which take into consideration the perspective of victims;
• increasing the awareness of criminal justice personnel, allied professionals and the public about the needs of victims of crime, legislative provisions designed to protect them and services available to support them; and
• developing and disseminating information about effective approaches both within Canada and internationally to respond to the needs of victims of crime.

Co-Championing the Canadian Rural Partnership in Alberta:

For the first part of the fiscal year 2003/2004 an employee with the National Crime Prevention Center represented the Department of Justice as the federal co-chair of Rural Team Alberta. In that role, he participated in a Rural Team Canada meeting in Quebec, an Edmonton town-hall with the Deputy Premier of Alberta and the national Rural Secretariat, and presented to the Alberta Federal Council. He co-chaired 10 RTAB meetings plus a two-day strategic planning retreat.

NATIONAL DEFENCE
http://www.forces.gc.ca/

Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program (CFAEP):
http://www.recruiting.forces.ca/engraph/enrollment/index_e.aspx?id=13

CFAEP is a special recruiting program offering full-time Regular Force training and employment opportunities to qualified Aboriginal peoples. This program offers Aboriginal candidates the opportunity to explore all aspects of a transition to military life before making an informed decision about joining. This program helps develop motivation, discipline, self-worth, leadership skills, and teamwork in the participants.

Primary Reserve:
http://www.recruiting.forces.ca/engraph/reserve/index_e.aspx

Reserve Force units are located in hundreds of communities across Canada, with a total strength of about 22,000 personnel. The Reserve Force contributes among other things to community capacity building and community development and has 300 units across Canada.

Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC):
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=551

With approximately 4,500 personnel, the CIC are responsible for the supervision, administration and training of approx. 54,000 cadets located in approximately 1,115 corps and squadrons across Canada.

Canadian Rangers (CR):
http://www.rangers.forces.gc.ca/

CR are active community members who have a positive influence on their peers and are often held up as role models for the youth in the community. Since 1996, Canadian Rangers have acted as mentors and educators for more than 2,500 young people involved in the Junior Canadian Ranger Programme. There are approximately 4500 Canadian Rangers in 164 Ranger patrols. These patrols are organized in five Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups reflecting the geographic makeup of Canada.

Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR):
http://www.rangers.forces.gc.ca/pubs/jcr/intro_e.asp

Community support is the cornerstone of the JCR program. There are 95 Junior Canadian Ranger Patrols in far northern and remote communities across Canada and approximately 2,700 JCR. Participants, leaders, and resources for the program come from the area, and local practices and customs are the focus of all training and activities. How much the program's structured activities benefit the community is directly related to the amount of support and effort the community invests in it.

Canadian Cadet program:
http://www.cadets.ca/intro.asp

The Cadet Program is a community-based youth program that offers interesting and challenging activities, teaches valuable life skills and provides opportunities to travel across Canada and around the world. There are approximately 54,000 cadets spread out in 1,133 Cadet Corps and Squadrons.

Bold Eagle Program:
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/39cbg_hq/bold_eagle.htm

BOLD EAGLE is a unique summer training and employment program that combines military training and First Nations cultural awareness. BOLD EAGLE training fosters the development of valuable skills: self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork and physical fitness. For the last 14 years, Bold Eagle has contributed significantly to building and improving relations between the Army and those communities that have participated, and has had a significant impact in the lives of the individuals who participate.

NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA
http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/inter/index.html

Northern Resource Development Initiative:
http://nrd.nrcan.gc.ca/index_e.php

In partnership with the provincial and territorial geological surveys and other federal departments, the Northern Resource Development Program delivers an improved, expanded geoscience knowledge base to stimulate new private sector investment in mineral and energy development to create additional opportunities for northerners. The program also supports northern capacity building in terms of increased understanding of geoscience for decision-making and increased employment opportunities provided by exploration firms.

First Nations Forestry Program:
http://www.fnfp.gc.ca/index_e.php

The First Nations Forestry Program assists First Nations to manage their forest resources and positions them to participate in local and regional forest development opportunities. The program supports projects that assist sustainable forest management, knowledge and technology transfer, work experience, forest protection, and forest-based business planning at the community level. Approved projects receive on average between $20,000 - $30,000 in funding per year.

Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI):
http://www.sci.gc.ca/text/b1_en.html

The Sustainable Communities Initiative builds capacity in rural, coastal, Aboriginal and northern communities that wish to take control of their future, by providing them with modern mapping technologies to make informed decisions for sustainable development. SCI provides this enabling capacity by helping communities learn, implement and use Geographic Information Systems (G.I.S.) to make decisions about their economic, environmental and social development. By using this information to share knowledge, assess opportunities, evaluate options, and gauge tradeoffs, remote communities can make better and faster decisions.

STATISTICS CANADA
http://www.statcan.ca/

"Rural and Small Town Canada Analysis Bulletins":
http://www.statcan.ca:8096/bsolc/english/bsolc?catno=21-006-X&CHROPG=1

Twenty-nine "Rural and Small Town Canada Analysis Bulletins" are available at the Statistics Canada website, eight of which were published in 2003-2004. Earlier bulletins documented the rural-urban socio- economic deficit. More recent bulletins have portrayed the diversity of rural Canada.

"Agriculture and Rural Working Papers":

Twenty-five rural-related "Agriculture and Rural Working Papers" are available at the Statistics Canada website at www.statcan.ca/cgi-bin/downpub/listpub.cgi?catno=21-601-MIE rural-related "Agriculture and Rural Working Papers". Three papers were published in 2003-2004. The working papers provide a detailed analysis with more provincial details in order to benchmark the rural policy debate.

Community Profiles:
http://www.statcan.ca:8096/bsolc/english/bsolc?catno=93F0053XIE

Information for all Canadian communities (cities, towns, villages, Indian reserves and Indian settlements, etc.) for counties or their equivalents and for metropolitan areas, as well as data for health regions. A mapping feature is also provided.

STATUS OF WOMEN CANADA
http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/about/about_e.html

Women's Program (WP):
http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/funding/wp_e.html

The WP supports action by women's organizations and other partners to improve rural women's social, economic, legal and political situation in their communities. Further details on the initiatives in each region can be obtained by contacting the SWC regional offices.

TRANSPORT CANADA
http://www.tc.gc.ca/

Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP):
http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/airports/ACAP/menu.htm

The Program assists eligible applicants in financing capital projects related to safety, asset protection, and operating cost reduction. Eligible applicants are:

• the owner of an eligible airport or its operator (if so designated by the owner and a long-term contractual relationship is in place);
• airports required by regulation to provide Aircraft Emergency Intervention Services, and other entities providing approved services at such airports, for eligible projects related to the provision of these services.

Airport Divestiture Program:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/airports/menu.htm

The Program was originally established in 1994 as a means to transfer public airports that are classified under the National Airports Policy as Regional/Local and Small airports to local ownership and control. The Program allows communities to benefit from the advantages of local operation, including the flexibility to respond to changing needs and new business development opportunities. The Program has been extended until March 31, 2005.

Airports Operations and Maintenance Subsidy Program:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/airports/policy/nap/Remote.htm

Originally established in 1972, the objective of the Program is to cover the deficits relating to operations and maintenance expenditures of municipal airports. With the transfer of most of these airports having occurred since 1995, the only airports remaining in this Program are six of the Remote Airports and three of the Regional/Local Airports identified in the National Airports Policy.

Financial Support to Regional and Remote Passenger Rail Services:

The funding provided by this initiative keeps services available in regional and remote points. The department contributes to the maintenance of existing regional and remote federally-regulated passenger rail services in regional and remote points in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia. Where there are no roads, the passenger rail service transports groceries, building supplies, and household goods in the baggage car. The rail funding supports economic activity in the communities by providing access for tourists to recreational activities and commercial lodges as well as supporting local activities involving the lumber, fishing, and mining sectors. These activities help support the long-term viability and the development of rural and isolated communities.

Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/freight/FETI/FSDP/menu.htm

The Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program supports the demonstration and evaluation of innovative tools, technologies, and best practices that have the potential to reduce the growth of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada's freight transportation sector. Organizations with an interest in goods movement may apply for funding of up to $250,000 or fifty percent of eligible project expenses. Projects must demonstrate technologies or best practices with potential to reduce GHG emissions in a practical and cost effective manner.

Labrador Coast Airstrips Restoration Program:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/atl/2004/04-a004e.htm

The objective of the Restoration Program is to restore the airstrips along the Labrador Coast to ensure their operational capability is maintained at the level necessary to meet Transport Canada's Airport Certification requirements. The Program contributes to the long-term sustainability and development of the communities along the Labrador Coast, since the coastal communities of Labrador are critically dependent on their airstrip for their survival and access to the national transportation system on a year-round basis.

Moving On Sustainable Transportation Program:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/most/menu.htm

The Program assists organizations such as environmental groups, community associations, academic institutions, and business and professional associations that are conducting projects and delivering concrete results in support of sustainable transportation. The Program seeks to stimulate the development of innovative methods for decreasing the impact of transportation on the environment, and also aims to provide Canadians with practical information and tools to apply sustainable transportation thinking to their daily lives.

Operation of Regional/Local and Remote Public Ports and Public Port Facilities:

Transport Canada owns and operates a network of public ports and public port facilities that are classified under the National Marine Policy either as Regional/Local ports or Remote ports. Under the Port Divestiture Program, such ports will be operated and maintained until they are transferred and furthermore remote ports are divested only where interest to acquire them has been expressed. Transport Canada is committed to ensure these remote communities remain accessible for part of the year by marine mode and maintain access to the national transportation network.

Operation of Remote Airports:

Transport Canada finances the operations and maintenance expenditures of 7 (TC operated) of the 13 airports designated as remote under the terms of the National Airports Policy across Canada. The Program supports specific communities to remain accessible year-round and maintain access to the national transportation network. Transport Canada also subsidizes the operating deficits of the other 6 (non TC operated) airports designated as remote under the terms of the National Airports Policy under the Airports Operations and Maintenance Subsidy Program.

Payments to the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) re: Hopper Cars:

Transport Canada makes a contribution payment to the Canadian Wheat Board which leases hopper cars on behalf of the federal government for the transportation of grain in Western Canada. In addition, the federal government owns a fleet of about 12,400 hopper cars that are also used for moving western grain. These cars are provided to Canadian National Railways and Canadian Pacific Railway free of ownership costs.

Port Divestiture Program (PDP):
http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/ports/menu.htm

The Port Divestiture Program was established in 1996 to transfer public ports and public port facilities, classified under the National Marine Policy as Regional/Local ports, to other federal departments, provinces, municipalities or local interests. The PDP allows communities to benefit from the advantages of local operation, including the flexibility to respond to changing needs and new business development opportunities. The program is currently scheduled to end March 31, 2006. The PDP is being facilitated by a $175 million Port Divestiture Fund, which is used to provide assistance in bringing existing port property up to minimum safety or operating standards or to make lump-sum payments to facilitate the takeover of a port.

Direction 2006:
http://www.direction2006.com

The objective of Direction 2006 is to reduce the number of highway-railway crossing collisions and trespassing incidents on railway property by 50% by year 2006, in partnership with other governments, railways and their unions, police, and other safety organizations. The Program develops tools and provides support in the delivery or development of activities. This is done through workgroups in the areas of education, enforcement, engineering, research, resources, communications and outreach.

Grade Crossing Improvement Program:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/railway/gcip.htm

The objective of the Program is to improve the safety of existing grade crossings across Canada. The Program contributes approximately $7.5M over the course of each year to improve safety of 80-100 rail crossings across Canada. The department finances up to 80% of the total cost of the improvements, with the balance provided by the railways, municipalities or provinces.

Operation Lifesaver:
http://www.operationlifesaver.ca

Transport Canada participates in the Program administered by the Railway Association of Canada. The objective of the Program is to reduce the number of incidents that result in fatalities, injuries, and monetary losses for users of the rail infrastructure. The Program provides educational material related to crossing safety and trespassing prevention. The message is delivered in schools, and other public forums.

Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP):
http://www.tc.gc.ca/SHIP/menu.htm

This Program has two components: a $500M highway construction component; and a $100M national system integration component. The Program's objectives are to: support trade, tourism, and investment in Canada; strengthen national unity by sustaining strategic infrastructure investments in all regions of the country to respond to local needs; make the Canadian surface transportation system more reliable, efficient, competitive, integrated, and sustainable; and improve the quality of life of Canadians by promoting safer and more environmentally sustainable transportation.

Subsidies to Ferry Services in Atlantic Canada and British Columbia:

Transport Canada provides annual subsidies to Marine Atlantic Inc. (a Crown corporation), two private operators in Atlantic Canada (Northumberland Ferries Ltd. and CTMA Traversier Ltée.), and BC Ferries. Ferry assets owned by Transport Canada include four vessels and seven sites leased to and/or operated by private operators. These sites are located in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the Iles de la Madeleine in Quebec. Marine Atlantic Inc. owns and operates four vessels and three terminals in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

WESTERN ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION (WD)
http://www.wd.gc.ca/

WD was established in 1987 under the provision of the Western Economic Diversification Act. WD works to strengthen Western Canada's economy and advance the interests of the West in national economic policy. Programs and services support three strategic directions: Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Communities. WD supports the Western Canada Business Service Network, which offers over 100 points of service across the West. The Business Service Network database can assist you with locating the network offices nearest you.

Working with the Canadian Rural Partnership in Western Canada:

WD co-chairs the Rural Teams in three of the four Western provinces, with the aim of greater information sharing between federal departments, the province and community stakeholders. WD actively participated in Rural Team action planning, agenda setting and priority review, and contributed to increase information sharing.

Western Economic Diversification Contribution Programs:

For further detail please see the Report on Plans and Priorities 2003-2004 available at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20032004/pdf/wdo-e.pdf. Western Economic Diversification contribution programs contribute towards:

• A strengthened western Canadian innovation system;
• A competitive and expanded business sector in Western Canada; and
• Increased economic activity that improves the competitiveness and the quality of life in western Canadian communities.

Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative:
http://www.wd.gc.ca/siceai/default_e.asp

The Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative is a national program to support those forest-dependent communities across Canada that demonstrate a negative impact on local employment since the introduction of the US countervailing duties on softwood lumber. The program is being overseen in B.C. by a Ministerial Advisory Group which is chaired by the Mayor of Prince George. The program will be delivered to impacted communities by WD.