Budget 2006 shows a renewed commitment to rural Alberta with 25 new initiatives totalling more than $260 million in new spending. This funding will improve programs and services for rural residents, families and communities.

Planned initiatives include increased support for individuals and families and economic development in rural regions. The new $100-million Rural Development Project Fund will help communities spur on innovative rural projects tailored for their region.

A Place to Grow, Alberta’s rural development strategy outlined nine priorities essential to building strong, sustainable rural communities. Budget 2006 meets many of these priorities.

• Related story: New development strategy helps rural communities to grow (February 25, 2005)

Examples of rural initiatives in Budget 2006 include:

Promoting economic development in rural communities

• Encouraging rural tourism with a $24-million investment into parks infrastructure, including repairing basic visitor facilities like trails, picnic tables and camping sites.

Building community capacity

• Providing support to rural municipalities to improve their roadways, bridges and community airports through Rural Transportation Partnership Grants in the amount of $58.5 million in 2006.

Improving access to health care

• Investing in health facilities in Lethbridge, Edson, Barrhead, Viking, High Prairie, Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan.

Expanding learning and skill development opportunities

• Continuing support of Alberta SuperNet in schools across Alberta. SuperNet provides improved access to e-learning opportunities through videoconferencing, online learning and multimedia teaching resources.

Sustaining and enhancing the quality of rural Alberta’s environment

• Enhancing rural Albertans’ access to safe drinking water by providing cost-shared grants to municipalities with a population of less than 45,000.

Provide opportunities to rural youth

• Launching a mobile career and employment centre in the northeast region of Alberta to provide services and information to rural Albertans.

Engaging and supporting seniors

• Improving continuing care standards and patient services in rural health facilities.

Encouraging participation of Aboriginal people

• Supporting the development of community action plans as part of the Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy.

More information

• Details of rural development initiatives
• Rural Development Strategy
• Budget 2006 — Strengthening today, securing tomorrow
• News release