Building Our Future Together
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Message from the Honourable Andy Mitchell
Building our Future Together
When nearly 500 participants gathered in Magog, Quebec, for the National Rural
Conference in April 2000, I was truly amazed at what took place. Rural citizens from all
across Canada talked about what was going on in their small towns and remote villages
and shared their experiences with others. They also had an opportunity to hear about
what the federal government has done in the last two years and to tell us what tools
rural and remote Canada needs to succeed in the 21st Century.
It is impressive to see everything we have accomplished together in just a short while
leading up to the conference.
Minister Vanclief launched the Canadian Rural Partnership in 1998. The dialogue that
followed culminated in the National Rural Workshop held near Belleville, Ontario, in
October 1998. Rural Canadians identified 11 key priority areas that are reflected in
federal policy through the Framework for Action for Rural Canada. In August 1999, I
had the honour of being appointed the first Secretary of State for Rural Development in
Canada by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien to implement this policy. During the past year,
I have had the pleasure of travelling across Canada and talking with Canadians in small
towns and remote villages about what makes rural Canada so unique.
All the while, the rural dialogue has continued through regional activities. The Rural
Times newsletter was published, and a discussion group started online. The National
Rural Conference marked the end of the second phase of the rural dialogue. This report
is a wonderful testimony to the hard work, dedication, discussions and information sharing that took place at the conference.
The conference was important because participants from rural and remote regions
shared lessons learned and heard about activities and concerns in other regions. They
also told the federal government what still needs to be worked on and which tools are
needed to give rural communities access to the same services enjoyed by other
Canadians. What a great example of working together to shape federal government
policy from the bottom up--with advice and feedback from the people most affected by
policy decisions.
The federal government understands the challenges facing rural and remote
Canadians. It understands that different approaches are required, for example, because
of distances or dependency on cyclical resource-based industry. Such realities
distinguish rural communities from urban centres and need to be reflected in public
policies, programs and services. It's important that, as innovative approaches are
developed, we address issues like distance from markets and the costs this distance
creates. My role as Secretary of State is to understand such issues, to act on them and
to support my Cabinet colleagues in doing so as well. This "Rural Lens" is a crucial tool
in considering new initiatives. It identifies the effects federal policies, programs and
services have on rural Canada.
During the conference, I listened to what you said and understand its importance. This
report highlights some of the main issues. It also contains names and contact numbers
of the conference presenters. This will allow rural citizens, organizations and
government officials to continue networking. This is an excellent opportunity to keep the
rural dialogue alive!
Where do we go from here? As promised, I am sharing a proposed rural action plan
with participants. Their feedback will go into a final action plan, which will be a
foundation for further progress. The final rural action plan will be available in late fall
2000, by calling the toll-free dialogue number, 1-888-781-2222, by clicking on the rural Web site at www.rural.gc.ca, or by writing to
the Rural Secretariat, Room 4112, Sir John Carling Building, 930 Carling Avenue,
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C5.
Continuing dialogue is critical to achieving a better quality of life for rural Canadians. I
have committed to active dialogue at the regional level and a national conference in
2002. I want to enhance such tools as The Rural Times newsletter and our online
discussion group to enrich the dialogue.
The road ahead is important, but we couldn't have gotten this far without your energy,
enthusiasm and commitment. I thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, at the
National Rural Conference and beyond. Without your collaboration, I can't do my job:
representing rural Canadians, their hopes, their successes, their concerns and what
they want rural Canada to be.
Sincerely,
Andy Mitchell
Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for
Northern Ontario)
1 Foreword
This report is a summary of discussions that took place at the National Rural
Conference held in Magog-Orford, Quebec, April 27 - 30, 2000. Many of the
discussions took place in brainstorming sessions at which no limits were placed on the
participants. Unless the speaker is identified, the statements in this document were
made by participants at the conference and do not necessarily represent the views of
the Government of Canada.
The federal government will be examining issues and concerns raised at the
conference that fall within federal jurisdiction to determine which ideas are feasible and
can be acted on. An action plan, to be released in late fall, will assist the Government of
Canada in the development of future policies with regards to rural development.
In order to present a true report of the free-ranging discussions, we have also included
recommendations made by participants that fall outside federal jurisdiction.
2 Focusing on our Youth
Rural youth played a key role in the conference. Approximately 50 participants aged 16
to 29 years attended the conference from various rural and remote areas of the country.
They contributed to the "Focusing on our Youth" discussion group. The Honourable
Andy Mitchell opened this session by highlighting the opportunities and challenges of
rural and remote communities. He described the process that led to the Magog
conference and challenged the youth representatives to engage in the process.
"The need to find ways to keep our young people in rural communities--so that even if they do have to travel away for post-secondary education they'll be returning and seeing an economic future--that's an important issue for us."
Honourable Andy Mitchell
Secretary of State
Rural Development
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The youth delegates explored four questions: the central factors affecting leaving or
staying in their communities; community assets for youth; ideas for strengthening these
assets; and ways in which the federal government could help youth build on community
assets.
Several core themes and suggestions emerged from the youth discussion group and
from other sessions held during the conference. Some of the main themes were:
- Youth value many assets in their rural and remote communities. These include a
strong sense of place and belonging, natural resources, community members
who contribute and make a difference, and vibrant community organizations.
These assets need to be affirmed and used to encourage youth to participate in
developing sustainable rural communities.
- Youth are proud of their communities and their roots. Yet, economic and social
circumstances, such as the lack of employment and education opportunities,
often result in youth leaving their communities. In some instances, these same
conditions prevent youth from leaving to pursue opportunities and gain
experience that can be brought back to the community.
- The youth voice needs to be increased through meaningful representation and
participation in community and political decision-making bodies. For example, a
youth representative might be invited to serve as youth "mayor." Communities
should acknowledge the energy and ideas of the emerging generation of
leaders. This will help to bridge the generation gap and to pass the torch. Youth
can be encouraged to get involved when new programs and services are being
developed.
- Recognize that not all rural and remote communities are the same, or face the
same challenges and opportunities. Solutions will require local innovation and
creativity according to the community.
- Economic development and opportunity is only one piece of the puzzle. Social
infrastructure, particularly sports, recreation and cultural facilities, are central to
youth development and commitment to community. Substance abuse issues
have to be addressed.
- Increase support for innovation and entrepreneurs beyond the traditional
resource industries, while recognizing that support for traditional industries is
also important.
- Education and training is important. Youth emphasize distance education and
access to telecommunications, as ways to remain connected with the
community, as well as making post-secondary education study options available.
"If you want to make a difference, stand up. I'll be on your side."
Honourable Denis Coderre
Secretary of State
Amateur Sport
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- Strengthening technological and transportation infrastructure is central to the
survival and development of youth in rural and remote Canadian communities.
The Honourable Denis Coderre, Secretary of State for Amateur Sport, concluded the
session. He left the youth participants with the message, "you are the government." He
challenged and encouraged youth to step forward and make a difference by becoming actively involved in shaping the future of their
communities with their local representatives and politicians. Communities are in need of
actors, not spectators, to make changes and to create hope.
"The older generations are in good hands with us youth. You should not be afraid of
change in any way 'cause change is always good and things will continue to change and they will continue to get better."
Sarah Schwartz
Participant
South Slocan, British Columbia
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3 Provincial and Territorial Updates
Conference participants learned about government programs at the federal and
provincial levels, and about local community development initiatives. Members of the
federal government rural teams as well as provincial and territorial government
representatives provided updates during 13 concurrent breakout sessions. Participants
held a discussion period following these presentations. Youth delegates also reported
on highlights from the "Focusing on our Youth" session.
"We would like to share the same objectives in order that our rural communities prosper
within their own identity and socio-economic characteristics."
Honourable Jean-Pierre Jolivet
Minister of Regions
Government of Quebec
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There is a rural team in each province and territory mostly made up of representatives
from federal departments and agencies, such as Human Resources Development
Canada, Environment Canada, Health Canada, Canadian Heritage, Agriculture and
Agri-Food Canada, Industry Canada and regional agencies. The rural teams are
evolving to include members of other levels of government as well as community
groups. Through the rural teams, all stakeholders are being invited to be part of building
partnerships, networks and alliances to address key rural issues at the local level.
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Highlights from each session are noted below.
Prince Edward Island
The role and make-up of the rural team was openly discussed. The rural citizens felt the
team should include grassroots members and organizations, especially youth. Ongoing
dialogue with rural citizens is an important part of forming community-specific
development plans. Participants were interested in hearing the results of the
Community/Government Interface Model Pilot Project (See Annex 3) and having it
rolled out to other communities as part of the ongoing dialogue. The need to attract new
community volunteers, including youth, and support these community leaders of the
future, is a significant issue. As leaders in their community, participants shared their
experiences in developing local initiatives.
New Brunswick
The rural team in New Brunswick is moving forward in developing its action plan. One
priority is to improve access of rural communities to government programs and
services, including the needed funding. Another is to build leadership and develop skills
to strengthen the community's ability to manage projects locally. Discussion is
underway to test a different model of government service delivery on a pilot basis. On
the provincial side, the Acadian Peninsula Socio-economic Development Initiative is a
new $25-million program to create a long-term rural community strategy for capacity
development and economic renewal.
Some participants noted the importance for governments to deliver programs and
services in consultation with communities. Participants suggested that the rural team
include more rural interests, such as agriculture.
Nova Scotia
Several well-regarded programs in rural community economic development are
currently being offered at universities and colleges in Nova Scotia. Provincial
departments and agencies participate on the Interdepartmental Committee on
Community Economic Development, the Nova Scotian Sustainable Communities
Initiative, and the Nova Scotia rural team. In March 2000, the Nova Scotia Citizens for
Community Development Society forwarded recommendations to government from the
successful East Coast Conference on Community Development held that month in
Sydney. The 35 recommendations were grouped into four themes: building
organizations; supporting people and volunteerism; community-based investment and
financial institutions and funding; and natural resource management and the
environment.
Participants noted the need for communities to move from short-term pilot project
funding to self-sustaining approaches. However, governments can collaborate with
communities to develop the necessary leadership, and to ensure that information is
available on community economic development. They also suggested that the rural
team include municipalities, Aboriginal people and other community interests. The
youth delegates highlighted the need to involve youth more in the decision-making
process, make available more bursaries for higher education and vocational training,
and provide greater support for amateur sports.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland and Labrador rural team focused on building community capacity.
Co-ordinated largely through Human Resources Development Canada, team members
have visited a number of communities to assess individual community needs and to
encourage communities to adopt a positive attitude in approaching economic
development and other challenges. Regional Economic Development Boards are the
primary means for economic development initiatives in the province. The province has
just completed an extensive round of public consultations and released the Interim
Report on the Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth.
In the discussion, participants raised the need for accountability at the community level,
where governments meet regularly with them regarding direction, local decisions and
results.
Youth delegates offered suggestions to address the high rate of youth migration out of
the province. Youth need to be more aware of local opportunities and need to build an
attachment to their community. Some consideration should also be given to incentives
for youth to stay in the province, such as forgivable student loans.
Quebec
Rural regions in Quebec are far from being uniform. Federal and provincial
governments are sensitive to this reality and are diligently finding ways to respond to
the needs of specific rural areas. The federal government, guided by the rural dialogue,
is working to adapt programs and services to the different regions. The provincial
government, having heard from rural lobby groups through a consultation conducted by
Solidarité rurale, (See Annex 3) is developing a rural policy that can work across all
levels of government with leeway for unique regional characteristics. These efforts from
both levels of government will encourage communities to participate and contribute
toward reaching their development potential.
Youth underscored their desire to be involved more directly in local and regional
governing structures and community organizations. This would increase their sense of
belonging in their communities.
Ontario
The Ontario rural team is putting the emphasis on recognizing significant regional
differences and diverse community needs. In response, federal and provincial
governments are emphasizing flexibility, grassroots approaches, partnerships, and
technology to design and deliver programs. Linkages are being strengthened with non-governmental or arms-length organizations such as The Ontario Rural Council (See
Annex 3) and Community Futures Development Corporations. (See Annex 3)
Participants felt that rural women's issues should be considered directly and in a more
in-depth way when determining policy and programs. Co-operatives should be front and
centre in forming rural development policy. Agriculture is still key to life in many rural
communities. Consequently, participants urged governments to consult citizens in the
agricultural sector when making decisions or representing their viewpoints. Youth
delegates saw the Internship for Young Leaders program, funded by Junior Farmers,
the University of Guelph and the Canadian Rural Partnership, as an excellent example
of a partnership that mentors and develops youth leadership.
Manitoba
Representatives provided examples of how some communities are working together
under the Community Choices Roundtable. These experiences highlighted the
importance of building leadership at the community level. Participants gave examples to
illustrate how this can make a difference to communities that otherwise might not have
found the means to collaborate. Effective federal-provincial co-operation is a key to
progress.
Participants defined the need to have information about existing programs and
services, especially when they apply to youth. The frequent need to send rural youth to
urban areas to study prompted participants to ask whether a "rural living allowance"
might be appropriate. Canada Business Service Centres (See Annex 3) were cited as a
particularly good model for supporting enterprise development, but one that needs
more publicity to increase awareness and use.
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan rural team is expanding to include more representatives from the
provincial government. The team has been actively supporting the Canadian Rural
Partnership Pilot Project Initiative and has developed a brochure to highlight some of
the federal activities in rural Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan's Business Enterprise
Centres (See Annex 3) focus on retaining and expanding businesses. The centres are
offering entrepreneurial courses for youth together with Human Resources
Development Canada. Participants supported improvements in information technology
to encourage new businesses in the province. As well, participants cited the importance
of ongoing support for primary agricultural production and some basic assistance for
community organizations to complement volunteer efforts.
The youth delegates highlighted the challenges facing rural youth. They offered such
potential solutions as tax breaks for rural businesses to hire rural youth and
encouraging broader youth participation in local issues.
Alberta
Rural citizens in Alberta noted some of their central issues, including the fact that some
people do not know how to apply the requirements imposed on agro-industry by the
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (See Annex 3) guidelines. Also, some believe
that a number of agricultural sectors are receiving preferential treatment. There is a
sensitivity to regionalized health care for rural areas, and a need for improved
confidence in the school system by youth, particularly Aboriginal youth. Participants
also noted the need for governments to focus more on social issues.
British Columbia
The British Columbia rural team is supporting research, joint initiatives, pilot projects
and further dialogue sessions. The province works with rural areas through the
Northern Development Commission, (See Annex 3) Community Development Ministry
(See Annex 3) and the Rural Development Office. (See Annex 3)
Participants noted a need for greater clarity on government responsibilities and in
accessing information from governments. The food and agriculture sector is important,
creates many jobs, and should be adequately funded for basic production and value-added processing. The provincial Community Development Ministry has programs that
are flexible and fit rural needs. Governments are continuing to put less emphasis on
writing proposals and more on developing leadership. Youth proposed developing
community leadership, sharing responsibilities through partnerships, and networking
among communities. Diversifying the economy, creating jobs by developing tourism,
and promoting artisans and entrepreneurship are critical to community health.
Northwest Territories
The Canadian Rural Partnership initiative has created economic opportunities by
funding pilot projects. The N.W.T. rural team is beginning to see dedicated participation
and interest by several representatives of federal and territorial government
departments. Monthly meetings include a "training" component, with presentations by
departments. The team now wants to build on the dialogue process and respond to
community needs by delivering government services. A resource co-funded by
Environment Canada and the Canadian Rural Partnership, and a proactive communication strategy will help
the team move in the desired direction. Participants felt that wherever possible, funding
dollars and responsibility should be devolved to rural teams to make decisions quickly
and maintain project momentum.
Youth delegates highlighted the N.W.T. Literacy Council pilot and proposed the concept
of a youth mayor--a youth councillor now sits on the Inuvik Council.
Yukon
In this session, participants discussed the five main issues that affect their communities.
Collaborative governance--involving communities in making decisions--was recognized
as a sound concept but difficult to implement. They noted that governance structures
must change, with new facilitation tools, to include more youth.
Telecommunications infrastructure, such as 1-800 access to government services, must
be supported to develop communities. Land claim issues need to be resolved. Lastly,
some positive trends were observed. There have been fewer drinking and driving
offences and related criminal cases, greater support for education outside the territory,
and more jobs with higher wages for youth.
Nunavut
Nunavut has some unique needs because of the physical distance separating
communities, its four official languages and the slow pace of installing and upgrading
telecommunications. Only eight of 27 municipalities have Internet access. In addition,
there is a shortage of skilled and experienced employees: approximately 60% of the
population is younger than 25. Youth would like to share in making decisions. Government programs are often seen as "top-down" and too
short-term to address such fundamental needs as housing, education and health care.
"Over the last few days, I've heard some absolutely phenomenal partnership
successes… where the normal kind of competition between the private sector and
government and different levels of government, have got together… and done
something successful. And it doesn't matter whether I heard examples from the East
Coast to the West Coast and all the way in between.
And for those of you who shared those experiences with all of us, and people like
myself that were unaware of that, well done. Congratulations."
Dr. Robert Church
Keynote Speaker
Calgary, Alberta
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4 Sharing Lessons Learned
Learning through the experiences of others is a valuable way for communities to gain
information and apply new approaches to the challenges that living in rural and remote
Canada can bring. Conference participants met fellow citizens involved in 14 creative,
federally funded pilot projects to develop rural and remote communities. The scope of
individual projects was diverse, yet many common lessons were shared. These are
highlighted below.
"Thank you… for the Rural Partnerships Initiative… it's allowed me to see projects in
different parts of the country, see what other people are doing, and learn from their
experiences."
George Bohlender
Participant
Cambridge Bay, Nunavut
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Fundamentals
Create a vision for your community. Do your homework. Set targets that can be
implemented. Small successes help create a momentum to build on.
- Initiate a strategic process to review strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats
- Develop leadership skills and the capacity to undertake and locally manage new
development projects.
Address adult literacy and social development issues before looking at the community
benefits of being technologically "connected."
- Basic education, training, leadership and skills development are key to
diversifying employment opportunities
- Address substance abuse by youth and high suicide rates.
Community-driven programming and management
Community-based program and project management builds ownership and forms the
foundation for sustaining the community in the long term. Build a local strategy for
survival.
- Involve primary participants or recipients of programs in early design phases to
build ownership, responsibility and support
- Draw out the strengths and opportunities residing in diverse cultures and use the
resulting synergy to your advantage
- Capitalize on the knowledge base of your own community
- Recognize your workers and volunteers. Don't take them for granted.
Networking--sharing ideas, information, successes and failures--is important. Use
networking to support and encourage other communities.
Recognize the importance of evaluating and monitoring programs; check where you
are, where others think you are and where you want to be.
Share the load. Link with other communities, where feasible, to identify common issues
and goals, and to share responsibilities and services.
Develop partnerships among stakeholders with common interests.
Communicate and let people know what you are doing, how to contact you, and how to
get involved.
- Create openness and willingness to talk about issues
- Develop positive attitudes. Think can, not can't; why not, instead of why. Don't let
early setbacks or delays sabotage the project.
"The 21st Century is truly for rural communities. As rural citizens, the 21st Century will
give you the opportunity to position yourselves, only if we take on community
development and do not let others do the work for us."
Aubrey Cormier
Keynote Speaker
Wellington, P.E.I.
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Funding
Understand that sources and types of funding will have implications on factors such as
cycles, conditions, reporting requirements, and core vs. start-up positions, and build
these into your business planning.
- Seek funding from foundations, trusts, associations and other traditional sources.
Optimize government support, but don't rely solely on it. Government funds are not a
long-term sustainable source of core funding; rather, they provide seed money.
Creatively and proactively, seek out and lever other sources.
- Create new partnerships to optimize access to funding
- Prompt government to provide incentives for businesses, such as tax incentives
and business planning. Encourage micro-enterprise development among
disadvantaged groups
- Fund co-operative ventures to help with equity investments. Provide venture
capital funds
- Encourage national financial institutions to develop rural loans policies
responsive to rural realities
- Add processing value to existing primary production.
Co-operate with the funding agencies before submitting a proposal. Make the system
work for you by seeking out advice on the best sources of funding to fit your goals.
- If necessary, seek help from a consultant or professional writer to write a credible
proposal and develop the skills in the community to write future proposals.
The power of youth
Communicate and build bridges with youth and recognize the importance of their
contributions.
- Establish programs to encourage youth leadership development and mentoring
- Promote youth activities and opportunities in the media
- Give youth a youth centre or a focal point from which to build ownership and
responsibility.
Healthy ecosystems--Healthy communities
Promote an ecosystem approach to resource and community management.
- Strengthen links with the natural world and your own spiritual and community
values by working together co-operatively and sharing resources.
Physical and emotional health and quality of life are precursors for a healthy, well-functioning community.
Technology
Technology requires investing and expanding infrastructure, as well as technical
support.
5 Round table Discussions on Moving Forward
Participants gathered in small groups to share what they learned at the conference,
discuss ideas about the actions they could take in their communities as a result and
suggest how government can help facilitate those actions to continue to address rural
and remote challenges and opportunities. The groups were organized according to the
following seven groups of priority areas.
- improving access to federal government programs and services;
- new approaches to health care;
- new approaches to delivering continuous learning opportunities (education);
- targeted opportunities, programs and services for youth;
- strengthening community capacity building, leadership and skills development;
- strengthening economic diversification; and connecting rural Canadians to the
knowledge-based economy through technology and related skills.
Before the Magog conference, these seven groups of priority areas were consolidated from the
1998 rural dialogue consultation process. It had culminated in the National Rural Workshop
held near Belleville, Ontario (see Rural Solutions to Rural Concerns) www.rural.gc.ca/nrw/final_e.phtml. The 11 priority areas identified during the 1998 dialogue
were then included in the Federal Framework for Action in Rural Canada
(www.rural.gc.ca/framework_e.phtml). The framework articulates a co-ordinated, long-term plan
of action to address the needs of Canadians living in rural and remote communities.
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In the round table discussions, participants were asked to discuss two main action-oriented questions:
1. Thinking about your own experiences and what you have learned at this
conference, if you could take two specific actions in your community to help with
the challenge of [each priority area], what would they be?
2. How can the government support your community and facilitate its
development? Name two specific tools that would support the actions you
mentioned above.
Questions 3 & 4 asked participants to reflect on "how government and citizens should
continue working together," and to articulate "the messages that all Canadians should
know about the significance, importance and contribution of our rural communities."
Responses to Questions 1 & 2--Proposed actions
The following suggestions for action and specific tools were equally applicable to all
priorities:
- Help develop a vision of what communities can become to overcome feelings of
helplessness. Provide funding for communities and municipalities to go through a
strategic planning and visioning process.
- Encourage flexible eligibility criteria in government programs. Allow the program
criteria to adjust to community needs, instead of the other way around.
- Support telecommunications infrastructure, access to the Internet and training in
the use of computers and the Internet so that people can access government
programs or establish e-commerce businesses online. Move toward the "one
stop shop" concept of government programs and services.
- Support programs that enhance rural infrastructure and services. A well-serviced
and healthy community attracts economic development.
- Encourage partnerships between communities and government. Governments
need to consult with communities about the issues, as well as be part of the
solution. Be more entrepreneurial, more inclusive of diverse community
elements, and more supportive in the long term.
- Encourage government to truly listen to rural citizens. Change the way some
rural teams are comprised, ensuring that members are from the milieu they are
to be representing. Ensure that the voices of minority groups are being heard.
- Find ways to share success stories so that the community revitalization wheel is
not continually being reinvented. Mentor each other with our lessons learned.
"We don't only need a rural lens in terms of what we're doing for our rural communities,
but we also need a cultural and a diversity lens so that we're more inclusive of all people who live in Canada."
Yvonne Atwell
Participant
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
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Actions and tools for specific priorities
Recommendations for specific actions (in italics) and suggested tools to implement
those actions are highlighted below for all seven groups of priority areas.
Access to Federal Government Services and Programs
a) Assist rural residents in accessing the Internet, including the Service Canada
Web site.
- Promote and market Community Access Program (CAP) (See Annex 3) sites
and services more often. Where needed, extend hours to permit user access
during evenings
- Increase the use of mobile libraries in small and remote communities
- Upgrade and expand telecommunications infra-structure to improve Internet
access.
b) Optimize the 1 800 O-Canada phone number.
- Once residents dial in, transfer them to a real person in the appropriate
department
- Consider linking this federal phone number to provincial and municipal
government staff and programs.
c) Clarify the role of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC) and how its goals and objectives mesh with the needs of
rural areas.
- Ensure that the business plans of telephone and cable companies demonstrate
a commitment to meeting rural service needs. Can the CRTC direct the phone
companies to provide a local, high-speed Internet dial-up access in all rural
communities?
Approaches to Health Care
a) Promote the benefits of undertaking a community profile where the health
condition of the community is inventoried and assessed.
- Obtain support for cost analysis studies from clearly identified funding bodies
who will ensure that recipients are accountable for funds and services received
- Ensure access to knowledgeable health or rural development officers who can
direct communities to the most appropriate funding source, and assist them in
developing proposals.
b) Deal with the shortage and turnover of medical doctors (MDs) and the lack of
relief for MDs.
- Provide tax relief or other incentives for MDs to relocate to rural and remote
areas, and support recruitment procedures
- Support MDs from outside Canada in immigrating to rural areas
- Government must support the existing health infrastructure, including good
salaries for nurse practitioners, and facilitate the regulatory environment
- Train more alternative health care providers, and expand obstetrics and
reproductive health services. Assist with liability insurance premiums.
c) Address health service centralization issues, which require days of travel for a
short appointment in remote areas.
- Funds are required to support MD travel to remote communities
- Provide medical hostels for citizens travelling to health care centres
- Develop "telemedicine" via satellite or video confer-encing, diagnostic and
treatment services by MDs, nurse practitioners and others in the field office.
d) Ensure that the most vulnerable people have access to health services.
Institutionalizing seniors means we lose some valuable community members.
- Increase access to home care and other in-home support services
- Maintain universal health care, and limit the privatization of services. Keep the
principles of the Health Act, and ensure their relevance by, for example,
expanding home care services.
"Canadians do things in a different kind of way… and I've put the electronic highway at
the top… That electronic highway means we are no longer captive to distance… but my guess is that people that are really going to capitalize on
the "dot com" revolution are the people in the far-flung regions, and the people that want to start commercial activities, education, telehealth… those
types of things."
Dr. Robert Church
Keynote Speaker
Calgary, Alberta
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Approaches to Continuous Learning (Education)
a) Expand ways that electronic communications and the power of the Internet
can be maximized.
- Create a master list of community college and university credit courses,
degrees and diplomas available online
- Develop infrastructure by improving telephone and satellite connections, and
provide technical support personnel to sustain them
- Fund northern "store front" offices, such as in Thompson, Manitoba, to facilitate
a university education.
b) Make information technology available in every school classroom.
- Access available federal programs such as the Community Access Program;
seek its extension if required.
c) Re-establish vocational trades education programs to help youth at risk of
dropping out.
- Approach federal government for support when negotiating with the province
for financial resources
- Continue to lobby for training and learning opportunities for individuals not
eligible for employment insurance, especially women.
d) Implement a program to increase parents' involvement when issues arise at
school with violence or substance abuse.
e) Develop mentorship programs between schools and the community to
encourage lifelong learning.
- Provide grants to fund initiatives such as co-op programs, internships,
apprenticeships and job shadowing
- Facilitate sharing of ideas between youth and elders in First Nations
communities.
Youth
a) Promote local programs in which retailers place underachieving secondary
students in their businesses.
- Provide funding for programs that link school with work. Ensure funding is
timely for employers. Foster entrepreneurship among youth
- Establish alternative schools, or at a minimum, alternative programs in schools.
b) Assist those who are in trouble with the law with socialization skills and drug
addiction for example.
- Build life and social skills to facilitate transition from school to the work world,
with government seed funding
- Establish permanent, multiple-use youth centres as an alternative to the bar or
drug scene. Provide start-up capital, as well as some maintenance funding.
Establish a network of youth centres
- Place teams of professionals in schools
- Send federal funds directly to Aboriginal communities to establish treatment
and wellness centres.
c) Develop youth leaders. Involve youth with adults making decisions in
designing programs and projects.
- Invite a youth representative on town councils as a youth "mayor" and include
interns in Junior Farmers, and on boards of commodity groups and federations of
agriculture
- Have a communications plan and use it with the media to raise awareness in
the community
- Create youth boards or forums in communities, and provide some funding for
program design. Use youth as information agents
- Implement youth awards to recognize accomplishments in athletics, leadership
and entrepreneurship.
d) Identify which federal and other programs and services are specifically
targeted for youth.
- Government to catalogue such programs as the Canada Youth Business
Foundation, (See Annex 3) Katimavik, (See Annex 3) Canada World Youth, (See
Annex 3) Youth Services Canada, (See Annex 3) Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency (Youth Seed Connection), (See Annex 3) and Youth Exchange
Programs (See Annex 3)
- Create logo under which youth opportunities will be consolidated
- Simplify the process to apply for programs, and have flexible eligibility criteria.
e) Address the high cost of leaving rural and remote areas for post-secondary
education.
- Develop Internet-based distance education opportunities
- Put teaching colleges in remote areas for health education, for example, or
have colleges contract with rural and remote communities to do training.
Strengthening Community Capacity, Leadership and Skills
a) Identify the movers and shakers in the community and develop their
leadership skills.
- Send key individuals on leadership training courses to build skills, confidence
and self-esteem
- Develop a leadership round table: a roster of individuals with sector leadership
abilities
- Promote why-not thinking, instead of why. Be open to innovation.
b) Obtain a copy of the government programs that are available to address
specific issue areas, including capacity development.
- Streamline programs to avoid overlap. Ensure that programs such as the
Community Asset Enhancement Program are simple to access, that decisions
are made quickly, and that funds are available
- Support local initiatives, as do the Canadian Rural Partnership Pilot Projects.
Support the transition of the pilot projects to permanent, self-sustaining
development programs over three to five years
- Extend the Service Canada (See Annex 3) Pilot Projects to the remotest
communities. Promote 1 800 O-Canada.
c) Find sources of financial assistance to facilitate meetings and cover the costs
of developing proposals. Think small but strategic, targeted and effective.
"We have infrastructure throughout many of the rural communities and northern
communities of Canada which is deteriorating, as it is in the big cities. But the difference is a lot of us don't have any infrastructure, whether it be water
and sewer, roads or telecommunications… and we keep hearing about the importance
of it."
Glen Everitt
Participant
Dawson City, Yukon
|
- Provide access to proposal writing assistance and other expertise such as
statistical analysis and fund-raising
- Expand the Community Futures Development Corporation program for longer
term investment in communities
- Strengthen relationships with local businesses; they may co-fund initiatives.
d) Encourage partnerships between First Nations and rural and remote
communities.
- Develop a video of good news success stories on what leaders have
accomplished, and circulate among communities; for example, the Northern
Lights Centre--a partnership between a municipality and First Nations.
Strengthening Economic Diversification
a) Look for sources of larger amounts of venture capital (multi-million dollar
projects, especially in Western Canada).
- Invite banks, communities, private-sector and other funding bodies to support
new generation co-operatives, marketing organizations and community herds
(beef). The Farm Credit Corporation is helping in some areas
- Introduce special tax credits for non-farmers investing in farms or cattle
- Facilitate capital investment in primary and renewable industries, especially in
"have-not" provinces.
b) Promote a grassroots approach to community development.
c) Undertake a community economic development needs assessment and asset
evaluation. Know where the community is positioned for growth.
- Highlight employment opportunities for youth. Mentor Aboriginal youth to help
them understand the benefits of a knowledge-based economy. Encourage local
community members to apply for local jobs
- Take direct action on items that have been identified as constraints. Identify
services needed to support both existing and new businesses
- Expand the role of rural teams to include community representatives such as
town council members to initiate new dialogues on economic development and
employment opportunities.
d) Support programs that enhance rural infrastructure and services. A well-serviced community attracts economic development.
- Provide incentives for health care professionals to move to rural and remote
areas
- Strengthen Canada Post's role and services
- Adjust program criteria to fit rural community realities
- Federal funding contributions should reach a minimum of 50% of the project
value.
e) Support a variety of employment opportunities.
- Provide better social safety nets for the self-employed to lower the risk
associated with micro-enterprise development
- Traditional, labour intensive jobs are necessary and people should be proud of
them. Work together to overcome the stigma attached to these jobs.
Knowledge-Based Economy
a) Support knowledge-based industries and access to Internet.
- Facilitate links to high-speed access. Remote communities without rail, road and
shipping access require high-speed technology to link with the outside world
- Provide funding for access in a partnering role. Governments should ensure that
costs to rural communities remain affordable
- Create an envelope of funds so that communities can decide on and fund their
own projects
- Optimize programs such as Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Federal
Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, (See Annex 3) Western
Economic Diversification (See Annex 3) and Canada Economic Development,
(See Annex 3) and allow Community Futures Development Corporations to
develop programs together with the community.
b) Analyze what communities have before investing money in technology.
- Inventory our community assets, independent of those controlling the
telecommunications services
- Local leaders must organize people to propose the direction in which the
community wants to go.
c) Determine youth needs, relative to new technologies. Strive for balance in the
availability of computer and non-computer related jobs.
- Develop programs that highlight the benefits and uses of computers in the
traditional economy; for example, machinists, mechanics and construction trades
- Technology can have negative effects on social skills of youths, such as a poor
work ethic. Explore ways to overcome these issues
- Employ youth to make the government Web sites attractive to youth.
d) Explore ways to expand the number and use of Community Access Program
sites.
"We are committed to improving the quality of life of all Canadians no matter where they
live or what they do. One of the important ways we are doing this is to help equip people with the skills, knowledge and tools they need to succeed in
the global knowledge-based economy."
Honourable Alfonso Gagliano
Minister Public Works and
Government Services
|
In response to Question 3, participants made many suggestions for how
government and communities should continue working together. Some of them
follow:
- Encourage collaborative decision making by locally managed groups to promote
healthy communities that have the authority and the resources to implement
decisions.
- Strive for better and more open communication between government
departments, and with communities, so that common goals can be identified and
pursued efficiently.
- Provide more seed money for projects that will be self-sustaining in the short
term, to limit the cycle of dependency on government money.
- Continue and expand Community Access Programs where they are functioning
well.
- Hold regional conferences to bring communities with similar challenges together,
instead of grouping dissimilar communities at national conferences.
- Develop a long-term strategy for rural Canada. Rural leadership by the federal
government is important to create a balance across the country, to look at long-term, sustainable solutions, and to measure results.
- Empower regional government offices to work with communities to design or
adapt programs.
- Community-based management programs can replace former services like fish
wardens or other enforcement services. For example, the Streamkeepers (See
Annex 3) program has communities clean up rivers and monitor waterways.
Involve First Nations in setting policies and regulations regarding the use of
resources.
- Develop a "can do" attitude when communities and government work together.
- Federal government representatives should continue to facilitate, allowing
communities to manage their programs.
"Government's role is changing. It's a facilitator… it's there to help. It can't help well
unless community leaders identify their assets and say to governments, given our
strengths here is where we want to go, here's what we need, here's the tools we need."
Dr. Janice Stein
Keynote Speaker
Toronto, Ontario
|
In response to Question 4, participants proposed some messages about
rural Canada for all Canadians.
These include:
- Much wealth is generated from our natural and agricultural resources. If these
resources fail, the cities fail. We are stewards of the land.
- One third of Canadians live in rural Canada, and more have their roots in rural
Canada. Rural community values--sharing, respecting and helping each
other--have built Canada. Rural issues are, and will be, urban issues, so we
need to work together.
- Urban rules don't apply to rural environments, because the challenges are
different. Program design and funding must remain flexible to reflect this reality.
- Promote such positives of rural life as quality of life. Communicate that rural
Canada subsidizes life in urban Canada: fish, lumber, clean water and
agricultural products are underpriced.
- Invite youth to make a commercial that "celebrates rural" in recognition of rural
strengths, values and advantages. Provide "heritage moment" TV spots that
underscore the significance and importance of rural Canada.
- Ensure that urbanites understand the higher cost of rural living as it relates to
transportation costs and access to services.
- Promote the dynamism of rural communities, and the ingenuity of rural citizens'
response to change. Tell our stories about "rural" through video, CD-ROM and
print to inspire rural communities and inform urban communities.
- Canadians need to appreciate rural Canada's contribution to food security and
the intricacies of the agribusiness infrastructure.
- Send urban students out to the hinterlands on exchange programs, so they
appreciate the source of much of Canada's wealth.
- Use the Molson Breweries "I am Canadian" ad as a model that would focus on a
"strength in diversity" theme for Canadians.
- Get urban people involved with activities in rural communities. For example,
invite urban school field trips to agricultural areas during harvest time. Promote
"experiential tourism," inviting tourists to be involved in rural activities like
aquaculture, commercial fishing, and activities related to mining.
- Rural industries that are doing well need to be identified and published. Develop
a TV series on community economic development and air it on public TV as they
are doing in British Columbia.
- Focus on the interdependency of rural and urban communities, not what
separates the two. Support exchanges and dialogue between rural and urban
citizens.
"In today's rural communities, we live together, we share the same living space… it is a
real and symbolic place which is necessary to my life, and I want to express my status
as a citizen in choosing to live there… We seem to all have one ideal--a rural ideal.
When I talk about my community, I talk about what I love, and what is important to me.
I have become conscious of the importance of this in my life, and I realize I have to
defend it; and this has led me to travel across Canada, from one ocean to another… I
have friends with whom I share the same vision: to allow my community to become a
place which is prosperous, where its people can lead a beautiful life."
Jacques Proulx
Keynote Speaker
Nicolet, Quebec
|
6 Summary of Keynotes and Plenary Sessions
Keynote and plenary speakers were interspersed throughout the conference.
Summaries of the main presentations follow.
Opening Welcome to Participants
The Honourable Jean-Pierre Jolivet, Minister,
Ministry of Regions of Quebec
Minister Jolivet stated that rural Canadians and Quebecers share the same vision of
ensuring the prosperity of their communities. Quebec's cultural, social and economic
affirmation is intimately linked with the vitality of its rural areas. He spoke about the
ambitious collaboration among the Ministry of Regions and a vast array of partners
including regional development councils, local development centres, Solidarité rurale
and others.
Mr. Jolivet also spoke of the provincial government's role in rural development in
Quebec. He underlined the importance of government cohesion with regards to
government policy in rural areas.
The Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal
Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario)
In welcoming conference participants, Secretary of State Andy Mitchell affirmed the
unique contributions of all rural Canadians in initiating constructive change in their
communities. He emphasized the importance of listening to each other and learning from the past in order to creatively move the rural
agenda forward. After all, he said, "it is the people at the grassroots who set the
priorities." It is then up to all levels of government to co-ordinate their efforts to provide
the tools to facilitate sustainable rural development. Mr. Mitchell invited the conference
participants to share lessons learned and to help develop strategies to sustain the
valued legacy of rural Canada.
Opening Plenary: Rural Life at the Dawn of the Millennium
Rural and Remote Communities in a Wired World
Dr. Janice Gross Stein, Director
Munk Centre for International Development,
University of Toronto
The revolution in information technology and the "new knowledge" economy are
creating new opportunities for rural and remote communities globally. Technology is
only a tool, so it requires wise people to use it in ways that make sense for their
communities. With wise use of technology, rural communities are better positioned to
grow, perhaps more so than their urban counterparts.
Communities should embrace this new technology and use it to form partnerships to
facilitate healthy community growth. Communities are not sustainable because they are
wealthy or well-educated. They are well-off and well-educated because the community
works well collectively to promote improved quality of life. No one solution will fit all
communities. Communities need to inventory their existing strengths and assets to
establish their collective goals. They should work with the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to realize those goals. Community leadership and partnerships have
never been more important.
Smart Communities: A 21st Century Model of Rural Community Development
Mr. Aubrey Cormier, Executive Director,
La Société éducative de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard
Mr. Cormier provided an example of how the francophone community in Prince Edward
Island has embraced the concept of Smart Communities. The mandate of La Société éducative, which was
created in 1992, was to integrate smart technologies into ongoing adult education
programs in the interests of job creation. Subsequently, the Island Advanced Training &
Technology Centre (See Annex 3) was formed. Using the information highway as a tool,
its mission is to provide community-based business incubation services, specialized
training, and digital production services. It effectively integrates multi-sectoral
information technology into its programming. It has become an applied knowledge
economy centre and has given birth to the Atlantic Smart Communities Commission,
the Canadian Business Intelligence Network, and Uniglobal, (See Annex 3) a
consortium exporting technology to Europe and Africa.
Keynote Luncheon Address
The Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State
(Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario)
Mr. Mitchell began his address by describing the mandate given to him by the Prime
Minister--to improve the quality of life for rural Canadians. His fundamental approach to
the task is to undertake his responsibilities like a broker across departmental lines. He
acknowledged the value of the traditional resource sectors (agriculture, forestry, mining,
etc.) as foundational for a sound economy, and for helping sustain a unique rural way
and quality of life. Mr. Mitchell also identified the challenges that need to be overcome
so that rural Canada can achieve a high quality of life. These challenges include
geography/distance (leading to a higher cost of community servicing), low population
density (affecting the rate of return on infrastructure investment, size of market),
distance from markets and the cyclical nature of resource-dependent industries.
Meeting these challenges can only be accomplished through the collective efforts of
governments, communities and rural institutions. Recently, the federal government
committed funds to ensuring that information services reach rural areas. The
Community Futures program also received additional funding to encourage
private/public-sector partnerships to strengthen community development. More dollars
have been injected into a federal/provincial infrastructure program and also to an
expanded agricultural safety net. With these and other measures in place, a set of
economic and social tools is available for rural communities to use in ways that best suit
their needs. It is essential that communities drive the process and that the government
facilitate these efforts. Mr. Mitchell encouraged rural Canadians not to fear change, but
to shape it to address their needs.
Dinner Address
The Honourable Alfonso Gagliano, Minister, Public Works and Government Services
Canada
The technological revolution associated with the Internet and the knowledge-based
economy is fundamentally and rapidly changing the way people live and work. The
Government of Canada is committed to being a leader in this technology and has
pledged to be the "government most connected to its citizens" by 2004. Key initiatives
include Service Canada, 1 800 O-Canada and the Community Access Program. The
move to e-government is a fundamental shift in delivering programs and services.
The government sees affordable access to the Internet as a real opportunity for rural
Canadians to access the knowledge-based economy. The removal of traditional
barriers and limitations through electronic communication has changed the old motto of
"location, location, location" to "innovation, innovation, innovation." Rural Canadians
excel at innovation. Connectivity is still a challenge in many parts of the country. The
government is working to overcome this and is committed to providing the knowledge,
skills and tools to use this technology successfully and to create sustainable
opportunities.
Breakfast Panel: Single Window Access to Government Programs and Services
A key message arising from the 1998 National Rural Workshop was a call from rural
Canadians to have greater access to and knowledge about various federal government
programs and services. The focus of this panel was to highlight some of the programs
and services that are directly affecting rural communities.
Canada Post is using its outlets to test new projects and implement new services in
support of rural communities and small business including Service Canada and
Community Access Program test sites, financial services and bank machines. Canada
Post is committed to maintaining and augmenting its presence in rural Canada.
The goal of the Service Canada Pilot Projects is to provide Canadians with one-stop
access to a range of government services in a fast, reliable, convenient and cost-effective manner. This vision is being implemented in collaboration with provincial
governments, territorial governments, municipalities and non-governmental
organizations.
HRDC initiated the InfoCentre Pilot Projects (See Annex 3) to increase rural and remote
community access to information on government programs and services. InfoCentre
kiosk machines were installed in communities in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the
Maritimes on a trial basis.
The Canada Business Services Centres (CBSC) program is a co-operative
arrangement among 36 federal business departments, provincial governments and, in
some cases, the private sector, associations, academic and research communities. The
goal of the CBSC program is to ensure that businesses and entrepreneurs in every part
of Canada have access to government information through a single window.
Initiated by PWGSC, direct telephone service via 1 800 O-Canada and Internet access
to the Canada Site (www.canada.gc.ca) are the two primary windows for Canadians to
gain access to information on federal government programs and services.
During the question period, participants raised several cautions such as the need to
avoid improperly applying these technologies by relying on the Internet to the exclusion
of phone contact. This problem is especially serious for those with no access to the
Internet, new Canadians and people with disabilities. Other cautions were to avoid
duplicating government electronic services and to ensure that new services are
complementary to those currently available.
Luncheon Plenary: The Future of Rural Communities
As fares the village, so fares the country
(Tant vaut le village, tant vaut le pays)
Jacques Proulx, President, Solidarité rurale du Québec
The fabric and balance of rural life, expectations, and reality is complex. Rural areas
are more than producers of natural resources and agricultural activity for urban centres.
They provide a way of life and a romanticism, vibrant local economies, community spirit
and cultural heritage. In the face of a globalizing economy the fabric of rural life is
changing. Expectations of those who live in rural areas are changing, as is their
prosperity. Many see the rural environs in crisis, yet many rural residents are achieving
the goal of living happily in the country.
There are many steps that can be taken to improve the situation. There needs to be a
collective and decentralized reinvestment in rural areas and villages. People need to
embrace the diversity of rural areas, take responsibility over truly rural issues, build on
the benefits and go forward.
The survival and renewal of rural communities depend on appropriate solutions
developed for unique rural conditions, not on those modified from urban experiences.
Is There a Future for Rural Communities?
Dr. Robert Church, President,
Lochend Luing Ranch/Church Livestock Consultants Ltd.
Rural and remote areas of Canada have seen drastic changes over the last 50 years.
Paved roads and the abandonment of rail lines have resulted in disappearing
communities, and the ones that remain are larger and further apart. The electronic
highway offers unprecedented opportunity for rural communities to reinvent themselves
to benefit from e-commerce realities. The knowledge-based economy means that the
workplace no longer dictates the living place.
Communities need to develop a "can do" attitude to meet the many challenges of
embracing and making new technology work for them. Some attributes of this attitude
include using technology, strong community leadership, greater community awareness,
recognition of youth power and thinking co-operatively. There are many examples of
successfully adaptive communities, and the list is getting longer. Their success is
frequently linked with effective rural partnerships which, together, are facing the
challenge imposed by today's society where "perceptions are real, and facts are
negotiable."
Closing Remarks
The Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal
Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario)
Mr. Mitchell identified several recurring rural development themes that he heard during
individual and group meetings throughout the conference. The voice of youth must be
heard more clearly in communities, and youth must be empowered to take on
leadership roles. Community leaders must be trained and nurtured so they can
facilitate effective change from the grassroots up. Connecting communities through
new and improved telecommunications infrastructure is important for networking and
sharing experiences. Access to government services can still be improved--he was
reminded that speaking face to face with someone should always remain an option in
an age of electronic communication. Mr. Mitchell frequently heard the need to
recognize the difference between rural and remote communities, which face additional
challenges. He repeatedly heard that the primary industries of agriculture, forestry,
mining and fishing are the mainstay of much of the rural economy and culture, and the
issues associated with the cyclical nature of those industries must be addressed.
In response to these themes, Mr. Mitchell concluded by articulating some action items
that will become part of a rural action plan that he will validate with conference
participants and which will guide the Government of Canada's actions over the next 12
to 24 months. He also emphasized that he and his staff could not do their job without
the continued dialogue with rural and remote Canadians. It is this contact that energizes
everyone to work hard on sustaining a rural Canada and a quality of life into the future.
Finally, he emphasized that he is their servant, they set his action plan.
7 Exhibit Showcase
The conference hosted an exhibit showcase that featured displays, case studies and
information about innovative rural and remote community development initiatives. The
exhibits included several community-led rural pilot projects in the seven groups of
priority areas that framed the conference. It also included sponsor projects such as
Telesat's live satellite link to Newfoundland and Canada Post's rural post office
featuring a Service Canada terminal, and some products and services from the Magog-Orford area.
8 Committed to Action
The conference carried the rural dialogue to the next level. The National Rural
Workshop held near Belleville, Ontario, in 1998, confirmed and laid the groundwork for
the 11 priority action areas articulated in the Federal Framework for Action in Rural
Canada which was announced in May 1999. A great deal has happened since then in
implementing the framework.
Much of the progress that the federal government has made, in partnership with
communities, to address these priority action areas in the last year is described in
Working Together in Rural Canada: Annual Report to Parliament (May 2000). This
report also reiterates the Government of Canada's commitment to improving the quality
of life of Canadians in rural and remote areas on an ongoing basis and in a co-ordinated horizontal fashion. This dynamic approach to fostering community
development will evolve over time. As outlined in the Annual Report, the government is
already addressing the needs of rural and remote communities. A great deal, however,
remains to be done, both nationally and regionally. This work will build on the
partnerships that have been established within the federal government, with the private
sector, with other levels of government and with local communities.
The Magog-Orford Conference was about learning from others' experiences and about
the federal government's achievements in facilitating rural development. Conference
participants also spent time enunciating actions and tools still needed to meet existing
challenges in rural and remote communities. Some of the issues identified at the
conference will require new policy directions or funding. Secretary of State Andy
Mitchell committed to raising these broader issues directly with his colleagues. The
government will also continue to apply the "Rural Lens" rigorously so that federal
departments and agencies are aware of these issues, and of the effects of federal
policies, programs and services on rural Canada when considering future initiatives.
Many other issues that emerged during the conference can be acted upon right away.
The rural action plan that Secretary of State Mitchell committed to developing,
validating and sharing with Canadians at the close of the conference does just that. It
involves not only developing new tools, but also improving existing ones. For example,
the delivery of the Canadian Rural Partnership Pilot Projects Initiative will be improved
by targeting pilot projects to address clearly defined problems and to meet specific objectives and by
sharing project results with rural citizens through various avenues. As well, more
regional rural dialogue activities will be conducted through 2001.
The rural dialogue has influenced the government's rural initiative since 1998 and will
continue to do so. Communities and stakeholders will be increasingly involved in the
dialogue as well as rural team activities that will help apply the "Rural Lens" more
consistently. This will also provide a springboard to the next national rural conference in
2002 where grassroots input will be sought in planning and organizing this event.
Together, government, citizens and stakeholders will again have the opportunity to
meet and renew the commitment made in Magog to improving the quality of life of
Canadians in rural and remote areas.
"This has been a very stimulating and growing experience. I've been hearing a lot of
terrific ideas. Also I'm impressed with the attitude that the federal government is taking
and the sense of direction it is going in.
It's a very refreshing feeling to know that we're sort of all working in one single direction,
we're all on the same footpath."
Frank Pearce
Participant
Iqaluit, Nunavut
|
ANNEX 1
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR CONFERENCE PRESENTERS
Provincial and Territorial Updates (Section 3)
Prince Edward Island
John Enman, Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Tel: (902) 566-7097 Fax: (902) 566-7098
E-mail: jenman@acoa.ca
Kellie Mulligan, P.E.I. Department of Development
Tel: (902) 432-2705 Fax: (902) 888-8023
E-mail: kamulligan@gov.pe.ca
New Brunswick
André Charron, Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Tel: (506) 452-2413 Fax: (506) 452-3285
E-mail: acharron@acoa.ca
Roger Cyr, Department of Training and
Employment Development
Tel: (506) 444-4323 Fax: (506) 453-2148
E-mail: roger.cyr@gnb.ca
Nova Scotia
Mel Coombs, Chair, N.S. Rural Team and ACOA, Halifax
Tel: (902) 426-4427 Fax: (902) 426-2054
E-mail: mcoombs@acoa.ca
Lori Nearing, N.S. Department of Economic Development, Halifax
Tel: (902) 424-6016 Fax: (902) 424-1263
E-mail: lori@gov.ns.ca
Newfoundland and Labrador
Mike Bruce, Rural Team, Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC)
Tel: (709) 772-7290 Fax: (709) 772-3290
E-mail: mike.bruce@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
Derek Staubitzer, Department of Development and Rural Renewal, Newfoundland and
Labrador
Tel: (709) 737-6803 Fax: (709) 729-7143
E-mail: ostaudit@mail.gov.nf.ca
Quebec
Christian Fortin, Développement économique Canada
Tel: (514) 283-5098 Fax: (514) 283-8429
E-mail: fortich0@dec-ced.gc.ca
Gaston Plante, Ministère des Régions du Québec
Tel: (418) 643-0060 poste 231 Fax: (418) 644-5610
E-mail: gaston.plante@sdr.gouv.qc.ca
Ontario
Ray LaLande, Rural Team, Ontario
Tel: (416) 954-7175 Fax: (416) 973-8714
E-mail: lalande.ray@ic.gc.ca
Lera Ryan, Rural Development, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
Tel: (519) 826-6690 Fax: (519) 826-3259
E-mail: lera.ryan@omafra.gov.on.ca
Manitoba
Melody Myers, Industry Canada
Tel: (204) 983-7782 Fax: (204) 984-4329
E-mail: myers.melody@ic.gc.ca
Ross Bingham, Manitoba Department of Intergovernmental Affairs
Tel: (204) 889-9554 Fax: (204) 945-5059
E-mail: rbingham@rd.gov.mb.ca
Saskatchewan
Marian Zerr, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Federal Council of Senior Public
Servants
Tel: (306) 780-5170 Fax: (306) 780-5210
E-mail: zerr.marian@ic.gc.ca
Doug Howorko, Regional Manager, Saskatchewan Economic & Cooperative
Development
Tel: (306) 778-8416 Fax: (306) 778-8526
E-mail: dhoworko@agr.gov.sk.ca
Alberta
Bill Wilson, Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (780) 495-6426 Fax: (780) 495-4557
E-mail: bill.wilson@wd.gc.ca
Reg Kontz, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Tel: (780) 427-4226 Fax: (780) 427-7755
E-mail: reg.kontz@agric.gov.ab.ca
British Columbia
Rose Sirois, Industry Canada
Tel: (250) 363-0148 Fax: (250) 363-0208
E-mail: sirois.rose@ic.gc.ca
Kim Walker, Ministry of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers
Tel: (250) 356-9671 Fax: (250) 387-2935
E-mail: Kim.Walker@gems9.gov.bc.ca
Northwest Territories
Sgt. Phil Johnson, Rural Team, Yellowknife
Tel: (867) 669-5275 Fax: (867) 669-5112
E-mail: philjohnsonwt@hotmail.com
Debbie Meade, Northwest Territories Association of Municipalities
Tel: (867) 873-8359 ext. 4 Fax: (867) 873-5801
E-mail: dmeade@maca.gov.nt.ca
Yukon
Tom Sparrow, Public Works and Government
Services Canada
Tel: (867) 667-3946 Fax: (867) 393-6707
E-mail: tom.sparrow@pwgsc.gc.ca
Douglas Caldwell, Government of Yukon Territory
Tel: (867) 667-8523 Fax: (867) 667-8424
E-mail: doug.caldwell@gov.yk.ca
Nunavut
Steven Koonoo, Human Resources Development Canada
Tel: (867) 979-6271 Fax: (867) 920-2269
E-mail: steven.koonoo@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
Frank Pearce, Nunavut Department of Community Government and Transportation
Tel: (867) 975-5346 Fax: (867) 979-5305
E-mail: fpearce@gov.nu.ca
Sharing Lessons Learned (Section 4)
"Improving access to federal government programs and services for rural Canadians"
Ann Whalley, Vice-Principal, Whycocomagh Consolidated School
Rural Community Sustainability--Assessment and Development of an Action Plan
(Nova Scotia)
Tel: (902) 756-2441 Fax: (902) 756-3580
E-mail: twhalley@atcon.com
Ross Risvold, Mayor, Hinton Alberta
The Community Capacity Building Initiative--
Model Forest Program (Alberta)
Tel: (780) 865-8206 Fax: (780) 865-5706
E-mail: mayor@town.hinton.ab.ca
"Working with provincial and territorial governments to examine and pilot test new
approaches to rural health care"
Darren Ottaway, Co-Chair, South Indian Leaf Rapids Lynn Lake
Regional Round-table Community Partnerships in Northern and Rural Manitoba
(Manitoba)
Tel: (204) 374-2134 Fax: (204) 374-2107
E-mail: council@cancom.net
Sally Rutherford, Executive Director,
Canadian Federation of Agriculture
Pilot Project to Develop Quality of Life Indicators for Small and Rural Communities
(National)
Tel: (613) 236-3633 Fax: (613) 236-5149
E-mail: sruteford@fox.nstn.ca
"Working with provincial and territorial governments to examine and pilot test new
approaches to provide rural Canadians with continuous learning opportunities"
Dean Getson, Youth Co-ordinator, Youth Opportunities
Youth Opportunities Network (Prince Edward Island)
Tel: (902) 853-2181 Fax: (902) 853-4385
E-mail: nancy.dean.geatson@pei.sympatico.ca
Mary Lou Troman, Special Projects Manager, Community Futures Development
Corporation
Central Kootenay Distance Learning/Distance Work Project (British Columbia)
Tel: (250) 352-1983 Fax: (250) 359-5926
E-mail: tangent@netidea.com
"Providing more targeted opportunities, programs and services for rural youth (including
Aboriginal youth)"
Cherylynn Walters, General Manager, Marieval Enterprise Center Inc.
Marieval Youth Enterprise Development Center (Saskatchewan)
Tel: (306) 696-2212 Fax: (306) 696-2218
E-mail: marieval.e.c@sk.sympatico.ca
Gary Adkins, Program Development Officer
Fort Smith Métis Council Roots and Wings
(Northwest Territories)
Tel: (867) 872-2643 Fax: (867) 872-5225
E-mail: garyadkins@hotmail.com
"Strengthening rural community capacity building, leadership and skills development"
Louise Lefebvre, Co-ordinator, Community Alliance for Training and Development
Working together to achieve food security--a sustainable local development project
(Quebec)
Tel: (450) 647-3420 Fax: (450) 647-4620
E-mail: acdf@videotron.ca
Ishbel Munro, Administrative Co-ordinator,
Nova Scotia Coastal Communities Network (See Annex 3)
Rural Revitalization (Nova Scotia)
Tel: (902) 379-2688 Fax: (902) 379-2698
E-mail: coastalnet@auracom.com
"Strengthening economic diversification in rural Canada through more targeted
assistance"
Maurice Poulin, Manager, Planning and Economic Development, United Counties
of Prescott-Russell
Business Retention and Expansion
Tel: (613) 675-4661 ext. 308 Fax: (613) 675-1007
E-mail: edcev@hawk.igs.net
Glen Fitzpatrick, Managing Director
Implementation of Community Based Pilot Projects to Deliver Micro-business Support
Services in Rural Newfoundland and Labrador (Newfoundland-Labrador)
Tel: (709) 726-9431 Fax: (709) 726-9433
E-mail: gfitz@nlfc.nf.com
"Connecting rural Canadians to the knowledge-based economy and society and helping
them acquire the skills to use the technology"
Clay Perreault, President, Internet Yukon
Yukon On-line Project (Yukon)
Tel: (867) 668-7211 Fax: (867) 633-6056
E-mail: clay@yukon.net
Mike Brophy, President, The Canadian Ecology Centre/ The Timber Train
The Mattawa Model (Ontario)
Tel: (705) 744-1715 ext.510 Fax: (705) 744-1716
E-mail: mike.brophy@canadianecology.ca
Keynote and Plenary Speakers (Section 6)
Janice Stein, Director, Munk Centre for International Development, University of
Toronto
Rural and Remote Communities in a Wired World
Tel: (416) 946-8908 Fax: (416) 946-8915
E-mail: jstein@chass.utoronto.ca
Aubrey Cormier, Executive Director, la Société éducative de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard
Smart Communities: a 21st Century Model of Rural Community Development
Tel: (902) 854-7275 Fax: (902) 854-2741
E-mail: Aubrey@cista.com
Jacques Proulx, President, Solidarité rurale du Québec
As fares the village, so fares the country
(Tant vaut le village, tant vaut le pays)
Tel: (819) 293-6825 Fax: (819) 293-4181
E-mail: srq@solidarite-rurale.qc.ca
Robert Church, President, Lochend Luing Ranch/Church Livestock Consultants
Ltd.
Is there a Future for Rural Communities?
Tel: (403) 948-2924 Fax: (403) 948-5282
Donna Achimov, Director General, Public Works and Government Services
Single Window Access to Government Programs and Services
Tel: (613) 998-1261 Fax: (613) 998-1452
E-mail: donna.achimov@pwgsc.gc.ca
Ken Donnelly, Acting Director, Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC)
Single Window Access to Government Programs and Services
Tel: (819) 994-6701 Fax: (819) 953-7599
E-mail: ken.donnelly@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
Yvon Bureau, Director, Industry Canada
Single Window Access to Government Programs and Services
Tel: (514) 283-2785 Fax: (514) 283-2269
E-mail: bureau.yvon@ic.gc.ca
Michael Wright, Director, Canada Post Corporation
Single Window Access to Government Programs and Services
Tel: (613) 734-6642 Fax: (613) 734-6662
E-mail: michael.wright@canadapost.ca
Al McKinnon, Team Member, Services Canada Implementation Team, Treasury
Board of Canada
Single Window Access to Government Programs and Services
Tel: (613) 946-9922 Fax: (613) 946-9923
E-mail: McKinnon.Alexander@tbs-sct.gc.ca
Exhibit Showcase (section 7)
"Improving access to federal government programs and services for rural Canadians"
Millennium Eco-Communities (National)
Contact: Geneviève Marquis
Tel: (819) 953-6296 Fax: (819) 994-1412
E-mail: geneviève.marquis@ec.gc.ca
"Working with provincial and territorial governments to examine and pilot test new
approaches to rural health care"
Drug Abuse Resistance Education Training (DARE) (Alta.)
Contact: Sgt. Kevin Graham
Tel: (780) 412-5461 Fax: (780) 412-5561
"Working with provincial and territorial governments to examine and pilot test new
approaches to provide rural Canadians with continuous learning opportunities"
Community Learning and Networking Pilot Project (N.W.T.)
Contact: Rosland Smith and Linda Hayden
Tel: (867) 873-7756 Fax: (867) 920-6467
E-mail: lhayden@macagov.nt.ca
GeoConnections (National)
Contact: Barbara Ballantyne
Tel: (613) 947-1345 Fax: (613) 947-2410
E-mail: bballant@nrcan.gc.ca
"Providing more targeted opportunities, programs and services for rural youth (including
Aboriginal youth)"
Northern Community and Economic Development Information Service Project
(Sask.)
Contact: Don Derksen
Tel: (306) 425-3302
E-mail: nld02@sk.sympatico.ca
Internship for Youth Leaders (Ont.)
Contact: Kathryn Biondi
Tel: (519) 824-4120 ext. 3414 Fax: (519) 824-0813
E-mail: kbiondi@oac.uoguelph.ca
"Strengthening rural community capacity building, leadership and skills development"
On Farm Composting in Nova Scotia (N.S.)
Contact: John Cline
Tel: (902) 542-4002 or (902) 542-1430
E-mail: jcline@glinx.com
Development of Alternative Silviculture Practices Adapted to Mixed Forests
(Que.)
Contact: André Rouleau or Denis Ouellet
Tel: (418) 337-4621 or (418) 648-5833
Fax: (418) 337-4639
Development and Promotion of Tourism on the
Lower North Shore (Que.)
Contact: Cornella Maurice
Tel: (418) 379-2006 Fax: (418) 379-2621
Taxi Project Organized by the Regional County Municipalities (RCM) of
Montmagny and L'Islet (Club-Taxi Plus) (Que.)
Contact: Denise Laprise Bleney
Tel: (418) 248-1572 ext. 362 Fax: (418) 248-3374
The Kivalliq Community Planning Project (Nunavut)
Contact: Chris Hewitt
Tel: (867) 645-5067 Fax: (867) 645-2346
E-mail: Chewitt@gov.nu.ca
"Strengthening economic diversification in rural Canada through more targeted
assistance"
Medicinal & Aromatic Plants-Aboriginal
Heritage Garden (N.B.)
Contact: Gilles Soucy
Tel: (506) 684-6319 Fax: (506) 684-6302
E-mail: sphinxgs.nbnet.nb.ca
Replicating Co-operative Fish Farms in
Other Communities (Ont.)
Contact: John Brouwer
Tel: (519) 725-2740 Fax: (519) 725-0259
E-mail: equalnomics@web.net
Shared Community Shellfish Project (B.C.)
Contact: Terri Klassen
Tel: (250) 624-2002, ext. 30 Fax: (250) 627-8493
E-mail: sqcrd@citytel.net
Peace Marketing Corporation Project (B.C.)
Contact: Carrie Schafer
Tel: (250) 782-8748
E-mail: cshafer@pris.bc.ca
"Connecting Rural Canadians to the knowledge-based economy and society and
helping them acquire the skills to use the technology"
Smart Rural Technology Support Network (N.S.)
Contact: Robert Proctor
Tel: (902) 625-7107 Fax: (902) 625-7109
E-mail: robert.proctor@strait.ednet.ns.ca
Expediting Tourism Development Using a Geographical Information Survey
(Man.)
Contact: Rhonda Kennedy Rogers
Tel: (204) 753-5174 Fax: (204) 753-2133
E-mail: pcdc@granite.mb.ca
ANNEX 2
THE CANADIAN RURAL PARTNERSHIP'S RURAL TEAMS
Every province and territory has a rural team made up of representatives from federal
departments and agencies. Many of these teams also include representatives from
provincial and territorial governments. Through this approach, all interested parties
have the chance to build partnerships, networks and alliances. The Rural Secretariat's Regional Advisors co-ordinate the work
of these teams.
For more information, please contact:
Newfoundland and Labrador Robin Kieley
The John Cabot Building
10 Barter's Hill, 11th floor
P.O. Box 1060, Station C
St. John's, Newfoundland
A1C 5M5
Tel: (709) 772-3112 Fax: (709) 772-2712
E-mail: rkieley@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Nova Scotia/New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island
Laurent Légère (P.E.I.)
Paul Landry (N.B.) Keith Cossey (N.S.)) 1081 Main Street, 4th floor Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island E1C 8R2 Tel: (506) 851-2983 Fax: (506) 851-2984 E-mail: legerl@agr.gc.ca
Quebec
Esther Côté Gare maritime Champlain, Pièce 350-4 901, rue Cap-Diamant Québec (Québec) G1K 4K1 Tél. : (418) 648-4820, poste 313 Téléc. : (418) 648-7342 Courriel : cotee@agr.gc.ca
Ontario (South)
P. Sivaraj 174 Stone Road West Guelph, Ontario N1G 4S9 Tel: (519) 837-5855 Fax: (519) 831-7166 E-mail: sivarajp@agr.gc.ca
Ontario (North)
Karen Streich 324 Kirby Road, RR#1 Goulais River, Ontario P0S 1E0 Tel: (705) 649-4110 Fax: (705) 649-4111 E-mail: streich.karen@sympatico.ca
Manitoba/Saskatchewan
Darell Pack 500-303 Main Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3G7 Tel: (204) 984-6510 Fax: (204) 983-8357 E-mail: packd@agr.gc.ca
Alberta/Nunavut
Nathanael Olson 608 138-4th Avenue Calgary, Alberta T2G 4Z6 Tel: (403) 292-5644 Fax: (403) 292-5659 E-mail: olsonn@agr.gc.ca
British Columbia
Brandon Hughes 333 Victoria Street Main Floor Nelson, British Columbia V1L 4K5 Tel: (250) 352-3155 ext. 158 Fax: (250) 352-5170 E-mail: hughes.bn@shaw.ca
Yukon
Brenda Fair 2131-2nd Avenue Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 1C3 Tel: (867) 667-5272 Fax: (867) 393-6222 E-mail: brenda.fair@gov.yk.ca
Northwest Territories
Jarvis Gray 301 5204 50 Avenue Yellowknife, Northwest Territories X1A 1E2 Tel: (867) 669-4724 Fax: (867) 873-8185 E-mail: jarvis.gray@ec.gc.ca
National Contact
Lynden Johnson, Executive Director Room 4112, Sir John Carling Bldg. Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C5 Tel: (613) 759-7113 Fax: (613) 759-7105 E-mail: rs@agr.gc.ca
ANNEX 3
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
- The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) works to enhance
employment opportunities for Atlantic Canadians through development of small
and medium-sized businesses, trade and foreign investment, innovation and
technology. It covers Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and
New Brunswick.
Canada Business Service Centres
- The Canada Business Service Centres (CBSCs) are the 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
questions about starting a new business or improving an existing one.
Canada Economic Development (Développement économique Canada)
- The Canada Economic Development (CED) works to make a more significant
contribution to economic development in the regions of Quebec, while conti-nuing its mission to assist small and medium-sized businesses. With its 13
business offices in the regions of Quebec, CED is able to work throughout the
province.
Canada World Youth
- This program provides young people with an opportunity to learn about other
cultures and ways of life, to explore community and international development
issues first hand and to acquire practical work experience. More than 1,000
young people from some 20 countries take part in the program every year.
Canada Youth Business Foundation
- A private-sector funded non-profit organization, which was formed to address
youth unemployment and under-employment by providing programs that support
young people who are creating their own employment through entrepreneurship.
Coastal Communities Network
- It is the "big voice for small communities." Its role is to link Canadian
communities on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to develop common ground
on resource and marine policy and to articulate the needs of coastal
communities to senior governments, industry, media and the general public.
Community Access Program
- The Community Access Program (CAP) is a Government of Canada initiative,
administered by Industry Canada, that aims to provide Canadians with affordable
public access to the Internet and the skills they need to use it effectively.
Community Development Ministry
- This Province of British Columbia ministry assists in the development of co-operatives, recognizes and supports the role of the voluntary sector, and
ensures that government policies, legislation, and regulations support
community, social and economic development.
Community/Government Interface Model Pilot Project
- The P.E.I. Rural Team has engaged in a dialogue with the community of
Kensington for the purpose of developing an interaction model between
communities and government departments. The exercise will demonstrate the
value of managing horizontally within government departments while
encouraging communities to broaden their approach to community planning and
development by incorporating the economic, social and environmental aspects of
the community.
Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs)
- Non-profit organizations guided by a volunteer board of directors and staffed with
business professionals, who together are actively engaged in helping to develop
and implement community-based economic development strategies.
Federal Economic Development Initiative in Northern Ontario (FedNor)
- FedNor is the Federal Economic Development Initiative in Northern Ontario.
Their mission is to promote economic growth, diversification, job creation and
sustainable, self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario by working co-operatively with community partners and other organizations to improve small
business access to capital, information and markets.
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
- HACCP based inspection systems comprise a systematic approach to
identification, assessment, and prevention of food safety hazards. Their focus is
on preventing product and process defects from occurring (as both could result
in the production and marketing of unsafe foods) rather than spending time
attempting to "inspect defects out" of finished products.
Infocentre
- Infocentre is a Human Resources Development Canada pilot project to increase
rural and remote community access to information on government programs and
services.
Island Advanced Training & Technology Centre (IATTC)
- Part of the Government of Canada's Community Access Program (CAP) that will
help connect Prince Edward Island communities to the information highway. A
joint initiative of the Société éducative de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard and the
region's Acadian economic development organization, the IATTC serves as an
incubator for fledgling information technology businesses.
Katimavik
- Former national youth work program that allowed participants to become
involved in community projects in the areas of construction, literacy, senior care,
and communications.
Northern Development Commission
- A Government of British Columbia program, this falls under the provincial
Northern Development Act. A Northern Development Commissioner,
headquartered in Prince George, advises the provincial government on, among
other things, job creation and economic development strategies in the north.
Rural Development Office
- One part of the Province of British Columbia's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and
Fisheries, works with the agriculture, food and fisheries sectors to help build
strong rural communities.
Saskatchewan's Business Enterprise Centres
- Brings together local, regional, provincial and federal organizations under one
roof to provide a wide range of economic development services to businesses
and co-operatives.
Service Canada
- One-stop access to federal government services-- helping Canadians get to the
services they need quickly, easily and conveniently, whether in person, by
telephone or electronically.
Solidarité rurale
- Solidarité rurale du Québec was created in 1991 as a follow-up to the États
généraux du monde rural, a rural symposium attended by 1,200 delegates.
Since then Solidarité rurale du Québec has remained a coalition of about 20
organizations present throughout Québec. These organizations were actively
involved in the États généraux du monde rural, and others have joined over the
years. The mission of Solidarité rurale du Québec is to promote the revitalization
and development of rural regions and localities in Québec, in order to reverse
their decay and decline.
Streamkeepers
- Development of the Streamkeepers Program began in October 1993 as an
initiative of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in British Columbia. The objectives of
the program are to provide volunteers with the training and support required to
protect and restore local aquatic habitat; educate the public about the
importance of watershed resources, and encourage communication and co-operation in watershed management. The program is only run in British
Columbia, not nationally.
The Ontario Rural Council (TORC)
- Acts as a neutral convener on rural development issues, bringing together multi-sector stakeholders to identify, collaborate and develop innovative solutions to
rural issues. Its membership consists of 36 rural sector organizations,
corporations and representatives from all three levels of government.
Uniglobal
- Uniglogal integrated with APG Solutions & Technologies on March 20, 2000, to
form one of Canada's 10 largest private IT consulting firms. Together they are an
information technology consulting firm whose proven business solutions cover
four key IT domains: enterprise package implementation, applications evolution,
electronic service delivery and knowledge management.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
- Since its establishment in 1987, the WD's mandate has been to promote the
development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada and to
advance the interests of the West in national economic policy.
Youth Exchange Programs
- The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade encourages the
introduction of new, reciprocal exchange activities to its international cultural
relations programs; it also promotes these programs in order to enable young
Canadians to obtain new skills and exposure to the cultures of host countries.
Youth Services Canada
- Youth Service Canada is a workshop for life, providing unemployed and out-of-school youth with marketable job and life skills through community service.
Projects run from six to nine months and recruit youth between the ages of 18
and 24.
Date Modified: 2001-01-25
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