News release
Office of the Secretary of State
(Rural Development)(Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario)
SECRETARY OF STATE HOSTS DISCUSSION ON RURAL PRIORITIES IN THE YUKON
DAWSON CITY, YUKON, Sept. 12, 2003 - A wide array of priorities for the future of rural, remote and northern Canadian communities were discussed at the latest in a series of roundtable discussions between community leaders and federal government representatives held on September 3 in Dawson City, Yukon.
The Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario) hosted the event at the Oddfellows Hall in Dawson City. Representatives from the business and aboriginal communities, youth organizations, government and rural and urban economic development organizations joined together to discuss how communities can adjust and develop solutions to the changes affecting rural Canada.
The discussion focused on such issues as youth, infrastructure community capacity building, and entrepreneurship. It also identified the tools and strategic priorities the Government of Canada can support to help communities adapt to change.
"The people who participated in this discussion brought many good ideas to the table," said Mr. Mitchell. "Their suggestions and comments will help in developing the priorities that will improve the quality of life in these communities."
Participants found the roundtable a useful vehicle to express their ideas on life in rural Canada, as well as the future of their communities.
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Joe Linklater, of Old Crow, added, "There is a perception of some people of rural, remote communities as having no electricity, no running water, log cabins, wood burning stoves. In reality, we have communications, members in international organizations, businesses and investments throughout the north and in national and international markets."
The Dawson City roundtable was part of a series to be held across Canada over the next several months. The session was part of the Rural Dialogue, which engages Canadians from rural, remote and northern regions in a discussion with the Government of Canada on opportunities, challenges and priorities. The Dialogue has engaged more than 16,000 Canadians who have taken the opportunity to help the government understand and react to local and regional issues since 1998. This input has helped shape the Government of Canada's rural agenda.
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For more information, please contact:
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For media enquiries Christine Aquino Press Secretary Office of the Secretary of State (613) 759-1085 |
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For program enquiries Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa (613) 759-7972 |
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