Canadian Rural Partnership - British Columbia Regional rural conference: Rural communities, rural visions


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Canadian Rural Partnership
British Columbia Regional Rural Conference
"Rural Communities, Rural Visions"

Vernon, BC - April 26 - 28, 2001

AAFC #2098/B
Cat. No. A22-239-2001
ISBN 0-662-66237-7

Table of Contents

FOREWORD
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AGENDA/BACKGROUND
SPONSORS
KEY ISSUES - PRESENTATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Accessing Government Information
Access to Education/Training
Access to Technology/Information Highway
Community Transition and Capacity Building
Economic Diversification
Linked Environment and Human Health Issues
Opportunities for Rural Youth
Rural Health and Primary Care
Safer Rural Communities
Sustainable Resource-based Communities
Women's Caucus

REGIONAL REPORTS

Cariboo
Kootenay
North/Mid-Coast
Okanagan
Peace
Vancouver Island

BRITISH COLUMBIA REGIONAL RURAL CONFERENCE
"Rural Communities, Rural Visions"
Vernon, BC - April 26 - 28, 2001

1. FOREWORD

This report is a summary of discussions that took place at the British Columbia Regional Rural Conference "Rural Communities, Rural Visions" held in Vernon, BC, April 26-28, 2001. Many of the discussions took place in brainstorming sessions at which no limits were placed on the participants. Views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the Government of Canada. In order to present a true report of the free-ranging discussions, the recommendations made by participants that fall outside federal jurisdiction are also included.

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

"I enjoyed this conference… there seemed to be far more positive energy and optimism. I left Vernon feeling like I had really connected with a lot of fellow trench workers, it made coming back here to fight the same never-ending battles not so bad."
"I was glad to be included in the Rural Visions conference. The positive outcomes are real, but hard to measure: meeting up with people who have similar concerns, forming a larger 'community' of hope for our rural values and communities. The number of times I have recalled advice/wisdom from the Silver Star connections are many. I feel I've got another resource to sustain me in my efforts to retain our rural vision."
"There is a sense of getting beyond just dialogue, as important as it is, to concrete action."

INTRODUCTION

The British Columbia Regional Rural Conference was the first of four regional rural conferences held across Canada in 2001. These regional conferences addressed the commitment made by the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario), at the 2000 National Rural Conference in Magog-Orford, Quebec, to hold regional conferences across Canada in the off years prior to the next National Rural Conference in 2002. The Conference was made possible through the collective efforts of the federal and provincial government representatives of Rural Team BC of the Canadian Rural Partnership (CRP).

The CRP is a federal initiative whose objectives are to better identify issues in rural areas and to formulate a more coordinated government response to addressing those issues. Rural Team BC includes 12 federal departments and 4 provincial ministries. It is helping to implement CRP in BC.

Participants at the Rural Communities, Rural Visions Conference clearly voiced both the strengths of their communities and the barriers they face. Rural areas have a scattered population, large distances to market, and challenges of access to work, health care, education, and technology. At the same time they are fiercely proud of their communities and their regions. They value their rural lifestyle and recognize that, while government can help, their ongoing prosperity and existence is in their own hands. According to one participant, "No community has a right to ask other communities to support its existence (through taxes), it is up to the community to secure its own future."

Citizens at the Conference noted that they had difficulties accessing support, services, and information due to a lack of technology, distance from major markets, and a scattered population. They also expressed concerns for the future of their communities when the resource base disappears, where there are limited choices to diversify the economy, and where youth seek their futures in larger centres. They recognize the important assets they have and want to ensure they maintain communities that are environmentally sustainable, safe from violence, and inclusive of all citizens. Above all, they are willing to find their own future, with assistance from government that will build the capacity of their citizens to develop agile and durable communities.

SUMMARIES OF PRIORITY AREA WORKSHOP SESSIONS

Participants were given the opportunity to take part in concurrent workshop sessions. Section 5, Key Issues, summarizes the general focus of issues and priority areas identified. In each workshop session rural citizens in British Columbia made recommendations to guide activities of both communities and government. A wealth of additional information can be found in the individual workshop session reports.

Accessing Government Information

Citizens in rural communities often face unique challenges or circumstances when looking for information on government programs and services. Often, these areas do not have a local government representative. In a small community, when there is one, this representative tends to become a pathfinder, mediator, and facilitator for the community as well as a gateway, not just to their own department, but to government in general. Internet-based information may be lacking or difficult for the lay person to understand. Communities are willing to use telephone and Internet-based support for information, but truly value in-person support, even if on an itinerant basis. Both 1 800 O-Canada, single window approaches, and the Rural Dialogue process are seen as part of the solution.

Economic Diversification

Citizens are willing to let go of their past and develop new dimensions to their local economy. They are interested in entrepreneurial and niche approaches that build on the unique assets of their areas. They would like to have access to information from other communities on what works and to develop regional approaches to enhance local strengths. Communities need to implement inclusive local planning processes that identify and capitalize on new business lines while maintaining a social and environmental balance. At the same time they need to maintain and improve local infrastructure to enable economic development. The federal and provincial levels of government can help support this process, through information sharing and planning processes. Participants indicated that money is not always the solution and in fact can be part of the problem. On the other hand, when funding is required, access should be streamlined and timely.

Opportunities for Rural Youth

The presence of a large youth contingent demonstrated how important youth are to small communities. Many youth would like to live, learn, and work in their home communities but are unable to find local opportunities to do so. Most, once they leave, will never return. They recognize the importance of education and want access to a variety of post-secondary options. Beyond career concerns, youth are also interested in making their communities better places to live through involvement in local decisions or through youth run projects. They are aware of the negative image that some adults have of youth and are willing to work with peers and adult mentors to build the leadership skills they need to improve that image. Youth are generally interested in contributing their time to making their communities better places to live. Government can support them by facilitating the development and maintenance of youth councils, youth centres, and other opportunities for building youth capacity in the community. Citizens indicated that they require assistance to bring government, employers, and educational institutions together to ensure that small communities can still offer a range of educational choices. These should be relevant to the local labour market while also offering supported distance education opportunities to a range of careers.

Rural Health and Primary Care

Citizens participating in Rural Dialogue sessions over the last two years have consistently identified health care as a key issue for rural communities. It can be difficult to access health services that are centralized in larger areas. Even where the local population base will support health services, it is difficult to recruit and retain health care professionals in rural areas. While new technologies can offer telehealth options, participants wanted to ensure that a personal touch was maintained. It was felt that individuals and government can take joint actions to support the efficient use of health care resources through primary health centres. One recommendation made was to test new models of telehealth, working toward resource savings that do not compromise personal interaction. The general perception of government's role is to review the administrative structure of local health authorities to achieve streamlined savings and help match funds raised in local communities for health care equipment and other health-related supports.

Access to Technology and the Information Highway

Many participants continue to see access to technology and the information highway as a significant barrier to community development. Service providers are reluctant to invest in small communities where the return on investment will be low. The municipal level of government often does not see the potential offered by technology. Training and community level planning is needed to ensure that the tool of technology is well used. Even where broadband access is available, it is only a tool that must still be customized to support learning, community development, e-commerce and health services. To address these barriers, rural citizens have asked government to support skill building on technology tools and increase public access to the Internet, including wireless access for remote and First Nations communities. It was noted that government Internet sites needed to be user-friendly in language and format. Participants see Rural Team BC playing a role in sharing information on programs and models, while fostering partnerships among relevant stakeholders. At the community level, communities can encourage their members to take on a lifelong learning approach to technology by developing an inclusive approach to integrating information technologies in the community plan.

Linked Environment and Human Health Issues

Urban citizens think of rural as wide-open areas with abundant clean air and water. The truth is that some of these areas are at risk due to under-regulated human and industrial activity. Air quality is being impacted by wood waste burning in beehive burners and for residential heating. Wood smoke can pool in rural valleys and affect the health of both young and old, along with those with pre-existing lung problems. Improper pesticide use, domestic animal waste and outdated sewage practices can degrade the water in small rural watersheds. There is a need to share information about successful projects that are maintaining and improving air and water quality in rural areas. Government can help engage citizens and industry representatives to form citizen-led environment committees to improve the air, water and soil in rural areas. Better regulatory enforcement in rural areas could help ensure these pristine areas remain unspoiled both for residents and urban visitors.

Access to Education/Training

It is generally accepted that the levels of education are lower in rural areas due to the barriers that rural learners face. This, in turn, holds back economic development and diversification. Local courses are often too generic to meet employer needs. Specialized training is available only at larger centres, so accessing these opportunities is more expensive due to commuting or re-location costs. Distance education course selections are more limited and quality is an issue. The lack of in-person support for distance education increases failure rates. Youth, women, and First Nations, along with those who have limited literacy, are groups that have special needs that must be considered if they are to be included as lifelong learners. These issues should be addressed by a partnership of business, government, and community stakeholders. This partnership would ensure that local course offerings meet local industry needs. New models of distance learning require support to test approaches and the sharing of best practices. Participants emphasized the need for government support in the expansion of broadband to enhance the use of more graphics, audio, and video in distance learning approaches. It was felt that the learning needs of special groups must be addressed, and government should not overlook learners who are not on Employment Insurance or Social Assistance.

Safer Rural Communities

Rural communities are generally viewed as safe and secure in comparison to large urban areas. Unfortunately these areas still suffer from family violence, bullying and other safety concerns. A lack of local services and transportation creates isolation that makes the problem more severe. Communities that are not safe are at a disadvantage in terms of sustainable community economic development. Local government and community stakeholders can address community safety issues by conducting safety audits, supporting local services, and raising awareness of safety issues. All members of the community should be involved in the process. Citizens raised the need to heighten public awareness and include issues of safety in the local planning process. In addition, participants felt that community capacity needs to be built to address safety issues, including the development of leadership skills for adults and youth. Government can help build the capacity of communities to maintain safe communities by funding safety audits, and by increasing awareness and violence prevention programming.

Community Transition and Capacity Building

The theme of building community capacity was a focus that arose in many of the workshops. Communities recognize that they have to take broad-based action in partnership with government to move forward. They need information on models to follow and support to develop the skills needed to create an inclusive planning, visioning, and action process. There is a need to develop a cadre of community champions and to engage youth in the process for the succession of leadership. The plan must be based on local strengths, however, regional considerations are also quite important. The plan must look beyond the economic sphere to the environmental and social spheres. Communities can rarely undertake these processes without some assistance from government. This support can help develop the leadership skills in the community, share information on community development models, and support the planning process. Government representatives are often catalysts and facilitators. They and their agents are seen as fair brokers when different factions of the community must come together.

Sustainable Resource-based Communities

Many rural communities rely on resource extraction, however, they face numerous challenges in finding a long-term and balanced approach to community development. Most rural communities lack control over the local natural resources and their management, and face a difference of opinion in their communities about the resource focus of the local economy. They also feel that they cannot take full advantage of the employment opportunities offered by the large employers due to a lack of local hiring and local purchasing. To address these issues, a recommendation was made for the implementation of joint community/industry projects or councils to look at longer-term community development. Government can support this process and help develop local community capacity. Such support can also help industry and local authorities to maximize local employment opportunities and ensure major employers purchase local products and services. Citizens emphasized the need to share good ideas through Regional Districts and other levels of government. It was suggested that Rural Team BC should have meetings where more community representatives can attend.

Women's Caucus

The Rural Communities, Rural Visions Conference employed an inclusive approach to try to reflect the needs of many groups including women, First Nations, Francophones, persons with disabilities, and youth. One example of this approach was the Women's Caucus. This event was based on the understanding that effective policy or program development must take into account the differential impact on men and women, the nature of relationships between women and men and of their different social realities, life expectations and economic circumstances. As a result of the meeting, participants were able to network and articulate their issues to ensure that women's voices and their issues were addressed during the Conference. Women were active participants in the Conference and their leadership and perspective added value to the discussions.

REGIONAL WORKSHOP SUMMARIES

Participants met in regional groups to explore common issues and solutions for their unique areas.

Cariboo Region

For participants from the Cariboo region, the top priorities were: Access to Education and Training, Opportunities for Rural Youth, and Rural Health. After these top three issues, participants also felt that diversification of resource-based communities was important, along with building the strength of local communities. They also needed to ensure they had access to information on government programming and services when assistance was required. Participants wanted to ensure their communities remained safe places for all residents through any transitions that they faced. They felt that their area was adequately served in terms of access to the information highway.

Kootenay Region

The Kootenay region participants wanted to establish a Kootenay Rural Team feeding into Rural Team BC through regular meetings. There was strong support for an annual forum similar to this Conference to allow citizens to dialogue and make recommendations to senior levels of government and other key organizations. Participants wanted to develop a Bulletin Board/List Serve/Chat Room to communicate with other Kootenay citizens regularly on issues. One of the most important issues for the group was creating opportunities for rural youth by engaging youth in local decision making, securing long-term funding for youth programs, and supporting labour market and social programming for youth. In order to improve access to health care, participants felt that there needed to be more primary health care centres, electronic patient files, and better recruitment of health care professionals. The group also wanted to support community capacity building to build the social, economic, environmental, and cultural capacity of communities.

North/Mid-coast Region

North/Mid-coast region participants are concerned about the viability and sustainability of the communities in this region. They recognize a need to diversify through a cooperative approach for the region and want to ensure they provide more opportunities for youth in their areas. This approach needs to include linkages to business, partnerships linking communities, and building capacity within each community. Many of these actions involve developing new partnerships and networking, along with the sharing of marketing information and human resources. It is also important to develop community expertise. Citizens need to work together cooperatively to explore new ventures and build upon existing ones. Important actions also included obtaining support for long-term projects for youth, establishing learning centres from existing infrastructure that focuses on training, skill building and mentorship for real jobs in the region.

Okanagan Region

The Okanagan communities came together to share information, prioritize issues and identify actions to address key issues affecting their area. They formed an "Okanagan Group" with the intention of meeting to move forward on the actions for their area. They want to ensure that the group is representative of all special groups in the Okanagan, along with community organizations and rural associations. The group would like to develop communications and networking processes that will allow them to carry on the dialogue for their community either in-person or through tele-conferencing. They felt that it was important to address issues like safer communities, access to health care, and access to the information highway through linkages to Rural Team BC.

Peace Region

Participants from the Peace region wanted to focus on Sustainable Resource-based Communities, Economic Diversification, and Rural Health and Primary Care followed closely by Opportunities for Rural Youth. They felt it was important to develop leadership, partnerships, and a solid planning process to ensure a more viable future for communities in the north. Participants identified actions that communities and government could take to improve access to health care in the area. These included: needs identification and planning, community cooperation to recruit health care professionals, and more investment in related equipment.

Vancouver Island Region

Participants from Vancouver Island identified key issues along with recommended actions and solutions to strengthen their coastal rural communities and ensure the long-term sustainability of these. Participants determined that the key issues impacting these communities included: transition from a resource-based economy - sustainability; opportunities/capacity of individuals, grassroots groups, communities; health/cultural-access, prioritization and promotion; and infrastructure - social services and transportation. To address these issues, participants recommended networking to share information and resources, while developing consultation processes for resource and program decisions. In addition, community capacity building, long-term planning, community-based evaluation processes and tracking of rural indicators were seen as important to supporting the transition to sustainable revitalized communities on Vancouver Island.

3. AGENDA/BACKGROUND

"The dialogue was purring."
"My personal thanks to everyone for their dedication, skills, and commitment."

Conference Objectives

To highlight initiatives and share approaches being taken to address rural issues identified in previous Rural Dialogue sessions.
To validate current directions of Rural Team BC and identify where government support could be better focused to support rural communities.
To clearly identify the opportunities and barriers facing rural. communities and develop collaborative approaches to address these issues.
To collectively identify specific actions that will help build strong and sustainable rural communities.
To strengthen the rural network.

The two-day Conference brought together rural citizens from across the province to continue the dialogue with representatives from all levels of government. The Conference presented another opportunity for governmental representatives and citizens in rural communities to share experiences and highlight initiatives and approaches that are being taken to address a number of important issues facing BC's rural communities.

In addition to engaging citizens, community organizations, and all levels of government in a discussion on key issues for rural communities, the Conference was an opportunity for the Government of Canada to demonstrate its commitment and achievements with respect to rural development. The Conference provided a forum for participants, governmental and non-governmental alike, to share some of the tools being used to improve the quality of life in rural communities, as well as some of the lessons learned along the way.

A concerted effort was made to identify what further steps could be taken to overcome some of the challenges facing BC rural communities. Rural Team BC hopes to foster the collective spirit that will lay the groundwork for continued collaborative action and establish sustainable community development strategies built on partnerships between communities and all levels of government.

Conference Themes and Format

The Conference focused on a number of issues and priority areas identified in previous dialogues with rural citizens. Rural Team BC also commissioned a telephone survey of past Dialogue participants to solicit their input to guide the Conference planning process.

Based on participant input and preferences, the following issues formed the basis for the Conference workshop sessions:

Accessing government information
Access to education/training
Access to technology/information highway
Community transition and capacity building
Economic diversification
Linked environment and human health issues
Opportunities for rural youth
Rural health and primary care
Safer rural communities
Sustainable resource-based communities

The 10 workshop sessions were run concurrently and each was delivered three times over the course of day one. These sessions featured a short presentation by a panel made up of government representatives and community proponents. Following the presentations, participants engaged in facilitated discussions. On day two, concurrent workshop sessions were held without the panel presentations. Instead, workshops focused on identifying recommended actions and strengthening regional rural networks.

The Conference also provided several networking and team building opportunities, including a women's caucus, a youth orientation workshop session and a number of plenary sessions and evening socials. An exhibit area showcasing several federal government departments and community-based organizations provided participants with the opportunity to learn more about innovative rural and remote community development initiatives, programs and services.

Participants

The Conference brought together just over 200 rural citizens, federal and provincial government representatives, and community group representatives from across the province, including many who participated in previous Rural Dialogue activities in BC and nationally. A special effort was made to ensure a diverse and balanced representation (i.e. women, men, Aboriginal persons, Francophones, seniors, youth, people with disabilities, practitioners, government and local officials, etc.). In addition to heavy involvement by Rural Team BC, the plenary sessions and workshops, and the Conference planning in general, benefited greatly from the contributions of the two rural citizens who co-chaired the event.

Also in attendance was the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario). Following his opening plenary address, Mr. Mitchell fielded a number of questions from Conference participants. Mr. Mitchell's visit was well received and the time he spent engaging in discussion with Conference participants was greatly appreciated.

4. SPONSORS

Canadian Rural Partnership
Human Resources Development Canada
Health Canada

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Ministry of Community Development,
Cooperatives and Volunteers
Northern Development Commission
Rural Development Office

Department of Justice Canada
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Canadian Forest Service

Canada/BC Business Service Centre
Ministry of Small Business Tourism and Culture
Industry Canada

5. KEY ISSUES - PRESENTATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Accessing Government Information

Panellists: Mike Stolte, Lisa Amantea, Harbs Bains, Mary Lou Troman
Facilitator: Mike Stolte
Note taker: Deborah Angelo

Overview

"Interaction with all levels of government is important."

Citizens in rural communities can often face unique challenges or circumstances when looking for information on government programs and services. Although this is commonly associated with their relative distance from large "markets," other things factor into the equation, such as the lack of any local government representative and lack of access or fast access to the Internet. Citizens would like to have a range of alternatives including one-on-one interaction for accessing information.

Government needs to provide information at a variety of community outlets, such as at libraries and schools. Information should be advertised to target audiences. The 1 800 O-Canada service should be linked to other departments to allow a direct transfer to a person there. Internet sites should be more user-friendly and include government staff e-mail addresses. Government representatives should speak at high schools and to community groups on programming or funding; a government position should be created to provide information outreach. It is necessary to continue the Rural Dialogue sessions to share information. There should be a single window for information cutting across different levels of government. Regional Rural Teams in BC could help spread information on government initiatives.

Key Issues

The mechanisms for accessing government information need to be simplified, with better linkages between (all levels of) governments for programs and services

There needs to be a range of alternatives for accessing information, including more "personal" services that focus on (one-on-one) human contact (e.g. youth generally have easier time accessing information through the Internet than do seniors)

There needs to be improved marketing of government information, targeted more toward (program and service) opportunities

A better job needs to be done in creating awareness of government services (including the Canadian Rural Partnership (CRP) and Rural Team BC) by improving outreach to rural communities

Communities have a role to play in providing government information to rural and remote citizens, but their ability to play this role needs to be recognized

Services need to be more client-centred, paying careful attention to the diversity and range of client needs, preferences, and competencies (e.g. respecting all literacy levels by using less "bureaucratic jargon" in favour of more simple language and recognizing that persons with disabilities may require "tailored" approaches)

Services need to more fully recognize and respond to the uniqueness of First Nations communities

Recommended Actions

To address these issues, the workshop participants recommended specific strategies to initiate positive action toward improving access to information on government programs and services. These recommended actions centred around three main issues and suggest the roles to be played by the various levels of government, by communities as well as by individuals.

ISSUE #1: Need to improve communication of government programs and services

ISSUE #2: Need to improve information outreach to communities

ISSUE #3: Need to improve linkages between (all levels of) governments

Resources

Mike Stolte BC Network Coordinator Service Canada (604) 683-7135 mstolte@futures.bc.ca	Lisa Amantea Project Manager Community Futures Development Association of BC Provincial Coordinator Community Access Program Youth Initiative (604) 683-7135 capyouth@telus.net www.communityfutures.ca
Harbs Bains Canada/BC Business Service Centre 1-800-667-2272 bains.harbs@cbsc.ic.gc.ca www.sb.gov.bc.ca	Mary Lou Troman Service Canada Virtual Pathfinder C-4 Contact Centre (250) 352-1933 mltroman@contactc4.com www.contactc4.com
Ruth Beck Kootenay Boundary Health Services (250) 354-6837	Gordon Chow Community Learning Networks Human Resources Development Canada (604) 666-2180
Government of Canada Enquiry: 1 800 O-Canada (622-6232) Enquiry BC: 1-800-663-7867

Access to Education/Training

Panellists: Alan Mason, Andrew McKay
Facilitator: Harry Adam
Note taker: Connie Doan

Overview

"It has been a tremendous learning process."

Accessing education is a greater challenge for rural learners. Quite often local courses are too generic to meet employer needs and specialized training is only available at larger centres. Accessing these opportunities is more expensive due to commuting or re-location costs. A lack of access to information and counselling may affect informed decision making. In person support, mentoring, and a one window approach to information and support would assist rural learners. Apprenticeship training is required to meet emerging needs. This should be supported by a partnership of business, government, and community stakeholders. Distance education may bridge the gap for rural communities, however, there are issues around course quality, variety, and in-person support for distance learners. Program support from government is not accessible due to complexities of accessing information, preparing proposals, and meeting reporting requirements. Youth, women, and First Nations learners have special needs that must be considered if they are to be included as lifelong learners. Literacy can be a hidden problem that prevents learners from succeeding.

There should be more support for apprenticeship programs in partnership with business. This could be done through an expanded partnership of the Industry Training Commission, Ministry of Social Development and Economic Security, Advanced Education, and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). Rural learners need in-person support to make informed career and training decisions. Distance learning requires more and better courses to be a successful model. Government must ensure that broadband access is available in rural areas to support on-line learning. The federal and provincial level should commit to funding that is easier to access and does not leave out those not on Employment Insurance and Social Assistance. Lifelong learning needs to become a reality and address the needs of youth and older learners. Good ideas ought to be shared among communities. The learning needs of special groups should be addressed.

Key Issues

Apprenticeship Programs and Trades Training

Many future jobs will be in technology and trades

There is a need to go back to government and industry partnerships in trades training

Bringing trades training to rural communities is necessary - a very big issue

If a certain type of worker in a community is wanted, bring the training to the community

Large companies that have profited greatly from some of the rural communities have not provided an acceptable level of return to those communities. Government should urge a certain level of investment back into the communities in terms of education and trades training, and facilities

There is a need for adequate facilities for both secondary school students and for individuals no longer in school.

Counselling for College Applicants

Applications from rural students are often of a lower quality

Increase the access to dedicated counsellors at the high school level to assist with applications, help students learn what programs are available to them and to provide career counselling

Youth not in school need access to education and career counselling services

Government should view education funding as a long-term investment

Youth may come back to rural communities only for health care and teaching jobs - often all that is available. There is a need to develop community-based businesses with jobs that tie youth to community

Post-Secondary Education

Limited local access in rural communities

Higher transportation costs (fuel costs, wear and tear, no public surface transportation) for rural people to go to urban areas

Living costs higher for post secondary education for those who have to go to urban centres Often women cannot leave home due to family commitments and therefore have no access to higher education

Native communities are often even more remote and so their challenges are compounded

There is a need to ensure that people of all ages, who are interested in upgrading their skills and who may already be working, have access to post-secondary education.

There is a need for youth to have local access to post-secondary education so they are not lost to urban centres

Community colleges can affiliate with a university and students can get a degree without having to leave the community

Need for more cooperation - less ownership of facilities and resources and communal access to learning institutions

Training and Re-training

There is a need to provide access, support, and advocacy for rural people to finish high school. Accessible local information and counselling

There is a need to focus on lifelong learning, open window education

There are equity issues with respect to availability of training and funding. For example, persons may have to be on Employment Insurance or income assistance to access certain programs. Too many people fall between the cracks of existing programs

There are transportation and special needs issues for persons with disabilities

There is a need to identify the changing demographics as baby boomers are retiring

Training for people already working: employment retention. No one is doing skills development service since HRDC pulled out

There is a need to determine, through indicators, where Canada stands on world, national and provincial levels with respect to education and training in technology and trades

There is a need for an advertising campaign to show how people can network, share information and solutions

Distance Education

In terms of personal support, mentoring and facilitating are key. Peer-to-peer interaction is also helpful for students to share ideas, discuss challenges

There is a need for adequate learning centre facilities in all rural communities

There are issues with the variety and quality of courseware. There is a need to re-evaluate course content material for quality and currency. There needs to be an evaluation of distance education models and effectiveness

Broadband access not happening fast enough. There is still a need for basic telecommunication like single line touch-tone telephones

Technology alone won't help. There is a need to look at education in an holistic way

Programs

The sustainability paradox - governments want projects to be sustainable. This is often not a realistic expectation. Communities come to depend on pilot projects and then they disappear

Cannot rely on user fees to sustain programs.

Rigor around proposal writing is excessive. Communities need dedicated human resource persons who know the programs and funding that is available from each government sector, and who can assist with proposal writing and provide outreach

There is a need for a single window funding organization. There are too many contacts, too many reporting requirements, and too many constraints. There is a need to fast-track funding

There is a need for local adjudication of project proposals and of where government funds should be spent.

Recommended Actions

ISSUE #1: Apprenticeship

ISSUE #2: Counselling - Human resources

ISSUE #3: Distance on-line learning

ISSUE #4: Programs - Funding

ISSUE #5: Lifelong learning

ISSUE #6: Looking for best practices

Issues for Special Groups

Women - Need to address the challenges faced by women by virtue of their roles in the family which prevent them from leaving home. Re-entering the workforce creates additional challenges for women who have been away from a learning environment for an extended time. Skills need to be upgraded while people are still employed. Courses need to take the issues of First Nations' women into account.

Youth - Need career counselling and mentoring available both in school and out of school. They need information on career and education options and the cost implications. Transportation is an issue for travel to post-secondary learning centres.

First Nations - These communities need distance education to address the remoteness of their communities. Curriculums must recognize cultural issues and First Nations women's issues.

Disabilities - Need to address the challenge of access in rural communities. Transportation creates additional challenges for those with disabilities in rural areas. Networking among disabled learners would help support them.

Resources

Harry Adam BC Community Networks Association Community Learning Network Community Access Program (250) 542-5351 haadam@sd22.bc.ca	Andrew McKay Health Careers (250) 542-5351 University College of Cariboo (250) 828-5120
Alan Mason Revelstoke Distance Learning Pilot Project (250) 837-4239 amason@rclc.bc.ca	John Bowman Kazko Learning Pilot (250) 991-7537

Access to Technology/ Information Highway

Panellists: Rose Sirois, Ken Stratford, Don Irvine, John Savage, John Webb
Facilitator: Rose Sirois
Note taker: Bev Uibel, Rose Sirois, Leslie Lax

Overview

"There is a willingness by government to develop rural communities as a backbone of Canada."

Many participants continue to see access to technology and the information highway as a significant issue in their communities, in particular how the lack of infrastructure acts as a barrier to community development. Due to the relative isolation and small population base of many rural communities, there is a higher cost associated with servicing these areas. Participants noted that private telecommunications companies have little incentive to service rural areas when the basic infrastructure is lacking. The municipal level of government often does not see the potential offered by technology. Training is needed to ensure that the tool of technology is well used.

Government can support skill building on technology tools and increase public access to the Internet, including wireless access for remote and First Nations communities. Information on programming needs to be widely shared in rural areas. Government Internet sites need to be user-friendly. Rural Team BC can share information and foster partnerships among relevant industries. It can help share information on successful projects and encourage the development of better cellphone coverage in rural areas. Communities can mobilize to survey their assets and lobby for higher levels of access. They can build partnerships locally to develop an inclusive approach to integrating information technologies in the community plan. Individuals can develop a lifelong learning approach to technology.

Key Issues

Cost of access may be affordable, but universal accessibility is questionable (i.e. not all people are connected)

Information technology (IT) is a critical tool for community development and for diversifying the economy as part of strategic economic development planning

There needs to be continuous training and leadership on how to use or apply information technology (i.e. it is just a tool, it does not guarantee improved competitiveness or quality of life)

There is a lack of phone service in some areas (i.e. capacity) - government needs to increase investment in basic infrastructure to support the adoption and development of information technologies

Municipal governments haven't fully recognized the potential of information technology and networks at the local level - they need to add-value to the leadership and commitment at the federal and provincial levels (e.g. by considering IT in planning decisions)

Some communities do not have the capacity or "will" to embrace IT; need to "sell" technology to rural councils and local officials

Need to recognize that barriers exist for people with disabilities and varying competencies and to target approaches accordingly

Grassroots level competence is key - need to identify the champions within communities who have the capacity to bring about change and provide leadership

Resources are required - IT development must be community driven (i.e. there is no "one size fits all" approach) and have a long-term focus (i.e. communities need to define their social context, leverage the communities assets and knowledge, and flesh out how IT plays a role in addressing community needs)

There need to be mechanisms for information exchange (i.e. best practices and lessons learned) and partnership development (to pool resources, demand, opportunities and "energy")

Telecommunications providers need to be more responsive to rural needs - but how can this be done?

Recommended Actions

ISSUE #1: The role of government

ISSUE #2: The role of the Canadian Rural Partnership (CRP)/Rural Team BC

ISSUE #3: The role of communities

ISSUE #4: The role of individuals

Resources

Rose Sirois Industry Canada (250) 363-0148 sirois.rose@ic.gc.ca	John Webb Information, Science and Technology Agency (250) 356-1502 John.Webb@gems8.gov.bc.ca
Don Irvine Baynes Sound Geo Net 250-338-4736 cvcis@valleylinks.net	John Savage Gold Country Network 250-453-9996 jsavage@sd74.bc.ca
Ken Stratford Greater Victoria Economic Development Commission / Community Information Technology Institute (250) 384-2432 kstratfrd@bizvic.com

www.smartcommunities.ic.gc.ca
http://cap.ic.gc.ca
www.citismart.net (for a database of best practices)
www.bizvic.com
www.teledesic.com
www.bctechcentre.com
www.bccna.bc.ca (click on community portal)
olt-bta.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/CLN/index.html (Community Learning Network toolkit)
www.participation.net/english/ccbtoolkit.htm (links to Human Resource Development Corporation's Community Capacity Building Toolkit, Partnership Handbook and Community Development Handbook)

Community Transition and Capacity Building

Panellists: Michelle Colussi, George Lerchs, John McGuire
Facilitator: Elizabeth Perrin
Note taker: Maureen LeBourdais

Overview

"Question: How are leaders identified? What training would help them to lead, to facilitate? Where would they get it?"

The theme of building community capacity was the focus of this workshop but this theme arose in many of the other workshops. Communities recognize that they have to take action in partnership with government to move forward. In order to do this they need to develop the resources in the community, they need a process to follow, and they need some assistance from government at various levels. Building capacity generally relates to the capacity of citizens within their organizations and their communities. While communities have an elected leadership, they also need to develop a cadre of community champions whatever their position in the community. This group needs to have sufficient size to avoid leader burnout and needs to bring in youth leaders to ensure succession planning.

Communities need a process to follow in community development. While different communities have gone through different processes over time, they all need to ensure that all key stakeholders have been involved in the process of developing a vision and plan for the community. The plan must be based on local strengths and it must look beyond the economic to the environmental and social. It must have buy-in from the community and be realized through actions that the community undertakes to implement the plan. Communities can rarely undertake these processes without some assistance from government, either directly or indirectly. The leadership skills in the community will need to be developed to ensure the required competencies are available for community development. Youth need to be involved in this process for succession and to engage them in community development. It is beyond the scope, particularly for small communities, to undertake a lengthy planning process, bring the players together, ensure meeting space, facilitation, note taking, follow-up, etc. Government can help by developing leadership, communication, problem solving, and other community development skills in communities. They can also support community capacity building processes as a means of meeting various government mandates whether they are to create jobs, prevent crime, promote health, or preserve the environment. Programming to meet these needs does not require a large investment and should not be difficult to apply for. In addition, the government's role here is not one of manager and does not have to be one of sole or even primary funder. Government can help by sharing information on models that are working and by developing community process tools. Municipal governments need to be involved in this process as well.

Key Issues

Human Resources

Communities often lack skills and tools to help them plan for transition and prepare proposals for funding. Sometimes seeking help from outreach workers/consultants works but not always. The solution is to build the capacity in the community so that stakeholders can be fully involved in the planning process (community ownership)
Leadership/champion(s) are key to success, but again skills may be a problem
People with innovative ideas can make a difference but it is difficult to identify them and get them interested in working for their community
Attitudes/perception are often a problem - lack of acceptance that the community has to work for itself and present a united front
Feeling of powerlessness within the community - leading to violence, anger and social problems

Process

Communities need processes and structure to assist them with planning

There is a need for consensus, a uniting process within the community, but communities often lack the skills to help reach it and require funding to train people or get help

There is a tendency to focus on economic factors only. Solutions must be holistic and address social and environmental as well

Lack of opportunity for professional development and education in rural/remote communities makes it difficult to attract skilled individuals

Need success stories to learn from, it's difficult to find best practices

Programs

The processes for seeking funding are slow and can be difficult to navigate. Communities find they must tailor projects and processes to funding guidelines. As a result the outcomes may not meet community needs

It is difficult to obtain "seed" money needed to develop and support leadership and other skills required to build capacity and help with the proposal process

Problem obtaining multi-year funding from government(s) because of their fiscal year funding structures

Governments do not come together to address community priorities

Services provided by government are not always consistent, particularly as they relate to outreach programs

Recommended Actions

ISSUE #1: Human resources

ISSUE #2: Process

www.cedworks.com

ISSUE #3: Government's role

Resources

Maureen LeBourdais Horsefly Transition Pilot (250) 620-3505 moleb@wlake.com	Michelle Colussi Centre for Community Enterprise Community Resiliency (250) 724-1675 colussi@cedar.alberni.net
John McGuire Ministry of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers john_mcguire@telus.net	George Lerchs Fisheries Legacy Trust Coastal Communities Futures Development Corporations (604) 693-5770 bajoreef@telus.net

Economic Diversification

Panellists: Barry Spillman, Ron Trepanier, Leslie Lax, Carrie Schaffer, Sherree Walter
Facilitator: Chris Watts, Leslie Lax, Kim Walker
Note taker: Leslie Lax

Overview

"There is a need to diversify, collectively. How do we engage our community? How do we develop skills, strategic alliances? What resources are available?"

Participants felt it was important to understand why diversification is needed and what the barriers are to diversifying local economies. Many rural communities have resource-based communities and suffer from a boom and bust cycle due to commodity market changes. They need to develop a longer-term vision for their communities to help mitigate these cycles, but often lack the local capacity to plan for economic development. Further, there is no funding source to support this process and the support that does exist is short-term and does not lead to sustainability. In addition, local infrastructure needs to be developed to ensure communities have the transportation and communication facilities to take advantage of new business opportunities. Lastly, there is a necessity to balance the need for economic development against quality of life issues like health care, education, and recreation.

Participants developed a number of recommendations around actions that could be taken, stakeholders that should be involved, and first steps that can be taken on these issues. They felt that communities needed to build their capacity to become more self-reliant and self-directed. Communities can do this by building on their own assets including the voluntary sector and local organizations. Government can help by sharing information on the tools that are available and by developing new community development tools where necessary. Communities must craft a vision of how they want their communities to develop. This process should be an inclusive and bottom up one to ensure a broadly supported community direction. Government will need to help with this process at the federal and provincial level. This would include the Canadian Rural Partnership (CRP), Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), Ministry of Advanced Education, and the Ministry of Communities, Aboriginals, and Women's Services. Transportation and communications infrastructure can be supported by ensuring a return to the local area of the tax dollars generated in the local area. Where communities need government support, the funding process should be streamlined and equitable. Partnerships should include the federal and provincial level, along with local community futures organizations.

Key Issues

Why Diversification Is Needed

Globalization is changing the nature of markets and commodity pricing is driving a need for change in local economies

The continuing boom and bust cycles attendant to resource economies are leading to, for example, mill closures

The nature of the economy is changing and moving to a more intensive knowledge-based and technological economy

Lack of Vision

The long-term nature of the problem requires long-term solutions, not short- term fixes

There is a need for communities to develop common understanding of the issues facing them

There is a need for partnerships and regional approaches to encourage communities to work together

Most communities face an inherent resistance to change

Vision and strategies for economic diversification need to be both industry specific and economy wide

Information Sharing

Communities want access to useful information on programs and services including expertise, knowledge and economic intelligence

Coordination between and within government on program and service development and delivery is necessary to reduce overlap

Communities would like to make better use of existing economic development tools. There is a wide range of resources already available and those need to be made more accessible to communities and individuals

Building Capacity

Business needs skills and tools for marketing. Cooperatives and the use of management technology are examples that could lead to improvement

Communities want to develop capacity in education, skills, lifelong learning and planning

In the area of governance and leadership, communities want to develop an inclusive approach, common vision, and a positive focus

Funding

Communities are looking to government and other agencies to provide short-term funding for proposal writing, or at least to develop capacity for proposal writing in each community. They do not want to rely on "experts" and outside contractors

Designated groups, e.g. Francophones, First Nations and people with disabilities, need more accessible funding both in terms of ease of access and the amount of funding available

There is a disparity between rural and urban. Rural areas often have less funding to draw on and accessibility is more of a challenge than in urban areas. There are also disparities within rural, between larger and smaller remote communities Funding for pilot projects should be provided on a long-term (multi-year) basis to enable the projects to become sustainable and to develop options for dissemination

Funding should also be available for the development and start-up of new products and for expansion of existing ventures. In this regard, sustainability, that is, what to do when government funding expires, is an important consideration

Infrastructure

There is inadequate road infrastructure and funding for road maintenance in rural areas. In addition, inadequate air service and rail transportation are also important barriers to diversification in rural communities

Telecommunications also present a concern for many rural residents. Some areas are not covered by either cellular or landline, while the implementation of the Service Improvement Plans is a long way off and still does not cover all needs. There is also concern about bandwidth and insufficient access to the Internet

Quality of Life

Community recreation facilities such as skating rinks, swimming pools and other recreation infrastructure attract new residents and keep current ones. Communities would like to see existing facilities maintained and some new facilities developed

Rural residents seek ready access to K-12 schooling and a variety of post secondary options. In some communities, when the school closes, the community's viability is threatened

Rural communities want access to adequate health services and issues include recruitment and retention of health professionals, the range of services available locally and adequate funding

Other Themes/Issues

There are few opportunities for youth who are "trained to leave." That is, many youth gain access to educational opportunities for which there are no employment opportunities locally

Access to land for agriculture is an issue in some communities, along with the regulations and costs of developing agricultural leases

Other government considerations include the need to cut red tape. Local businesses and entrepreneurs want government to make it easier for business to develop, continue to operate and grow by removing government regulatory barriers. The removal of inter-provincial trade barriers was also identified as an issue

Recommended Actions

ISSUE #1: Capacity building

What are the recommended actions?

Who should be involved?

What can we do to begin to address the issue?

ISSUE #2: Create community visioning process

What are the recommended actions?

Who should be involved?

What can we do to begin to address the issue?

Resources

ISSUE #3: Infrastructure

What are the recommended actions?

Who should be involved?

What can we do to begin to address the issue?

ISSUE #4: Funding (federal and provincial)

What are the recommended actions?

Who should be involved?

What can we do to begin to address the issue?

Resources

Chris Watts Western Economic Diversification (604) 666-2570 chris.watts@wd.gc.ca	Leslie Lax Northern Development Commission (250) 565-6246 leslie.lax@gems4.gov.bc.ca
Carrie Schaffer Northern Exposure Pilot (250) 342-3210 CSCHAFER@cotr1.cotr.bc.ca	Sherree Walter Ministry of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers (250) 387-0052 Sherree.Walter@gems7.gov.bc.ca
Ron Trepanier Community Futures Development Association (604) 681-7130 Whalebone@compuserve.com	Barry Spillman Western Economic Diversification (604) 666-5737 barry.spillman@wd.gc.ca

Linked Environment and Human Health Issues

Panellists: June Yoo, Dave Stevens, Don Roht
Facilitator: Tonya Wilts
Note taker: Rodney Wilts

Overview

"We have serious environment concerns in my community around private land logging, water quality, healthy food, and general environment degradation."

This is the first time a rural conference has included a panel on linked human health and environment issues. During the three sessions of day one, several recommended actions were identified to address the key priority areas. There has been an increasing link between health and environmental effects in rural areas. To explore this linkage further, delegates from around the province identified specific issues and found that they had similar health and environmental concerns. As a result, the need to share information about successful projects was recommended as an essential strategy. To foster this sharing of information, assistance in knowledge transfer and funding was suggested as a requirement in replicating successes. Within the key issues outlined below, government was identified as playing a brokerage role by engaging citizens and industry representatives to form citizen-led environment committees.

Key Issues

Air Quality

Lung and cardiac effects of air pollution

Certain populations are more susceptible to air quality problems - the elderly, those with pre-existing lung or cardiovascular conditions, and children

Outdoor pollutants affecting the lungs and the cardiovascular system include: ground level ozone, smog, beehive burners, backyard burning, woodstoves, pesticides in the air, particulate matter (PM) from many different sources

Indoor pollutants of moulds, dust mites, formaldehyde, cleaners, etc. found in carpets, furniture and throughout indoor environments

Asthma in children and new allergies/asthma in people who had moved from urban areas to rural areas have been found - individuals are surprised to find out that air quality can be worse in rural areas

Agriculture Issues

Unsustainable practices - people have separated themselves from their food systems - they don't know who produces it, what it is sprayed with, whether or not it is genetically modified, how long it travelled to get from the field to their plate, etc.

Concern about persistent organic pollutants (POP's) in food being taken up from the contaminants in the soil e.g. lead, arsenic and cadmium (in Trail specifically, but other rural areas as well)

There were several debates about genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Will they reduce pollution (as the industry claims)? Will GMOs improve people's health or the food systems of the world? What about the allergic reactions that people have already had to Starlink corn, for example?

Water Quality

Drinking water contamination from domestic animals, pesticides, septic tank leakage, development and highway run-off

Lack of adequate sewage treatment and a requirement to chlorinate water

Other General Themes/Issues

Increased community degradation without any overall plan for habitat protection, water source protection, etc.

Concern with waste and over-consumption in Canadian culture. Less availability of recycling - urban garbage being shipped to rural areas

Forestry - impacts on water quality, air quality

Quick development of rural areas - pressure to develop by corporations and governments without concern for the sustainability of the community

Transportation - there aren't many options in rural areas - no public transit and car pooling is non-existent

Recommended Actions

Key priorities were explored further during these sessions. The following section reviews the recommended strategies for communities and governments.

ISSUE #1: Air quality

ISSUE #2: Agriculture

ISSUE #3: Other general themes/issues

Resources

Tonya Wilts Community Animation Program Advisor Environment Canada (250) 595-0306 Tonya.Wilts@ec.gc.ca	June Yoo Air Quality Health Educator BC Lung Association
Dave Stevens Non-governmental organization representative from Smithers, BC	Don Roht Christopher Spicer Centre for "CHOKED" Sustainable Agriculture in Rural Life, Kootenay Region, BC

Opportunities for Rural Youth

Panellists: Noreen Campbell, Sue Robinson, Leslie Ross, Lana Pershin, Stacy Barter, Melody Carruthers, Lisa Amantea
Facilitator: Stacy Barter, Treena Decker
Note taker: Peter MacDonald

Overview

"Thank you so much for allowing me to come. I got all my issues out there and felt I was really listened to." (youth participant)

Youth are concerned about having access to programs, education, and youth centres. They also want to be involved in making their communities better places to live through involvement in local projects and youth councils. They are aware of the importance of education and would like to access a variety of learning opportunities in their own community. They also want to improve the negative image of youth and contribute in a meaningful way to their communities. To support that effort, they are interested in developing their leadership skills and look for support from their peers and for adults to be mentors to their efforts. They recognize a need to share information on what works and to be inclusive of all youth in the process.

The youth participants had a lot of powerful ideas to implement the changes they would like to see. They want to work together with funders to implement longer term funding for youth centres and other projects. They recognize the importance of communication and accountability measures in this process. Youth would like to have access to youth co-op business opportunities and community foundation support. They would like to have expanded access to education through on-line learning supported by mentors. They want to ensure their education is relevant to employers. Youth are willing to contribute to their education and would like to see options available to support them. Young people want a means to contribute to their communities through involvement in Rural Team BC and in their communities. They would like to work with the community to set up local youth councils. These would represent all facets of the youth community and would develop and implement projects to make the community a better place for youth and others.

Key Issues

(The first three are of highest priority.)

1) Long-term Core Funding

Fund successful programs as models; not just new, short-term projects

Establish more inclusive funding qualifications/requirements; decrease the amount of funding restrictions for programs

Fund upbeat and positive support programs

2) Better Access to Information and Education

Place youth related services and information on-line (in a database)

Have information or contacts for local services/programs available on federal/provincial program Web sites or hotlines (i.e. Human Resources Development Canada, Youth Options)

Create innovative and new educational systems

Have real and experienced people communicate what works and exists

Build and further enhance existing youth job sites and amalgamate them into one, easy to use jobs site for youth across British Columbia

3) Increase Youth Community Involvement and Establish Local Youth Councils and Innovative Youth Initiatives in their Community

Establish local youth council and youth mayor in communities across BC

Give youth the responsibility, resources, and authority they need to increase youth participation, organization, and involvement in BC communities

Combat youth turnover with networking, inclusion, advertising, and organization

Communicate and demonstrate to youth that their ideas will be taken seriously and put into action. Coordinate youth effort

Liaise with youth in the community and ask them for their opinions and ideas

Provide incentives to youth in order to keep them committed and interested in participating in various youth initiatives in their community by paying wages, tuition credits, providing leadership/business skills training, work experience, and food at meetings

4) Ongoing Mentorship Support

Increase person-to-person interaction. Develop and support community/youth champions

Develop long-term support programs

Encourage adult support (from all demographic levels of society); learn from adult experience and expertise

5) Ongoing Training Programs

Obtain a balance in training programs with regards to: (a) leadership, (b) public speaking, (c) Internet/computer skills, and (d) trades

Train youth in the skills that will enable them to become employed and stay in their community

6) Share Information on What Works

Find a mechanism to measure what works

Promote initiatives that display youth/government/community support, participation, cooperation, and collaborations

Disseminate the message to everyone in the community (all demographics)

Generate feedback on successful initiatives (i.e. 4-H and Connect Core)

Focus on upbeat and positive initiatives

7) Combat Racial, Bilingual, Age and Educational Discrimination

Educate all levels of society as to the issues affecting those people labelled as "different" and provide them with the tools to overcome discriminatory thinking

Combat discriminatory labels (point out their inconsistency with real life examples and their harmful generalizing effects)

Communicate everyone's value and importance

Include everyone's interests and concerns in broad definitions (i.e. "rural youth")

Recommended Actions

ISSUE #1: Long-term core funding

Write letters:

Provide incentives to funders:

Train youth

Establish desired outcomes

Encourage and support youth co-op business development

Government

set up matching long-term funding programs

ISSUE #2: Access to education

Correspondence/on-line courses are necessary

Have an on-site mentor/teaching assistant

Support greater partnerships between educational institutions and industry

Encourage the expansion of the Passport to Education program.

Improve technology - Get rural residents connected by

Provide subsidies/funding to keep rural schools open

ISSUE #3: Youth involvement/establish youth councils and initiatives

Have youth sit on Rural Team BC

Provide incentives to local businesses and corporations to

Encourage youth councils and organizations to be inclusive of different groups of youth.

Have communities meet to brainstorm

Where possible, build on what already exists within communities

Promote and support community events that are not segregated by age/generation

Send out regular press releases

Resources

Lana Pershin YAC Researcher/Promoter Social Planning Council for North Okanagan (250) 545-8572 lanapershin@hotmail.com	Stacey Barter Youth Coordinator Columbia Basin Trust (250) 365-6633 sbarter@cbt.org www.cbt.org
Noreen Campbell Consultant, Youth Initiatives Human Resource Development Canada (604) 666-6762 noreen.a.campbell@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca	Lisa Amantea Project Manager, Community Futures Development Association of BC Provincial Coordinator, Community Access Program, Youth Initiative (604) 683-7135 capyouth@telus.net www.communityfutures.ca
Leslie Ross Policy/Program Advisor Ministry of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers (250) 387-2931 Leslie.Ross@gems2.gov.bc.ca	Sue Robinson Executive Director Sci-Tech North (250) 785-9600 scitechnorth@pris.ca www.scitechnorth.ca
Melody Carruthers Canada/BC Business Service Centre (604) 775-5566 Melody.Carruthers@gems3.gov.bc.ca	Mike Cowley SBTC, Youth Options (250) 387-2065 mike.cowley@gems4.gov.bc.ca

Rural Health and Primary Care

Panellists: James Leslie, Pat Ryan
Facilitator: Moffatt Clarke
Note taker: Jean Lederer

Overview

"The jury is out on how much I expect government to help."

Citizens participating in Rural Dialogue sessions over the last two years have consistently identified health care as a key issue for rural communities. In these workshops, participants noted the difficulties in accessing health services that are often distant from rural patients. This situation can be more difficult for those without transportation as well as for special groups like seniors and First Nations. It is difficult to recruit and retain health care professionals in rural areas. There are different levels and jurisdictions of health authorities, insufficient funding, and a lack of coordination of funding. Good models are meeting with success but information on them is not shared.

The issues identified deal largely with the barriers faced by citizens in rural communities in accessing health care, but also touch on such things as the structure of the health care system and the recruitment and retention of qualified health professionals. There was also a bit of apprehension expressed by participants that perhaps we were moving too quickly toward technology for the answers, and not properly supporting health programs in rural communities. Individuals can take actions like: offering local billets for those accompanying patients away from their home area, help to develop community health centres, organize submissions to the Romanow Commission, and raise donations locally to seek matching government funding. Government and Rural Team BC can: establish a federal/provincial funding pool for health care centres, subsidize travel for rural patients and their supporters, lobby for home care to be publicly insured, and share information on health funding programs.

Key Issues

Distance and isolation - the general lack of services in some areas and the distance that has to be travelled to access health services is a major barrier

People without their own transportation experience great difficulty accessing services (i.e. travel is costly and time consuming, and takes a physical toll on those with compromised health)

Certain populations are more prone to barriers to access, including seniors, people with disabilities and mental health issues, people with low income, Aboriginal people, Francophones and other language groups, women and people with low literacy levels

There is a shortage of health care professionals in rural communities, causing long waiting lists, limited choices and delays in obtaining appointments and referrals

Different levels and jurisdictions of health authorities can be problematic to work with (i.e. bureaucracy), while on the other hand there needs to be wider distribution of health services across regions (not all centred in one hospital)

Despite the shift toward home care in the health care system, proper support is lacking for caregivers, the burden of which usually falls on women (e.g. caregivers who stay home from work or retire early do not receive adequate reimbursement, drugs normally free at hospitals are a cost to patients if care takes place at home, tax benefits lacking for those not qualifying as dependants)

Concern that the high costs of technology/telehealth might leave less funding for other health services (some of which cannot be delivered through telehealth). For some communities technology will be a barrier to access (i.e. some communities are without single-line service) and that confidentiality may be jeopardized

Some communities have difficulty recruiting and retaining health care professionals due to distance, isolation, overwork, less than full time positions, insufficient support services and lack of social, cultural and recreational amenities

Restructuring and regionalization of health care in BC has had negative impacts on rural communities; there is confusion about the fracture of responsibility and frustration with jurisdictional barriers to accessing care

There is a need for community ownership of health services, with strong community involvement (it is felt that the Community Health Councils, appointed by provincial government, do not represent local communities)

Funding underlies all the issues discussed - it should be acknowledged that doing something rural costs more and should be weighed into any funding decisions

There is a lack of coordination of existing funding and insufficient information about funding availability

There is little follow-up (support) subsequent to the conclusion of funded "pilot" initiatives (i.e. sustainability of funding needs to be addressed) and the pilot project proposal process needs to be clearer and simpler

There are a variety of organizations working separately without any vehicles for communicating and collaborating, or mechanisms to facilitate partnerships

There is a lot being done in communities but not many people know about it or how to access it (i.e. inadequate communications); there is also a lack of understanding of the system, who "owns" what parts, and whom to contact for which services

Some communities are not resourced for emergency situations, e.g. ambulance service is the first and only contact, yet ambulance services are not sufficiently supported and must cover vast geographic areas, and some communities are even without 911 service

There needs to be more focus on health promotion and having more involvement in and responsibility for one's own health care

Recommended Actions

ISSUE #1: The role of individuals and rural communities

ISSUE #2: The role of government and Rural Team BC

Resources

Moffatt Clarke Health Canada (604) 666-1747 moffatt_clarke@hc-sc.gc.ca	Anne Ardiel Director Rural Health, BC Ministry of Health (250) 952-2459 anne.ardiel@moh.hnet.bc.ca
Pat Ryan Director of Information Technology Okanagan Similkameen Health Region pryan@oshr.org	Paule Giguere Policy Analyst Office of Rural Health, Health Canada (613) 941-7560 paule_giguere@hc-sc.gc.ca
James Leslie Provincial Network of Community Health Centres (604) 736-9804 lesliej@fox.nstn.ca

Safer Rural Communities

Panellists: Vera Lagasse, Terri Dame, Ali Grant, Kathleen O'Malley, Deborah Critchley
Facilitator: Vera Lagasse
Note taker: Agnes Lui

Overview

"We need to find functional solutions for the economic, social and environmental survival of my community."

The defining feature of a safe community is the ability of all of its citizens - regardless of gender, race, age, sexuality, language or ability - to participate fully and freely in all of its environments. It was recognized that community safety is very often affected by poverty, physical and social isolation, controlling and power relationships. A lack of transportation can be an important factor. Communities that are not safe are at a disadvantage in terms of sustainable community economic development. Based on the model of community safety audit, a tool for the local government and community stakeholders to address community safety issues, participants collaborated on recommending actions for communities and governments.

Safety audits should be implemented in more rural communities to improve safety and raise awareness. All members of the community should be involved in the process. Public awareness needs to be heightened and issues of safety need to be included in the local planning process through the involvement of the Ministry of the Attorney General. Community safety projects should be eligible for "infrastructure" funding. The "Rural Lens" should include safety issues. The National Crime Prevention Centre should create a "rural office" similar to Health Canada's. Community capacity needs to be built to address safety issues, including the development of leadership skills for adults and youth. These approaches require early education and a long-term approach.

Key Issues

Safety for women at home (due to domestic violence), in the streets and parking lots, and at the work place are common concerns in rural communities. High profile and violent crimes against women have taken place in many rural communities. Family violence is a deep-rooted problem that is still denied and covered up by many rural communities

Other related issues are bullying at schools and street violence involving youth. Similar to violence against women, these types of violence are linked to controlling and power relationships. Lack of safe and affordable recreational facilities for youth and poor parenting skills are also contributing factors to youth violence

Physical and social isolation links to unsafe environment for other vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, low-income people, seniors, ethnic minority groups and gays and lesbians. Lack of public transportation is an additional barrier to community and economic participation for disadvantaged groups

Safety issues for First Nations women on reserves are more complex due to the confidentiality, band status, and jurisdictional problems

Very often, isolation of Francophone communities undermines community safety issues

The issues related to the abuse of people with disabilities by their caregivers are not adequately raised or addressed

Safety issues are most often tied in with poverty. Poor housing, inadequate protection and late response from police, inadequate child care, hitchhiking and inaccessibility to basic services are risk factors for many women and children, seniors, and people with disabilities in rural communities

The income support system has built-in disincentives for people to become independent when financial and non-financial support for entering/re-entry to labour market is inadequate such as clothing needs, affordable child care, flexible and appropriate training, computer equipment. The issues of the amount and source of income deductible from the BC Benefits received by low-income people were raised, particularly the income from federal transfer payments such as Canada Pension Plan, disability pension and federal child credit

It is also important to acknowledge that having a safer community is a prerequisite for having a sustainable community and community economic development. It is an important part of what rural communities have to promote themselves to people and businesses looking to relocate and expand

The process has to be open, respectful and inclusive and the response has to be community-based and cohesive. This approach may take a longer time to develop but it is more conducive to real change

A different view of the above approach was expressed: sometimes it is futile trying to convince or persuade everyone on board as a few may have strong resistance due to different perspectives of the problem or different value systems. It may be better off to move forward with a momentum and these opponents may follow

Family violence must be addressed by changing the social, economic and political systems, attitudinal bias and stereotyping of women

Safer communities have to address the drug and alcohol problem and long-term preventive measures such as parenting skills and early childhood development

Recommended Actions

ISSUE #1: Safety audits

ISSUE #2: Include all members of the community in the decision-making process

ISSUE #3: Action on public awareness/education

It is important that public awareness/education programs promote the understanding about community safety:

Churches:

Community groups:

Need to learn to cooperate and not compete, share experiences and knowledge from pilot projects.
Use technology or Web site to share information and best practices.
Improve National Crime Prevention Centre (NCPC) Web site to include regional database and regional Web site

Community Futures:

Judges:

General public:

ISSUE #4: Changes in public policies

Solicit support and leadership from the Minister of Municipal Affairs
Educate planners at universities on strategies to promote safety through policy and design
Recruit champions from local leaders
Involve them in local community planning
Ensure that the group developing Official Community Plans reflects the community, e.g. women, youth, Aboriginal people, people who experience poverty and people from ethnic and language minorities

Solicit support and leadership from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Agriculture
Recruit champions from local leaders
Apply the "Rural Lens" and respond to the challenges of isolated rural communities in funding formulas

ISSUE #5: Required resources

Funding

Tools

Coordination: Recommendations to National Crime Prevention Centre (NCPC)

Create a national initiative on rural community safety, to provide information and coordinate activities

NCPC to create a rural/remote office (like Health Canada) to:

Provide training and consultation to rural and remote communities on a wide-scale basis
Increase funding for developing new tools and training using these tools

Develop a response team to assist, train and coordinate communities when they are ready and move the process forward

Develop an inter-ministerial committee in BC to address "Rural Community Safety issues," to include Attorney General, Ministry of Women's Equality, Ministry for Children and Families, Community Development Cooperatives and Volunteers, etc.

ISSUE #6: Community development

Building capacity

Enhancing community support system

ISSUE #7: Other general themes and issues

Resources

Vera Lagasse Panel Lead and Facilitator Department of Justice (604) 775-2027/775-2674 vera.lagasse@justice.gc.ca	Agnes Lui Co-chair of the Conference Organizing Committee and Note taker Department of Status of Women (604) 666-0038 swcalui@web.net
Terri Dame Cowichan Valley Safer Futures (250) 746-9221 safecom@cowichan.com	Ali Grant BC Coalition for Safer Communities (604) 669-2986 agrant@web.ca
Kathleen O'Malley New Rural Partnership Project Boundary Family and Individual Services Society (250) 442-2267 kopn@uniserve.com	Deborah Critchley Vernon and District Women's Centre (250) 542-7531

Sustainable Resource-based Communities

Panellists: Bill Wagner, Geoffrey Thornburn, Terri Klassen, Linda Larson
Facilitator: Carla McEachern
Note taker: Sen Wang

Overview

"Stimulate value-added approaches, leadership development, capacity building, and enabling sustainable communities."

Through the workshop discussions, the main areas seen to impact many resource-based communities include:

Lack of control over the local natural resources and their management
Lack of local employment opportunities
Lack of access to local training opportunities and
Conflicting attitudes and values toward resource-based industries

In addition, there were concerns around the conflict between developing various resources and the fact that little value is returned to the communities where the resources were extracted. There is a lack of leadership in these communities due to leader burnout and often conflict between different sectors of the community.

To address these issues, the participants recommended specific strategies to initiate positive action toward strengthening existing rural communities. Local decision making can be increased through joint community/industry projects and having an advocate for resource issues, like Community Futures Development Corporation. Community capacity can be built through skill development. Local employment opportunities could be increased by focusing on community assets and ensuring major employers purchase local products and services. Good ideas need to be shared through Regional Districts. The Self Employment program should not be restricted to those on Employment Insurance, public/private partnerships need to be encouraged to address community challenges. Government programming should allow multi-year funding. Rural Team BC should have some meetings where more community representatives can attend. These meetings should include the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) in its membership.

Key Issues

Numerous issues were identified as areas to be addressed in order to build stronger sustainable resource-based communities. After much discussion, the four key issues were identified as:

Need to increase local decision making for resource management
Need to increase local employment opportunities
Need to increase access to training and education and
Need to work to change negative/conflicting attitudes and values

The following summarizes other issues identified as factors hindering the long-term sustainability of resource-based communities. These include:

Resource management and competition and conflict among resources; "outsider" influence or disruption of local planning processes and inequitable distribution of resources

Departure of resources and taxes from the local area with less value returned in services and benefits. In addition, it was believed that government and industry often source supplies and services from outside the community rather than supporting the local economy

Lack of accountability and transparency of governing bodies to local residents

Need to address migrant worker requirements including accommodation, transportation, increased crime and women's safety

Resistance, in some communities, to changing past attitudes or values regarding resource use and management

Some resource-related regulations are seen to be very challenging for small or non-traditional businesses, creating inequitable access to resources

Lack of employment opportunities for youth who then often end up leaving rural communities

Lack of local training and education

Community leadership "burnout" due to the involvement of the same people over many projects

Recommended Actions

Participants identified actions primarily for the first two priorities and where possible, identified those agencies that should take a lead role.

ISSUE #1: Increase local decision making for resource management

Recommended Lead: Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) person or, if shared with other communities, the CFDC person to work in each community on specified days each week

Recommended Lead: Union of BC Municipalities

Recommended Lead: Rural Team BC

ISSUE #2: Increase local employment opportunities

Recommended Lead: HRDC

ISSUE #3: Other recommendations

Resources

Phillip Bergen Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (604) 666-7794 bergenp@agr.gc.ca	Sen Wang Canadian Forest Service (250) 363-0726 senwang@pfc.forestry.ca
Geoffrey Thornburn Georgian Basin Ecosystem Initiative Environment Canada (250) 472-4775 geoffrey.thornburn@ec.gc.ca	Terri Klassen Seafood Development Office (250) 624-2002 klassen@sqcrd.bc.ca
Linda Larson Mayor of Oliver (250) 498-3404 admin@oliverbc.ca

Women's Caucus

Panellists: Mike Stolte, Lisa Amantea, Harbs Bains, Mary Lou Troman
Facilitator: Deborah Critchley and Wendy Rogers
Note taker: Deborah Critchley and Agnes Lui

Preface

"I was excited about being part of a process which can bring about change for the rural community."

The Rural Communities, Rural Visions Conference was proud to hold the first Women's Caucus at a conference. Supporting women's participation in Rural Dialogue sessions reflects a governmental commitment at the national and provincial levels. The BC Regional Rural Conference made an effort to invite the participation of women and other diverse groups. We understand that any effective policy or program development must take into account the differential impact on men and women, the nature of relationships between women and men and of their different social realities, life expectations and economic circumstances.

This Women's Caucus meeting offered the opportunity for rural women to connect, prioritize and articulate their issues and support each other to ensure that women's voices and their issues were addressed in each of the subject areas that were covered during the Conference. Participants were engaged in dynamic discussions and interactions and came out with a list of priorities and recommendations.

Key Issues

Public Transportation

Many remote communities do not have any public transportation system

Alternatives are very limited and expensive to connect to other communities

In some situations, the services available are un-coordinated, inconvenient, and ineffective

The lack of transportation poses safety issues, and limits access to medical services and employment opportunities for women, as there appears to be fewer women who drive or own vehicles in rural areas

Violence Against Women in Rural/Remote Communities

Violence against women and their children is a serious situation as it is evidenced in violent criminal cases in many rural communities but it is not on local government agendas

There are many communities with no provincially or federally funded services

We must address the resistance to seeing violence against women as a social issue and start seeing it as a community problem that will take community solutions

Many rural and remote communities are not covered by Municipality Act, Regional Districts are inaccessible and there is no coordination or consistency on community safety issues from region to region

Limited Amount of Resources and Services

Non-profit organizations are often the only ones in smaller communities providing any services or coordination with limited or no public funding; residents suffer from the consequences

Poverty related services, such as income assistance, disability benefits, and subsidized childcare are not available in many rural/remote communities

There are isolated communities with no access to communications such as telephones, landlines or cells, or Internet, posing serious risks with respect to residents' safety, health, socialization, work safety and a whole host of problems

Recommended Actions

ISSUE #1: Public transportation should provide a minimal level of service

ISSUE #2: Application of a "gender-based analysis" in economic development and the development of a "safety lens" in community planning

ISSUE #3: Support and resources are necessary

Resources

Agnes Lui Status of Women Canada (604) 666-0038 swcalui@web.net	Deborah Critchley Vernon and District Women's Centre (250) 542-7531
Wendy Rogers Penticton and Area Women's Resource Centre (250) 493-6822 pawc@telus.net

To obtain the report produced in March 2001 by the BC Rural Development Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, entitled "The Women's Roundtables on Rural Development", contact: 1-800-663-7867 (Enquiry BC).

6. REGIONAL REPORTS

The participants were split into geographic groups to develop priorities and approaches that to them would make the most sense for their regions. While each group was provided with the same guidance, the groups each took different approaches to the task, although all were committed to further work in their regions.

Cariboo

Facilitator: Maureen Lebourdais
Note taker: Deborah Angelo

Overview

"There is a feeling that there are people genuinely interested and actually trying to help small rural communities to solve environmental, social, health, and economic problems."

Participants from the Cariboo region met to identify and discuss key issues and potential solutions for the region. Participants ranked the top issues that were seen to be the most critical for the Cariboo including (highest importance listed first):

Access to Education and Training
Opportunities for Rural Youth
Rural Health

Other issues of importance to the Cariboo region are:

Economic Diversification
Community Transition and Capacity Building
Sustainable Resource-based Communities
Accessing Government Information
Safer Rural Communities (which should focus on all residents, not just females)

In general the participants felt that the region had adequate access to technology and information highway as firm commitments are in place to implement basic phone service across the region.

Key Issues/Recommended Actions

ISSUE #1: Access to education and training

Recommended Lead Group: Federal government (Human Resources Development Canada)

ISSUE #2: Opportunities for rural youth

Recommended Lead Group: Provincial government

Recommended Lead Group: Provincial government

Recommended Lead Group: Provincial government

ISSUE #3: Rural health

ISSUE #4: Economic diversification

Recommended Lead Group: Provincial government

Recommended Lead Group: Municipal government

Recommended Lead Group: Community Futures, skills centres help develop links to markets from home-based businesses (need vehicles similar to Northern Exposure - giftware marketing through CFDC)

ISSUE #5: Community transition and capacity building

Recommended Lead Group: Provincial government (Ministry of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers); Knowledge Network - free video and workbook "Power to the People"; 100 Mile House Community Economic Development and Capacity Building Plan prepared by Simon Fraser University, accessible by calling (250) 395-2434 or www.sfu.ca

Recommended Lead Group: Each community

ISSUE #6: Sustainable resource-based communities

ISSUE #7: Accessing government information

ISSUE #8: Access to technology and the information highway

Kootenay

Facilitator and Note taker: Mike Stolte

Overview

"I got a lot out of this conference and it will benefit my community."
"Review programs and review the 'funding yard stick' - one size does not fit all."

Kootenay Rural Team - There was general discussion around the concept of establishing a Kootenay Rural Team feeding into Rural Team BC. The concept of networks feeding into other networks (or hyper-networks) was briefly explored. Most participants agreed a Kootenay Rural Team would be useful while about half said they would participate on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. There was almost unanimous agreement that an annual forum should be held on a province-wide and Kootenay-wide basis so citizens could dialogue and make recommendations to senior levels of government and other key organizations.

Many participants saw the value of establishing a Bulletin Board/List Serve/Chat Room to communicate with other Kootenay citizens on a regular basis on issues relating to dialogue/inputting to senior levels of government and other key organizations.

Key Issues/Recommended Actions

Each of the 23 participants was given up to 3 votes to place on an issue they felt was most important in the Kootenays. Some of the workshop participants felt that the process of selecting priorities for the region was inherently unfair for some of the following reasons:

This group is by no means a representative sample or group.
Some of the participants here are participating in the Conference as a representative on a single issue.
All issues are very important and should be addressed. The process trivializes the importance of the issues.

The results of the vote are as follows:

19	Community Transition and Capacity Building
18	Opportunities for Rural Youth
12	Rural health and Primary Care
10	Access to Education and Training
9	Safer Rural Communities
5	Linked Environment and Human Health
4	Economic Diversification
4	Access to Technology and the Information Highway
2	Sustainable Resource-based Communities
2	Accessing Government Information

The group then picked the top three issues and divided up into three groups. Each participant was asked to join the group with the issue they most wanted to address.

ISSUE #1: Rural youth

What to do over the next year?

www.cbt.org

What can organizations do?

ISSUE #2: Rural health care

ISSUE #3: Community transition and capacity building mission statement

North/Mid-Coast

Facilitator: Wanda Stachura
Note taker: Rose Sirois

Overview

"Senior government should help individual communities find a focus and develop human resource skills around a strategic plan."
"I got a lot out of this conference and it will benefit my community."

North/Mid-coast Region has been impacted significantly by the downturn in the resource industries. In order for communities in this region to become viable and sustainable, there needs to be a focus away from being resource-based communities and toward developing opportunities in other areas such as tourism. Working cooperatively and building partnerships between the communities and businesses are critical to diversifying the economy in the region. Through these collaborations, access to information, technology and funding will lead to strengthened assets and a vision for the future. There are numerous regional cooperative ventures that can be built upon and strengthened. Creating opportunities for youth is critical to the long-term success for the region. Education, training, mentorship opportunities are important to ensure that citizens in the region, particularly youth, receive the support and skills needed to create and sustain businesses and jobs for their futures.

The two key issues that were focused on in this workshop are:

To address these issues, participants recommended specific actions and solutions to strengthen their communities. Many of these actions involve building new partnerships; networking; sharing human, information, marketing and infrastructure resources; developing community expertise, and working together cooperatively to explore new ventures and build upon existing ones. Important actions also included obtaining support for long-term projects for youth, establishing learning centres from existing infrastructure that focuses on training, skill building and mentorship for real jobs in the region. Bridging the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal businesses, and between youth and government were also seen as important actions to assist the region in moving forward. Access to technology, the information highway, government programs and services and building safer communities were viewed as important to diversification and supporting the region's youth.

Key Issues/Recommended Actions

The following summarizes the two key issues that were focused on in this workshop and recommended actions for these two issues in the North/Mid-coast region:

ISSUE #1: Economic diversification

Who should be involved?

ISSUE #2: Opportunities for rural youth

Who should be involved?

Okanagan

Facilitator: Harry Adam
Note taker: Tonya Wilts

Overview

"I am inspired and can't wait to move ahead."
"I think the goals of the conference were definitely met and then some (awesome)."

Members from various Okanagan communities came together to share information, prioritize issues and identify actions to address key issues affecting the Okanagan region. To continue the dialogue from this session, an Okanagan Group was created to meet and move forward on the recommended actions. This group will ensure that there is representation from women's groups, First Nations, youth, and visible minorities. These groups would be included as important members of the community (both geographic and interest), rather than to fill a quota. The group recommended specific strategies to initiate the development of the group. There is a need to include groups that aren't represented at this meeting: community organizations, rural associations, tree growers associations, volunteer firefighters, the media, grape growers associations, other agricultural associations, cattle industry, anti-poverty groups, First Nations.

The key issues are areas that can be addressed by the group in conjunction with Rural Team BC. They would like to meet over the next three months to move forward on the issues. The next steps are:

The Okanagan Group would like to continue communicating, meeting and developing leads in the community to move forward on addressing issues in the Okanagan
Rather than meeting in-person, teleconferencing and other new technologies could be used
Canadian Rural Partnership (CRP) Initiative should address the issue that alternatives need to be put in place if people cannot meet face-to-face

Key Issues/Recommended Resources

ISSUE #1: Safer communities with respect to marginalized groups - women, children, native peoples, and visible minorities. Safer communities are about building safer, healthier communities with economic opportunities for all

Justice Canada National Crime Prevention Project -

ISSUE #2: Economic development work should include the social groups who are affected traditionally - left behind by the economic development. Increased representation should happen automatically - want to be seen as legitimate partners in this process

Okanagan Economic Development Working Group

Youth Advisory Committee -

Agriculture issues -

Manufacturing Week -

Cultural Corridor

ISSUE #3: Communication technology problems - many people are on radio-phone - Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) time lines - people are excluded from the technology (telephone, e-mail, Internet) - significant issue in access for rural and remote areas

CAP Okanagan network

North Okanagan Technology Initiatives

Okanagan High Technology Council

Ms. Infinity conference

ISSUE #4 : Other themes

Sporting events

Recommendations for next conference

Next dialogue should happen in North Okanagan - maybe a series of dialogues in different regions
Each community should have a lead from their community
Youth should be better identified on the lists of participants
We should have focused on the processes that worked best to produce results - best practices, ideas, models of success, lead contact present, ownership, highlight virtues of the community
Cannot afford to send everyone here - anti-poverty groups, unemployed people are not well represented, but they could have applied and been subsidized to attend
Useful to see a conference by/for/with people with disabilities specifically

Peace

Panellists: Mike Stolte, Lisa Amantea, Harbs Bains, Mary Lou Troman
Facilitator: Carla McEachern
Note taker: Elizabeth Perrin

Overview

"No community has a right to ask other communities to help it survive. The community has to decide for itself whether it will survive."

Workshop participants prioritized the key areas that they wanted to focus on - Sustainable Resource-based Communities, Economic Diversification, and Rural Health and Primary Care followed closely by Opportunities for Youth. Participants suggested that Sustainable Resource-based Communities and Economic Diversification could be combined. In some instances the group was able to identify who should be responsible for carrying out these actions.

Key Issues/Recommended Actions

ISSUE #1: Sustainable resource-based communities - economic diversification

Action: Community leaders

Action: Individuals, community and industry

Action: Provincial government should provide policies/regulations to cover social as well as environmental

Action: Governments should avoid one-size-fits-all solutions, recognize diversity, e.g. forestry, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation

Action: Community members should raise awareness in the community of potential risk

Action: Governments should provide funding for women's centres and similar initiatives

Action: Chamber of Commerce. Internet could be used as a tool to promote and generate awareness

Action: Provincial government task force

Action: Provincial task force - examine success stories

Action: Community to develop consensus

Action: Community with governments

ISSUE #2: Rural health and primary care

Action: Unions should be more flexible regarding incentive packages to make rural/remote communities more attractive to health professionals - e.g. free or subsidized housing and flights out for vacations

Action: Governments

Action: Communities

Action: governments should provide academic support

Action: governments

Action: governments

Action: governments

Vancouver Island

Facilitator: Cheryl Wilson
Note taker: Bev Uibel

Overview

"Five Rules of Community Development 1. Money is seldom the solution; it may be part of the problem. 2. People must take personal responsibility for the community. 3. The key ingredient is leadership (not necessarily the elected leadership) and it must be inclusive and benevolent. 4. Community Economic Development is about people working together, starting small and building from there. 5. The number one ingredient is respectful discourse, the way people care for one another."

Vancouver Island has been impacted significantly from the downturn in the resource industries. Communities on the island cannot rely entirely on their natural resources to provide for their future, but must transition to a diversified economy. In addition coastal communities on Vancouver Island face a variety of challenges ranging from access to services, education and health care, as well as concerns regarding resource allocation, environmental impacts and appropriate infrastructure. Participants in this workshop collaborated and shared their experiences to identify key issues along with recommended actions and solutions to strengthen their coastal rural communities and ensure their long-term sustainability. Identifying and approaching the issues and solutions as a region created an opportunity to collaborate, share perspectives, and work together for a sustainable and viable future.

The key issues determined to be impacting these communities included:

Transition from a resource-based economy - sustainability
Opportunities/capacity of individuals, grassroots groups, communities
Health/cultural access, prioritization and promotion
Infrastructure - social services and transportation

To address these issues, participants recommended specific actions and solutions to strengthen their communities. Many of these actions involve building new partnerships, networking, sharing human, information and infrastructure resources, developing community expertise and strengths, and ensuring community consultation into resource and program decisions. In addition, community capacity building, long-term planning, community-based evaluation processes and tracking of rural indicators were seen as important to supporting the transition to sustainable revitalized communities on Vancouver Island.

Key Issues/Recommended Actions

ISSUE #1: Transition from resource-based economy - sustainability

People (skills, knowledge, usage, experiences)
Networks (how people work together)

Management of adjacent resources
Land reform, reforest tenure
Community licensing for fisheries
Development and expansion of land trusts
Rural Team BC to help share information of adjacent resource management

ISSUE #2: Build opportunities/capacity of individuals, grassroots groups, communities

ISSUE #3: Health/cultural access, prioritization and promotion: including watershed protection, safety and inclusivity/bilingual

Availability of indicators to public
Past indicators available on Internet

Health promotion
Broader sense of health

Utilize Health Canada info/guide
External evaluator
Justice Canada Community Mobilization Program
Ministry of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers' pilot projects in Powell River and Sechelt

Encourage government to use plain language
Develop understanding of each other's language

Forum on watershed protection across the province

ISSUE #4: Infrastructure - includes social services and transportation

Date Modified: 2002-08-20

Important Notices

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