Created in 1998, its key objectives are to build rural partnerships and identify priorities, challenges and potential solutions in the province.

RT-O is also charged with increasing rural awareness of federal and provincial programs and services, in keeping with the Government of Canada's priority towards communities.

In recognition of the sheer size, geography and diversity of the province, regional rural networks have been created in North Eastern, North Western, South Western, Central and South Eastern Ontario. These regional rural networks are comprised of governmental representatives and/or rural organizations. They provide an opportunity for rural stakeholders to come together on a regular basis and exchange information and share perspectives on community development at the regional level.

In Ontario, RT-O is responsible for coordinating the Canadian Rural Partnership. RT-O meets quarterly and actively supports innovative projects that have a multi-partner approach and demonstrate local impact. In the past year, RT-O has organized roundtable dialogues and regional network meetings, produced newsletters and bulletins on rural issues, strengthened relationships with governmental and non-governmental rural stakeholder organizations, and developed research profiles of rural Ontario.

RT-O members have opportunities to:

• learn about policies and programs of other departments/agencies or ministries;
• tell other departments/agencies and ministries about new policies and programs;
• raise the visibility and awareness of the team within their departments/ministries and rural organizations, as well as with clients and stakeholders; and
• benefit from resources to support partnership building around RT-O activities.

In addition to participating on the team, members can participate in subcommittees within RT-O. The team's six subcommittees focus on: policy, research, networking and dialogue, communications, programs and projects, and planning and coordination. These subcommittees provide opportunities for members to develop and implement RT-O activities, and influence policy outcomes.

Contact information:

For more information about RT-O, please contact Margaret Boyd, Communications Advisor, Rural Secretariat, Ontario region, at 519-837-5865 or boydm@agr.gc.ca or visit www.agr.gc.ca

• Thinking Rural and Remote : Rural Team Ontario Newsletter Issue 3 - Spring 2005  New
• Thinking Rural & Remote - Spring 2004
• Thinking Rural & Remote - Summer 2002
• Rural Projects

• Rural Dialogue sessions to encourage ongoing discussions between government and citizens on rural priorities;
  • Town Hall Meeting Report "Building Strong Urban and Rural Communities". Guelph, Ontario 2003

  • Ontario Regional Rural Conference 2001 North Bay
  • Ontario Rural Dialogue 2001
  • Alfred Session Report
  • Emo Session Report
  • Guelph Session Report
  • Kemptville Session Report
  • New Liskeard Session Report
  • Ridgetown Session Report
  • Chapleau Rural Dialogue Session Report, 2001
• Information Outreach to provide better and easier access to information;
• Projects and Programs to test new initiatives that can be replicated; Projects aim to strengthen rural communities in Ontario; Pilot Projects 2001-2002
• Partnerships to coordinate activity on rural challenges and priorities;
• The Rural Lens to ensure rural challenges are considered in the development of new federal policies and programs; and
• Research and Analysis to increase knowledge about rural and remote Ontario.

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