News release

BUILDING RURAL COMMUNITIES FOR SUCCESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY

OTTAWA, Feb. 6, 2004 - Communities and collaboration are the cornerstones of the 2004 Speech from the Throne, which recognizes the important role rural Canada plays in our national social and economic fabric.

"Canada cannot thrive without strong rural communities," said Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development, Georges Farrah. "That is why the Government of Canada will play an enabling role by providing communities and families with tools to find local solutions for local problems."

The economy of rural Canada is based on a rich heritage of natural resources, but it also faces considerable challenges. To encourage regional and rural development, the Government of Canada will ensure that every region of the country has the opportunity to move forward, socially and economically, on a rising tide of progress. Some of the initiatives outlined in the Speech that will help achieve this goal include:

Developing a Northern strategy, ensuring that economic development related to energy and mining is brought on stream in partnership with Northern Canadians and based on stewardship of our most fragile ecosystems.
Safeguarding access to international markets and ensuring that farmers are not left to bear alone the consequences of circumstances beyond their control.
Working closely with other levels of government to assist communities of all sizes by putting more money into the hands of municipalities.
Leading in the establishment of a strong and responsive health care system and providing new opportunities to address the health challenges unique to rural areas and improving access to health care.
Widening the scope of programs currently available to small and medium-sized enterprises to include social enterprises, to enhance the social and environmental conditions in communities.

"The Speech from the Throne is evidence that the Government of Canada is listening to Canadians and is determined to adopt new ways of working together with provinces and territories," said Mr. Farrah.

This was an important point raised by participants at the 2002 National Rural Conference in Charlottetown, PEI. Participants told us governments need to improve collaboration and work with rural communities to assist them in their capacity building activities. "This approach is consistent with our ongoing rural development efforts in concert with provinces and territories," concluded Mr. Farrah.

-30-

For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
(613) 759-7972

News releases index : choose a year and choose a month.