News release
Office of the Secretary of State
(Rural Development)(Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario)
SECRETARY OF STATE ANNOUNCES CREATION OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON RURAL ISSUES
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I., April 6, 2002 - The creation of a new ministerial advisory committee on rural issues will help the Government of Canada ensure the sustainable development of rural and remote communities. This committee brings together a range of rural development expertise and will complement the Government of Canada's existing rural citizen engagement efforts.
The Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario), today announced the membership of the Advisory Committee on Rural Issues at the National Rural Conference held in Charlottetown, April 4 - 6.
"The Committee will be an invaluable tool for the federal government in its efforts to establish appropriate measures that will meet the specific needs of rural Canada," Mr. Mitchell said. "The members of this committee represent various areas of expertise whether it be research, small business or municipal affairs. Their unique skills and experiences will contribute to develop a comprehensive and integrated approach in our strategy for supporting the development of rural and remote communities."
The Advisory Committee on Rural Issues was set up to advise the Secretary of State on challenges facing rural Canada. For example, the Committee will inform the Secretary of State of the impact of federal policies, strategies and programs on rural and remote communities, potential fields of research, and the best way of reaching these communities. The members will also provide advice to promote cooperation and build consensus between governments and various groups and individuals.
The Committee consists of 16 rural residents and others from across Canada who are actively involved in the development of rural Canada, either individually or as part of an academic institution, government body or other organization.
The need for such a committee was identified in the Rural Action Plan published in April 2001. The action plan followed up concerns raised by residents of rural and remote regions at the first National Rural Conference held in April 2000.
Additional information on the members making up the Committee may be found in the attached background document.
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For more information, contact:
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Nicole Foster Woollatt Office of the Honourable A. Mitchell Ottawa (613) 759-1033 |
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Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa (613) 759-7972 |
BACKGROUNDER
Advisory Committee on Rural Issues Backgrounder
Dr. Greg Halseth (Prince George, British Columbia) is an Associate Professor in the Geography Program and Canada Research Chair in Rural and Small Town Studies at the University of Northern British Columbia. His research interests centre around community (economic) development and the social geography of rural and small town community change.
Dr. Robert Church (Airdrie, Alberta) is President of Church Livestock Consultants Ltd. and Professor Emeritus of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary. He was a founding member of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research.
Rose Olfert (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan), a member of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Saskatchewan, teaches in the areas of introductory micro- and macroeconomic theory and rural development. She has co-authored, with Jack Stabler, three books about changes in the structure of rural communities in Saskatchewan.
Owen McAuley (McAuley, Manitoba), a livestock farmer, has served on the National Safety Net Committee, the Producer Payment Panel and the Western Grain Marketing Panel and most recently the Prairie Agricultural Landscape Project with PFRA. Currently, he serves as Chair of the Western Agri-Food Institute and on the board of the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council.
Mike McCracken (Ottawa, Ontario) is founder, Chair and CEO of Informetrica Ltd., a company specializing in quantitative economic research, and Treasurer of The Canadian Employment Research Forum (CERF). He is also a member of Statistics Canada's National Accounts Advisory Committee and Trade Statistics Advisory Committee.
James Aquino (Wawa, Ontario) is a retired Ontario provincial civil servant with over 30 years of service and worked for the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Human Resources Development Canada's Regional Employment Help Centre in Wawa.
Bruno Jean (Rimouski, Quebec), Professor at Université du Québec à Rimouski à Rimouski, is President of the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation, Associate Researcher for the New Rural Economy Initiative and a Member of le Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire en développement régional de l'Est-du-Québec.
Sue Calhoun (Shédiac, New Brunswick) has worked as a researcher, writer and consultant, first in the fisheries and more recently in community economic development. She presently operates her own company, Calhoun Research & Development/ Recherche & developpement, based in Shediac, New Brunswick.
Teresa MacNeil (St. Peter's, Nova Scotia) is a member of the Fiscal Management Task Force, Province of Nova Scotia via Voluntary Planning, a Board member of Sydney Coalfields Fossil Society, and a past board member of Canadian Co-operative Association
Danny Huxter (Springdale, Newfoundland) has focused his career on the development of opportunities for youth in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. He has held leadership positions with many community and provincial organizations where he has developed environmental and youth development programs.
Kay Young (Lethbridge, Newfoundland) is co-owner of a beef and forage farm, a retired educator, former Provincial Cabinet Minister, and past president of the Canadian Farm Women's Network. Rural issues and policies related to women and their families are her priorities as a volunteer.
Maureen Campbell-Ross (Souris, Prince Edward Island) is owner of three seasonal seafood restaurants. She has been involved with numerous tourism initiatives and is a member of the Provincial Apprenticeship Board, the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. and the Tourism Action Committee.
Kathy Tsetso (Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories), a long-time resident of Fort Simpson, is Chief Executive Officer of the Deh Cho Health and Social Services board, and has a background in both health and social services.
Stuart Jamieson (Gardner Creek, New Brunswick) is former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for New Brunswick, and was instrumental in the development of the Fundy Trail Parkway.
Leonie McKitrick (Coral Harbour, Nunavut) is an Adult Educator for the Nunavut Arctic College, where she supervises staff, instructs and counsels. She is also a volunteer board member for the Internet Society, which has secured a contract with Northwestel to provide Internet access to local people.
Ed Schultz (Whitehorse, Yukon) is the Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations. The focus of his work has been on Land Claim settlement arrangements, scientific and environmental organizations and procedures; health and social programs and services; and training and education programs and institutions.
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