Canadian Rural Partnership
A special supplement reporting on the success of the
Second National Rural Conference
Previous Issues
Spring 2002
Vol.3 Issue 2
AAFC# 2015/b
A27-21/2000-5
Second National Rural Conference wraps up with plan for action
Secretary of State Mitchell unveils a number of new initiatives and funding
By Brent Kerrigan
Secretary of State for Rural Development, Andy Mitchell, cuts the ribbon to officially open the Exhibition Hall portion of the Second National Rural Conference. The Conference, which attracted over 500 delegates from across Canada, was held April in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
Rural and remote citizens can count on the Government of Canada’s help in maintaining the economic base and a high quality of life in their communities.
This was the commitment Andy Mitchell, the Secretary of State for Rural Development, made to over 500 delegates at the Second National Rural Conference held recently in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
The conference delegates came to P.E.I. from across Canada for wide-ranging discussions and workshops under the main theme of community capacity building.
Discussions under this theme focused on sharing successes and lessons learned about three major issues affecting rural and remote communities: leadership development, attracting and retaining people, and skills development.
Mr. Mitchell committed to the development of an action plan that will outline how the Government of Canada will take the information gathered in the sessions and put it into practice. A draft of the action plan will be sent to those who attended the conference within the next six weeks.
"This action plan, which will draw on outcomes of the conference, will take us one step closer to addressing many of the important issues facing rural Canadians," Mr. Mitchell told delegates.
The action plan however, was only one of many commitments Mr. Mitchell announced during the conference. He also announced dialogue between Canadians in rural and remote regions and the Government of Canada would be strengthened. This includes the appointment of a ministerial
Advisory Committee on Rural Issues, funding of $25,000 to support a Steering Committee developing a National Youth Network, and discussions toward the development of a national network of rural
organizations.
Other announcements made at the conference concerned:
- $2.8 million in funding for the Rural Development Initiative;
- $300,000 in funding to assist in the expansion of the Service Canada Network; and
- a Rural Youth Conference to be held in 2003
Conference events
Delegates to the conference were also given an update on the progress the Government of Canada has made on the rural file since the first National Rural Conference held two years ago in Magog-Orford, Quebec.
This update came in the form of a Rural Action Plan Report Card, which was announced by Mr. Mitchell during the conference’s opening plenary with delegates.
This Report Card explains what progress has been made on the 54 "next steps" contained in the first Rural Action Plan.
Although the conference highlighted various discussions and workshops between participants, it also gave delegates a chance to question Mr. Mitchell in an accountability session. This session was wide-ranging and addressed topics such as rural access to information services, banking and youth-oriented issues.
Delegates were also given the opportunity to see the Island by participating in various tours of Charlottetown and the surrounding area.
Between discussions, delegates had the opportunity to visit the Exhibition Hall, featuring 13 successful community-led rural pilot projects. Representatives from the projects were on hand to discuss the project with conference participants. Kiosks from conference sponsors were also set up for visitors.
Delegates were also invited to use the Internet Café, which consisted of eight computers with access to the World Wide Web, set up to show-case rural and remote links of interest.
The second National Rural Conference was indeed a success. In closing, Mr. Mitchell announced to delegates that in 2004, the next National Rural Conference would be headed to western Canada.
More Information on the announcements
$2.8 million to support sustainable development of rural communities
The Government of Canada will provide $2.8 million to support community projects to enhance the quality of life for rural Canadians. The funding will come from the Rural Development Initiative announced by Mr. Mitchell at the National Rural Conference. The projects funded will support community learning, problem solving, and information-sharing within a community, elements which
have proven effective in community development.
$300,000 to enhance the Service Canada Network
The funding will help increase access to federal government services in rural and remote areas. This network includes the 1 800 O-Canada telephone line, the Canada web site www.canada.gc.ca, and in-person access centres. The number of in-person Service Canada staff will be expanded from 122 to 228, and includes 72 full-service centres, located primarily at local Human Resources Development Canada offices. Thirty per cent of all centres in each province and territory will be located in rural communities. Nationally, over 40 per cent of the network will be in rural and remote Canada.
...in 2004, the National Rural Conference would be headed to western Canada...
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$25,000 to create a National Youth Network
The purpose of the Network is to provide a way for young Canadians to share information on issues important to rural youth. As a first step, a steering committee will be created to discuss how to form a national network of young Canadians living in rural and remote areas. The committee will include one youth from each province and territory.
National Youth Conference
Youth were also told by Mr. Mitchell that he would hold a National Youth Conference in 2003 to deal directly with issues concerning them. Youth participants told Conference delegates they are eager to play an active role in the development of their communities.
National Rural Network
Organizations representing rural community interests across the country have taken the first step towards the development of a national rural network that would allow them to work together more closely. The concept, developed by three groups, the Coastal Communities Network of Nova Scotia, British Columbia's Coastal Community Network, and Ontario's Foundation for Rural Living, was
supported by more than 40 groups during the National Rural Development Forum at the Conference.
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Rural Thoughts
By Andy Mitchell,Secretary of State for Rural Development |
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A successful Second National Rural Conference
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Over 500 delegates came armed with their ideas and a passion for their communities to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island for the second National Rural Conference. The beautiful surroundings of Canada’s birthplace provided a magnificent backdrop for three days of dialogue on how to ensure a healthy, vibrant and sustainable rural and remote Canada.
Even before the conference got underway, two successful events had already taken place. Over 90 youth took part in a national rural youth forum. Their comments were constructive, insightful and have formed the groundwork for a national rural youth network. I also announced that the first National Rural Youth conference will take place in 2003. These young people had a profound impact on the conference and proved that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow but also the leaders of today.
The co-ordinating rural organizations also got together the day before the conference and set the wheels in motion for the creation of a national network of groups dedicated to rural development.
The conference itself was a tremendous event. Canadians of all ages, and all parts of the country coming together with a common goal of improving the quality of life in their communities. There was a sense of purpose in the workshop sessions. My colleague, Industry Minister Allan Rock, talked about the importance of innovation to all Canadians. The display area included some of the success stories from our Canadian Rural Partnership pilot projects. I was particularly impressed with the thoughtful questions that I received during the accountability session on the final afternoon.
The ideas generated by the delegates will be captured on paper in the weeks ahead. They will form the basis for a second rural action plan that will guide the Government of Canada’s rural agenda for the next couple of years. I look forward to the third National Rural Conference to be held in Western
Canada in 2004.
If you have any comments on this column, or any other topics you would like to see addressed, please don’t hesitate to contact me at:
SecretaryOfStateRural@agr.gc.ca
Or you can write to me at:
Andy Mitchell
Secretary of State for Rural Development
Sir John Carling Building
930 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C5
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Rural Youth – the future is now
By Brent Kerrigan
National Rural Conference announced for 2003
A key group of delegates who attended the Second National Rural Conference April in Charlottetown arrived a day earlier than the others.
The group featured over 90 youth who travelled to Charlottetown from across rural and remote Canada to take part in the Youth Forum. The Forum gave participants an opportunity to discuss issues that relate to youth and their communities.
The discussions took place in a series of workshops that concentrated on the same issues as the National Rural Conference – leadership development, attracting and retaining people, and skills development for a new economy.
The overall message arising from the Youth Forum was clear – the nation’s rural and remote youth are not the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today.
Secretary of State Andy Mitchell heard this message loud and clear. He announced to the Youth Forum that they would be given a new platform to express their views on rural issues at the first National Rural Youth Conference to be held in 2003.
"The Youth Conference is part of the Government of Canada's efforts to continue the dialogue with our youth," said Mr. Mitchell. "Our young people need a place to discuss their challenges and opportunities with each other. A National Rural Youth Conference will allow their voices to be heard."
Mr. Mitchell told the youth their work was important and critical and that a youth conference would allow them to continue to discuss issues that are important to them and their communities.
The delegates said they found the forum valuable. Many said they hoped to take what they learned back to their communities.
"(I’ll be) bringing back certain knowledge and then passing it on to people,"said David Prodan, a youth delegate from Whitehorse, Yukon, adding many in rural and remote Canada "don’t look beyond their
communities."
Saskatoon youth delegate Deana Armstrong, who is Chair of the Youth Action Committee on Rural Economy for the Province of Saskatchewan, said the workshops helped address the issue of outmigration.
"(The workshops) helped build a national network and see what other communities are doing to keep youth," said Armstrong. "This forum will also help build leadership skills."
Anthony Knight, a youth delegate from New Brunswick said the 2003 National Rural Youth Conference is a great idea.
"I think it’ll be a tremendous opportunity for the voice of rural youth to be heard from all across Canada by the Secretary of State," said Mr. Knight.
The Youth Forum was part of the ongoing Rural Dialogue, a Government of Canada initiative to better understand and respond to issues in rural and remote communities.
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Comments from youth participants
Danea Armstrong (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)
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What were your expectations?
I wanted to meet with other people who were building networks in their communities and get ideas for our communities.
What is the number one challenge facing rural Canada?
I think it is people leaving our rural communities.
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How do you feel this forum will help address this issue?
I think by having a national network and seeing what other communities are doing to keep youth. Also, this forum will help build leadership skills.
What are you currently doing regarding development of youth in your rural community?
- Manager, Investment Attraction – Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority Inc.
- Chair of the Youth Action Committee on Rural Economy through the Province of Saskatchewan.
- Founder and President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
- Owns a farm-based business.
David Prodan (Rivière-au-Renard, Québec)
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What were your expectations?
I wanted to share what’s been done in terms of rural revitalization. We have to consider the demographic tendencies. Back home, there are some regions that are experiencing 10 per cent youth outmigration. These are youth that will not be in those communities to create families for the future. |
What is the number one challenge facing rural Canada?
We have not prevented outmigration, therefore it’s hard to find the people that left. We should have told those who left to study, to come back here when they were done. But it’s hard after they have a family already established elsewhere.
How do you think the Forum will help address this issue?
I think that the more people with the same objectives working together on this issue, we would find more solutions. I think youth have a big influence on government. We are the future. I think the timing is good. I think governments are really paying attention to people’s expectations.
What are you currently doing regarding development of youth in your rural community?
- Executive Director of Place aux jeunes.
Deanne Kasokeo
(Poundmaker Cree Nation, Saskatchewan)
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What were your expectations?
My expectation coming here was to establish a network or partnership between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. A bridge.
What is the number one challenge facing rural Canada?
We need economic development on the reserve to be more self-sufficient so we don’t have to depend on the government all the time. |
How do you think the Forum will help address this issue?
It’s a complex issue because Aboriginal communities are set in rural settings. However, they are treated differently and they have a distinct component because of the treaties and land claims and things like that. However, I feel as a First Nations person living in Saskatchewan, that we have to come together and create partnerships, agreements and understandings to be able to contribute to the economy and tax base.
What are you currently doing regarding development of youth in your rural community?
- Youth member of the Action Committee on the Rural Economy for the Province of Saskatchewan.
Gino Reeves (Whitehorse, Yukon)
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What were your expectations?
To create a network and share opportunities with other participants.
What is the number one challenge facing rural Canada?
I think that a major factor is definitely drugs and alcohol. I think that it deters a lot of young people from pursuing their dreams and their goals. In a place as remote and isolated as the Yukon, the availability of alcohol and drugs tends to affect the opportunities for people. |
How do you think the Forum will help address this issue?
By me bringing back certain knowledge and then passing it on to people. There will be more access to opportunities for youth at a national level as well as on a local level, because a lot of
the youth don’t look beyond their communities.
What are you currently doing regarding development of youth in your rural community?
- Works for a non-profit group called BYTE, Bringing Youth Towards Equality.
- Organizes youth conferences and works on policy development on peer support and peer helping.
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Inside a youth workshop
By Steve Young
Today’s leaders, not just tomorrow’s
There is something special about seeing youth from Yukon sitting right across the table from their counterparts from Newfoundland. At the adjacent table, a fluently bilingual young farmer from Saskatchewan is exchanging ideas with his new friends from Quebec.
On the other side of the room, two young women leaders from Nova Scotia take part in a lively debate.
It is a remarkable example of people from all corners of the country getting together to discuss their hopes and dreams. The occasion was one of the workshops organized as part of the National Rural
Conference Youth Forum, held in Charlottetown recently.
Some 30 delegates were charged with looking at the issue of "Attracting and Retaining People".
Within the workshop, youth were divided into four groups to address the issue, identify the challenges, and set their priorities and next steps for action. At each stage of the process, they reported their findings and shared stories about programs that were making a difference in their communities.
A remarkable thing about the workshop was the similarities of the messages from youth groups. The idea of a young person actually making the choice to return home to enjoy a better quality of life and make a difference in their hometown was a foreign concept to many adults, in the opinion of the delegates.
At the end of the Youth Forum, the three workshops exchanged their findings with a clear message that youth can be today’s leaders, not just tomorrow’s.
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The photos above are just a few examples of the many activities and events that made up the conference
A lighter side of the Charlottetown Conference ...
The National Rural Conference had something for everyone. Whether it was the Marketplace, the Internet Café or the numerous breakout sessions, participants were busy networking and meeting fellow rural Canadians. The plenary sessions were informative and well attended, and the guest speakers brought different perspectives to the realities of living in rural and remote Canada.
The bringing together of rural citizens from all regions of the country made for an interesting conference. Each participant added their own energy and flavour to the event, and this resulted in some memorable
moments.
Needless to say, participants were a little curious when they learned that Gerry Lougheed would deliver Saturday afternoon’s keynote address. An undertaker as a motivational speaker? Mr. Lougheed, a community capacity builder (and undertaker by trade) from Sudbury, Ontario, shared tales of life in
rural Canada that were both sensational and uplifting. He empowered the audience to take charge of rural Canada’s future.
The closing banquet was an opportunity to enjoy the company of new friends and reflect on the conference. Kindle, a local group from Rollo Bay, Prince Edward Island, provided the evening’s entertainment. Participants from British Columbia to Newfoundland were up out of their seats, dancing to the group’s unique traditional and celtic rock music. Kindle, who was also joined onstage by
accomplished musician Anastasia DesRoches, received a spirited standing ovation!
The dialogue from the conference, the fun that went along with the work - combined with hospitality from the people of Prince Edward Island - helped make the Conference a huge success. Western Canada will have quite a standard to match in 2004. But we’re looking forward to it.
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The spirit of Charlottetown
Many things occurred at the National Rural Conference in Charlottetown. Announcements were made, an advisory committee was struck, action plans were formulated and strategies for future dialogues were developed.
Beyond these concrete results, however, was a more intangible outcome; the continuation and enhancement of a spirit which began to build in Magog, has grown in PEI and will continue to drive the rural agenda in the months and years ahead.
This spirit involves many things. Rural Canadians believe they have the ability to shape their own future and realize that given the appropriate set of tools, they can create a sustainable future for rural Canada.
Communities can build their capacity to work through a bottom-up approach to achieve their individual objectives created from the specific realities faced by the many regions of rural Canada.
The spirit is also built on an understanding that a successful Canada is one that not only includes a strong urban component, but also a strong rural component.
Rural Canada’s natural resource wealth is the base on which Canada was built and on which it continues to depend. The network of communities that support the ability to maximize the wealth of these natural resources are critical to the long term sustainability of Canada as a vibrant and successful nation
Nowhere was the spirit more evident than in the youth delegates who attended the conference. Not simply the leaders of tomorrow, they demonstrated by both words and actions that they are indeed the leaders of today. Their spirit and drive, their belief that challenges can and will be overcome and their continued faith in the possibilities of rural Canada inspired all delegates. It also contributed to a collective determination to move forward developing rural Canada in a proactive and sustainable way.
The spirit of Magog has become the spirit of Charlottetown and a new rural Canada is emerging. A rural Canada that respects the traditions of the past but also looks to the future. A rural Canada being built using the tools of the 21st century and one that is proud of what it has contributed and determined to continue to be an important part of our nation.
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Date Modified: 2002-09-16 |
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